Every woman knows that a good bra can make you feel fabulous and a not so great bra can make you feel just the opposite. For me, a good fitting, supportive bra has always been essential.
A comfortable nursing bra is essential
During my first pregnancy I never really researched nursing bras to find out which were preferred by nursing moms. Days after my first son was born I wandered into a maternity store to purchase my first nursing bras. Not really sure what I should be looking for I made my selection. At first they seemed fine, but a few days later I was noticing that the bras were not supportive at all and I was quite uncomfortable.
For anyone who has bought a nursing bra, you know they are not cheap! So I decided to suck it up and continue wearing them. I found myself extremely self-conscious when I was around others, my boobs were the biggest they had ever been and these bras were not cutting it! I was very annoyed…I had spent a pretty big chunk of change on these bras (that were non-returnable) and they were useless.
When my son was about 7 weeks old, and my milk supply was more regulated my bra size went down, I wasn’t aware this would happen…so now the bras were far too big. Once again I went on the hunt for nursing bras.
I was more careful in my selection this time and I chose the ‘Original Nursing Bra’ by Bravado. You could not beat it in terms of comfort and it was pretty good for support, it almost reminded me of a sports bra. The only thing that bothered me was that it wasn’t exactly the kind of bra you wanted to wear if you were going out some place. It didn’t give that extra little boost that we all need sometimes.
When I got pregnant with my second son I made it my mission to find the perfect nursing bra! I researched and researched and learned from my previous mistakes. I knew what I was looking for. This time around I waited until my son was about 8 weeks old before I did my bra measurements. By this time my milk was regulated and there wasn’t going to be any BIG changes in size.
From the reviews I read I made my choices…the ‘Allure Underwire bra’ and the ‘Bliss Nursing bra’, both by Bravado. When the bras arrived in the mail I couldn’t wait to try them on and when I did it was fabulous! They were exactly what I wanted! My mission was complete.
My son is 6 months old now and the bras are holding up wonderfully. They wash well; they are extremely comfortable and the support is fantastic. Some of my friends didn’t believe I was wearing a nursing bra, that’s how well they wear under clothing. I still wear my ‘Original Nursing Bras’; these are perfect for the nighttime.
Every woman knows the power of a good bra and breastfeeding doesn’t mean you have to settle for less in terms of style, comfort or support! What’s your favorite nursing bra?
My name is Mary Ellen Marsh. I have a 16 month old little boy named Brody and am expecting our second bundle of joy in March, 2011. I am a registered dietitian by trade, but I am currently a stay-at[..]
I also love my Bliss Bras by Bravado. I’m not too keen on their recent partnership with Medela, but my bras are still holding up a year later!
Ditto Lisa on the bit about Medela. Bravado is no longer considered code compliant. (I say this as I sit here wearing my Bravado essential nursing tank.)
My favorite nursing bras, by far, are HOTmilk. They are soft cup bras, so no underwires, but they are more supportive than any other nursing bra I’ve ever owned (even those WITH an underwire). No more torpedo boobs! And they’re sexy. And you can buy them in all sorts of gorgeous colours. With matching “knickers.” AND they’re no more expensive than other brand name nursing bras! AND they have hilarious ads! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADE6xnFg1a4