Sunday, September 27, 2009

Bella Materna Review and Giveaway

***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED***





My frustration of finding a nursing bra that fits!

After nursing 13 months I have become really frustrated with the fit (or rather, the lack of fit) and style of nursing bras. I've tried several brands and have not been happy with any of them. They're either too tight, too loose, the cups warp (even after hand washing them!), the wires dig into my arm pits, etc, etc...I have heard many women with the same frustrations finding a good nursing bra and end up using a regular bra. So just recently I threw up my hands and did the same. Do you know what a pain it is to try to nurse out of a regular bra?? It is just as bad as having a nursing bra that doesn't fit well!

Then I started researching various brands of nursing bras online and came across Bella Materna. The construction of Bella Materna bras appeared to be better than what I have seen in other bras.

Are you sure you are wearing the right bra size??

The customer service at Bella Materna was very helpful in educating me about the difference between band and cup sizes and how to pick out the correct size. Let me share!

  • Buy your nursing bra either in the last trimester or early on after the baby is born.
  • Buy a nursing bra with the same band you wore pre-pregnancy and 2 cups larger.
  • If the bra band seems a little tight, buy an extender. Your rib cage expands when you are pregnant. If you buy a bra solely on how it fits when you are pregnant it will end up not fitting well weeks or months later.
  • Having the correct band size especially if you are a D cup or larger is very important. 
  • It is also important to understand how cups ladder in sizing.
    • The cup on a 38D is basically the same cup on a 36E and the cup on a 34F is the same cup as the 32G, etc.
I know I have made mistakes of buying the wrong bra size both with regular bras and nursing bras! After reading this, do you think you have as well??


Who is Bella Materna?
Bella Materna is the premier source for luxury nursing & maternity essentials. Their aim is to create sophisticated styles and beautifully crafted designs that celebrate a womans changing body during this amazing phase of her life.

Launched in 2000 with an exclusive line of panties that fit just under the belly, the Bella Materna collection has since expanded to include nursing bras, camisoles, sleepwear, transition, workout and loungewear all designs reflecting the belief that women grow more beautiful during pregnancy and nursing, and what they wear should enhance, not hide, this loveliness.

Using intrinsic elements of style, design, fit and comfort, Bella Materna has revolutionized the nursing bra proving that fashion and function can beautifully coexist. The nursing line is designed with discreet and easy access but are stylish, versatile and flattering during the pregnancy and post pregnancy phases.

Bella Materna products are made from high quality, imported Italian Nylon/Lycra and French Lace. All items are manufactured within the United States and are always produced under safe healthy conditions.

I know I have made mistakes of buying the wrong bra size both with regular bras and nursing bras! After reading this, do you think you have as well??

My Bella Materna nursing bra experience!
I was extremely excited when Bella Materna offered their Seamless Cup Bra for my review. This is the most amazing bra I have ever worn and that includes regular bras too, not just the nursing bras! I am so impressed with the quality and construction of this bra. The imported Italian nylon/lycra is incredibly soft and smooth, nothing like I have felt before. There is a perfect amount of 'give' in the material so it makes it feel like you are wearing a bra that is customly molded to you. Also, something I always have trouble with, is the bra straps constantly sliding down my shoulders. This has not happened once with my Seamless Cup Bra! When I was ready to nurse, the clasps were very easy to undo with one hand. The underwires are made from Bella Materna's patented "Flexy Wires" which are not as hard as typical bra underwires. It did not dig into my ribs or my arm pits. I'm convinced that women who do not like underwire bras will love the Bella Materna underwire bras because of this feature. I really wish that I would have tried Bella Materna bras from the start. I have wasted so much money on other nursing bras that I could have easily bought 2 Bella Materna nursing bras!

Pros
  • Soft and smooth imported Italian nylon/lycra that is breathable and quick-drying.
  • Bra straps stayed put on the shoulders!
  • Nursing clasps were easy to undo with one hand
  • Underwires did not dig into my ribs or arm pits and felt like they molded to my body.
  • Easier to pumps hands free with this bra than other nursing bras.
Cons
  • Costs slightly more than a typical nursing bra you will find at a retail store BUT the Pros definitely outweigh this factor. Like I mentioned before, I have wasted so much money on bras that DON'T fit. 

BUY IT! You can purchase directly from their website or you can find a local retailer here. Save 20% on purchases $100+ using MOM2009. If you purchase during the giveaway you get an extra entry! Bella Materna also offers virtual gift cards you can purchase for your expecting or nursing relative or friend so they can choose what style of bra they prefer!

WIN IT! Bella Materna is giving away one Seamless Cup Bra! A $66 value!


You have the chance to enter several entries by the doing the following. Each one counts as 1 entry unless otherwise specified.
  • MANDATORY ENTRY-counts as 1: Go to Bella Materna website and tell me which bra or other product you would like to try besides the Seamless Cup Bra.
  • Follow my blog publicly. THIS COUNTS AS 5 ENTRIES! Comment separately as "I follow your blog publicly #1", etc.
  • Subscribe to my blog via email with Feedburner (on right side bar). Counts as 2 entries!
  • Blog about my giveaway before October 12th, linking back to this giveaway. Leave the URL where you blogged.
  • Grab my  Take Time to Smell the Rose button. Leave URL where it is posted.
  • Grab my Take Time to Share Your Giveaway Sunday button. Leave URL where it is posted.
  • Grab my Fall Festival button. Leave URL where it is posted.
  • Follow Smell_the_Rose on Twitter (link on right sidebar) and tweet about this giveaway. After initial "tweet" you may gain 2 extra entries each day per tweet. Limit TWO tweets a day. Leave URL where you tweeted in your comment.
  • Become a fan of Take Time to Smell the Rose on Facebook. Link on right sidebar.
  • Subscribe to Bella Materna's email newsletter.
  • Enter one of my other current giveaways and comment which one. You may earn one entry for each current giveaway you enter.
  • Make a purchase from Bella Materna between Sept 27 and Oct 19.
  • Vote for me at the Top Mommy Blogger by clicking here Vote must be a new vote placed between Sept 27 and Oct 19. The vote will only count for this review & giveaway. COUNTS AS 2 ENTRIES. Comment separately as "Voted for you on Top Mommy Blogger #1" and "Voted for you on Top Mommy Blogger #2"




    New extra opportunity for Bella Materna Giveaway. Go Read here!


**Leave your email on each comment. You must do this in order to win!**
PP for Bella Materna


Giveaway ends Monday, October 19th 2009 at 9:00 p.m.(CST) Winner will be drawn by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner will also be announced on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.

This giveaway is open to USA & CANADIAN residents ONLY . Must be 18 years old or older to win.
Photobucket
***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED***

347 comments:

1 – 200 of 347   Newer›   Newest»
jlmk said...

I'd also love the French Lace Camisole.

Kimbrena Cravens said...

I'd love to try either the Anytime Nursing Bra or the Sexy Nursing Dress! So pretty!!

Kimbrena Cravens said...

I tweeted. :)

http://twitter.com/dixiedawn/status/4430325006

James & Andrea said...

I love the french lace and lace edge bras. It's so hard to find something frilly and soft edged to wear while nursing.

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow publically #1!

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow publically #2!

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow publically #3!

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow publically #4!

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow publically #5!

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow you on Facebook.

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

James & Andrea said...

I follow you on twitter and tweeted!

James.and.Andrea at gmail dot com

The Fam said...

Anytime Nursing Bra.
shannoncarman@yahoo.com

Michelle AKA blabla3269 said...

I love the french lace cammy!

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

http://www.bellamaterna.com/shop/Lounge-Wrap-at-Bella-PID5673-6131.aspx

melissad.williams said...

I'd also like to try the lounge wrap!

melissad.williams said...

I follow publicly #1!

melissad.williams said...

I follow publicly #2!

melissad.williams said...

I follow publicly #3!

melissad.williams said...

I follow publicly #4!

melissad.williams said...

I follow publicly #5!

Kim said...

I'd love: Lounge Pant

Kim said...

I follow your blog publicly #1

Kim said...

I follow your blog publicly #2

Kim said...

I follow your blog publicly #3

Kim said...

I follow your blog publicly #4

Kim said...

I follow your blog publicly #5

Lo said...

I like the Comfort Shape Bralet.

Heather said...

I'd love to try the Smooth Full Cup Bra.

rsbryswrrl at gmail dot com

mogrill said...

The French Lace Camisole is very pretty. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

bcsbethany said...

I love the idea of a nursing sports bra.. sounds comfortable.

bcsbethany at yahoo.com

Unknown said...

LOVE this:
French Lace Nursing Bra

autumn398 @yahoo.com

but $120?? ouch!

Jet'set said...

Smooth Cup Nursing Bra- So lovely...
inalak at msn dot com

mscoffee77 said...

The Anytime Nursing Gown is also very pretty!

mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

Emily B said...

the LilyPadz Nursing Pads would be useful!

ebickell AT hotmail DOT com

Emily B said...

I follow your blog publicly
#1

Emily B said...

I follow your blog publicly
#2

Emily B said...

I follow your blog publicly
#3

Emily B said...

I follow your blog publicly
#4

Emily B said...

I follow your blog publicly
#5!

Emily B said...

I blogged here:
http://emilyisland.blogspot.com/2009/09/stressing-myself-out.html

ebickell (at) hotmail (dot) com

Emily B said...

I've got your button here:
http://emilyisland.blogspot.com/

ebickell AT hotmail DOT com

Emily B said...

I've got the Fall Festival button, too
http://emilyisland.blogspot.com

ebickell AT hotmail DOT com

karry said...

I love the French Lace Nursing Bra
karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

karry said...

I subscribe #1
karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

karry said...

I subscribe #2
karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

karry said...

I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted
http://twitter.com/Karryknisley/status/4472639600
karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

Rajee said...

I'd also love the French Lace Camisole.

Rajee said...

follower 2 please come and follow me

Rajee said...

follower 3

Rajee said...

follower 4

Rajee said...

follower 5 11 fabulous giveaways are going to end tomorrow in my blog, http://momsfocusonline.com

Rajee said...

subscriber 1, pls come and subscribe in my blog too

Rajee said...

tweeted @momsfocus 1

Rajee said...

tweeted @momsfocus 2

Rajee said...

facebook fan rajee pandi

Rajee said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Stuff Parents Need said...

I have several nursing bras, and you know what? NONE of them fit well!
I really like the smooth full cup bra!

Anonymous said...

Anytime nursing bra.

twanging(AT)hotmail(dot)com

Jennifer said...

I would also like to try the Lounge Pant!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog 2!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog 3!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog 4!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog 5!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via email!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via email 2!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I subscribe to Bella Materna's email newsletter!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Annie said...

tweet!
http://twitter.com/MamaDweeb/status/4490185764

Krista said...

I like the lace trim nursing bra.
k_hensley3@hotmail.com

Krista said...

Email subscriber #1
k_hensley3@hotmail.com

Krista said...

Email subscriber #2.
k_hensley3@hotmail.com

Smashley said...

The Nursing Clip Tunic is really great!

ashleybev[at]gmail[dot]com

Tarah said...

I think the French Lace Nursing Bra is beautiful. Sexy and useful!

Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com

katie klein said...

I would choose the Lightly Padded Nursing Bra.

CaraW. said...

I have a lot of BM already and it's ALL GREAT!!! I would LOVE to try the French Lace Camisole.... sooo beautiful!!

CaraW. said...

I follow this blog publicly!! #1

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #2

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #2

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #3

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #4

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #4

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #5

CaraW. said...

I voted for you on Top Mommy Blogger #1!!
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I voted for you on Top Mommy Blogger #2!!
cwendel@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love the French Lace Bralet.

Anonymous said...

I follow.

Anonymous said...

I follow.

(2)

Anonymous said...

I follow.

(3)

Anonymous said...

I follow.

(4)

Anonymous said...

I follow.

(5)

CaraW. said...

I signed up for your blog via feedburner!
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #1
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #2
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #3
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #4
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I follow your blog publicly! #5
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I posted a comment on EcoNuts giveaway.....
cwendel@yahoo.com

Annie said...

Blogged about it
http://www.mamadweeb.com/2009/09/yes-i-am-entering-more-giveaways.html
annie.shultz@gmail.com

Krissie said...

I like the French Lace Bralet
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I follow on Blogger #1
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I follow on Blogger #2
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I follow on Blogger #3
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I follow on Blogger #4
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I follow on Blogger #5
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I subscribe
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I subscribe via e-mail #2
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Krissie said...

I voted for your blog 10 out of 10--is that how I "vote?"
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

#2 for voting your site 10 of 10
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

Krissie said...

I entered the Christopher Bean Coffee contest
allmycrazycats @ aol.com

chericehodges said...

Lightly Padded Nursing Bra looks nat! Thanks for the chance.

Keitha said...

I like the Anytime Nursing Bra! Thanks

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I follow

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I follow 2

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I follow 3

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I follow 4

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I follow 5

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I subscribe

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Keitha said...

I subscribe 2

keithadanielle at yahoo dot com

Hillary said...

i like the french lace bralet-- finally something sexy!

hillary.marshall @ gmail.com

Hillary said...

following you hillary.marshall@gmail.com

1

Hillary said...

following you hillary.marshall@gmail.com

2

Hillary said...

following you hillary.marshall@gmail.com

3

Hillary said...

following you hillary.marshall@gmail.com

4

Hillary said...

following you hillary.marshall@gmail.com

5

Gigi said...

I'd love to try the Lightly Padded Nursing Bra. I like the idea of lightly padded. Hopefully it might hide the nursing pad and the headlights. :)
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

Follow this blog 1
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

Follow this blog 2
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

Follow this blog 3
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

Follow this blog 4
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

Follow this blog 5
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

tweet! http://twitter.com/graygirly/status/4571047460
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Gigi said...

I entered the eco nuts giveaway. ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

cass said...

French Lace Nursing Bra

wombatspurple(at)yahoo.com

Gigi said...

http://twitter.com/graygirly/status/4578147383
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Heather said...

I love the French Lace Bralet! Wow! Beautiful!

Gigi said...

http://twitter.com/graygirly/status/4599690349
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I love the French Lace Camisole, it is so sexy I would never have thought it was a maternity/nursing camisole.

bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I follow your blog publicly #1
I am Anna D @ BloggerMommies
bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I follow your blog publicly #2
I am Anna D @ BloggerMommies
bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I follow your blog publicly #3
I am Anna D @ BloggerMommies
bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I follow your blog publicly #4
I am Anna D @ BloggerMommies
bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I follow your blog publicly #5
I am Anna D @ BloggerMommies
bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I follow you on Twitter, I am @BloggerMommies and I just Tweeted http://twitter.com/BloggerMommies/status/4606331941

Bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

Voted for you on Top Mommy Blogger #1

bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

Voted for you on Top Mommy Blogger #2

bloggermommies at gmail dot com

Anna D (Admin) said...

I tweeted a 2nd time today. http://twitter.com/BloggerMommies/status/4616960396

bloggermommies at gmail dot com

CaraW. said...

Initial tweet on 9/29/09 - 2 tweets today!! At iKristen and sweetpea7628 on Twitter!!
Cara
cwendel@yahoo.com

Gigi said...

http://twitter.com/graygirly/status/4626673843
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to try the comfort shape bralet.

apeak AT hotmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

I'm an email subscriber

apeak AT hotmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I think the lightly padded full cup bra would be perfect for me!
BTW: thanks for the heads up on the giveaway :)
simplisticmom at gmail dot com

Lauren said...

I'd also love to have the Anytime Nursing Gown in slate blue. It would be so nice for the early post-partum period especially when I don't want to move around at all. It looks so comfy.

Lauren said...

I entered the Christopher Bean Coffee Company Giveaway.

Lauren said...

I entered the Snuggle Pants Givewaway.

Lauren said...

I entered the Anytime Costumes Giveaway.

CaraW. said...

I bought from Bella Materna! The padded nursing bra - so far it's wonderful!
I tweeted twice today - at yourlink and ChaoticKristy.
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I entered 2 more contests - the Anytime Costume and the Christopher Bean Coffee.
cwendel@yahoo.com

CaraW. said...

I entered 2 more contests - Snugglepants and Joyful Bath Co.
cwendel@yahoo.com

Gigi said...

https://twitter.com/graygirly/status/4651309460
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Huguette En said...

I like the Anytime Nursing Gown Full Cup

Huguette En said...

I'm a new email subscriber (1)

Huguette En said...

I'm a new email subscriber (2)

Luv to Save said...

I would also like to try their Anytime Nursing Camisole.
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

blog follower as ethel #1
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

blog follower as ethel #2
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

blog follower as ethel #3
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

blog follower as ethel #4
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

blog follower as ethel #5
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

Grabbed your Take Time to Smell the Rose button
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

Grabbed your Take Time to Share Your Giveaway Sunday
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

grabbed your Fall Festival button.
http://luvtojoingiveaways.blogspot.com/
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

twitter follower as luv_to_save and tweeted
http://twitter.com/Luv_to_Save/status/4659197445
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

voted for Top Mommy Blogger #1
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

voted for Top Mommy Blogger #2
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

I entered Anytime costume giveaway
luvtosave at gmail.com

Jessica Young said...

Im loving the lounge pant and the workout capri. Both look so comfortable which you definitely need in those last few months of pregnancy!

Thanks!

Jessica Young said...

Emailjunky (at) mac (dot) com

I follow your blog publicly, entry #1

Jessica Young said...

Emailjunky (at) mac (dot) com

I follow your blog publicly, entry #2

Jessica Young said...

Emailjunky (at) mac (dot) com

I follow your blog publicly, entry #3

Jessica Young said...

Emailjunky (at) mac (dot) com

I follow your blog publicly, entry #4

Jessica Young said...

Emailjunky (at) mac (dot) com

I follow your blog publicly, entry #5

Jessica Young said...

I have your Take time to Smell the Roses button

http://inaconstantstateofmotion.blogspot.com/

emailjunky (at) mac (dot) com

Jessica Young said...

I have your Take Time to Share your Giveaway Sunday button

http://inaconstantstateofmotion.blogspot.com/

emailjunky (at) mac dot (com)

Jessica Young said...

Im a FB fan

emailjunky (at) mac dot com

Jessica Young said...

Im following you on twitter

Tweet!

http://twitter.com/jl_young/status/4661234747

emailjunky (at) mac dot com

Heidi said...

I also really like the Anytime Nursing Bra!!

froggy_luver at hotmail dot com

CaraW. said...

I tweeted twice today -
StephanieWatson & lisa_cloud
cwendel@yahoo.com

Jessica Young said...

Daily Tweet #2

http://twitter.com/jl_young/status/4666682178

emailjunky (at) mac dot com

Dee said...

I have a 2 month old and would LOVE a new nursing bra. I really like hte Lace Trim Seamless Full Cup too.

Dee said...

follow 1

Dee said...

follow 2

Dee said...

follow 3

Dee said...

follow 4

Dee said...

follow 5

Gigi said...

https://twitter.com/graygirly/status/4676750949
ruth dot gray at gmail dot com

Huguette En said...

I follow your blog publicly #1

henglish(at)nb(dot)sympatico(dot)ca

Huguette En said...

I follow your blog publicly #2

henglish(at)nb(dot)sympatico(dot)ca

Huguette En said...

I follow your blog publicly #3

henglish(at)nb(dot)sympatico(dot)ca

Huguette En said...

I follow your blog publicly #4

henglish(at)nb(dot)sympatico(dot)ca

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