I have frequently heard breastfeeding mothers discount the need for a good quality, supportive nursing bra. To me, this is unimaginable. I have three children and have been breastfeeding almost nonstop for 56+ months. While, my pant size has stayed the same, I have grown a full cup size with each child and am now an F cup. I envy the mother who shrinks after breastfeeding. Finding a nursing bra that isn’t frumpy has been a challenge – finding an F cup nursing bra, well, for many years it was just impossible.
A few years ago after almost 4 years of breastfeeding, I finally got rid of all my old bras – they were all too small anyway. Since then, I have sought out the best nursing bras available. When I say best, I mean best – best in support, best in comfort, best in looks, best in function and price. As a breastfeeding mom, I am producing milk around the clock. I deserve well fitting bras and so do you!
Ladies, if you are breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, don’t cheat yourself on a few good nursing bras. Go get fitted! It is estimated that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, and I would guess that this is a much higher for nursing moms! Pay attention to the fit as an ill fitting nursing bra can contribute to the breast infection mastitis. “Nursing bras should be properly fitted. The mother should lean forward when putting on a bra so that the entire breast falls in the bra cup. No breast tissue should be pinched under the edge of the cup or bra. This is especially important when wearing an underwire bra.” (Gubala and Berg, 1988) If you didn’t know, underwire bras are not recommended for nursing bras.
And please remember mamas, you JUST had a baby, don’t be embarrassed by a bigger bra size band or cup. No one needs to know what size you are but you and the bra fitter. A good fitting bra is flattering. Focus on the FIT not the NUMBER!!
Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
One of my personal favorite bras is the Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. This bra is so comfortable and supportive that if I didn’t own more than one I would just wear it every day and just not leave the house while it was washing.
One of the many perks of this bra is that is a “multi-size” bra with 4 sizes that can fit from a 32B to a 46F. That means that this same bra can fit you while you are pregnant, when your milk comes in and still fit when your milk regulates! At first glance this might seem like a pricey bra at $49, but because of the unique multi-size fit of this bra it can potentially be a huge cost savings to just buy the one size! You can save yourself the time and expense of having to buy a bigger bra while pregnant and then again when your milk comes in. I would recommend sizing up though if you are close to the edge of a sizing band.
This bra is made from 88% nylon and 12% spandex with a 100% polyester lining, so it is soft and stretchy, yet holds it shape after an all day wear and after day 2 wear – for those of you that do that too. For the larger cup sizes, the bottom band is wide making the bra very supportive even without an underwire. It also provides a good cup shape with separation, so you don’t feel like have a uni-boob. The bra is a full cup, so if you are wearing low cut or deep V tops, the bra may not be what you are looking to wear under them.
Inner Strap and Removable Pads
The bra comes in several neutral and fun colors and its seamless design fits perfectly under your favorite t-shirt. It also has removable pads, for those mamas that want a little more coverage in the front to hide nipples or nursing pads. The pads should be removed prior to washing much like the pads in a swim suit to help them retain their shape. Replacement pads are available for purchase. I prefer to remove them altogether as I find the fit more comfortable as an F cup. While washing recommendations are machine wash and hang dry, as a work at home mom to 3 homeschooling kids I am guilty of machine drying. The bra will pill a bit in the dryer, but after almost 3 years of use it still is in great shape.
Last but definitely not least, how does it function as a nursing bra? Bravo! The clasp clips are flat and discreet. It is also easy to clip and unclip with one hand (a personal must have!) and even makes a “click” so you know it’s latched. The nursing cup is a full drop front, so you have full access with an inner strap to keep the shoulder strap in place.
While this bra may not be as pretty as some other nursing bras I own, it is my “go-to” every day nursing bra, because I really don’t want lace everyday. This is a best seller in our store – and when given several options this bra just doesn’t let you down.
Wanna try one out? Use the coupon 10BLOG to get 10% off any Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra!! Coupon expires on 10.2.10.
by Abbie, mama to Mom’s Milk Boutique, and breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering mama to 3. Although I only have 1 kiddo currently doing any of those three things right now.
References
Gubala, Judie and Karen Berg. Recurrent Plugged Ducts and Breast Infections. Conn-Tact, Fall, 1988.
