Nursing bra. How to choose a nursing bra: tips and reviews

Anna Turkish

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If you are a nursing mother and are wondering if you need a nursing bra, and also how to accurately choose a bra for feeding your baby, then here you will find the answers to these questions.

6 types of breastfeeding bras, features of nursing bras

There are several types of bras that offer a variety of ways to breastfeed the little man.

Nursing bra with closure between the cups

Advantages: quickly and conveniently unfastens, allows you to adjust the size under the bust due to 3-4 possible positions of the fastener.

Flaws: some breastfeeding mothers may find this breastfeeding bra uncomfortable and indiscreet, because it fully opens the breast during feeding.

Nursing bra with zippers

Nursing bra with fasteners - zippers, which are located near each of the cups.

Advantages: Easy and safe to open and close.

Flaws: if you want to wear tight things, the zipper of the bra will stand out on the clothes.

Bra with a fastener on the strap in the form of a small button located above the cup

It allows you to freely lower the cup and feed the baby. Buy a nursing bra that exposes the entire breast, not just the nipple.

Advantages: ease of use.

Flaws: if the bra fabric presses on the lower part of the breast when the breast is not fully released, then this can cause a delay in the milk flow.

Elastic nursing bras

Elastic bras, made of easily stretchable materials, make it possible to simply pull back the cup, thereby exposing the chest.

Advantages: elastic cup allows you to change the size.

Flaws: some will seem not very - then a modest option.

Sleep Bras - For Breastfeeding Women

Sleep bras are specially made from lightweight materials, so they weigh little and are almost not noticeable. Nursing night bras have a criss-cross pattern at the front.

disadvantage is that it is not suitable for mothers with very large breasts.

Nursing Top Bra

Due to a number of positive effects, the most popular top is a nursing bra. There are no seams on the chest and fasteners, there is a conveniently tailored back.

The base and cup are made of elastic material, which allows you to change the size without difficulty, and wide straps give you the opportunity to strongly support the bust.

When to buy a nursing bra and how to choose the right size?

It is better to buy a nursing bra when the breasts are close in volume and shape to the breasts of a nursing woman, i.e. — in the last month of pregnancy .

First, measure the circumference under the bust. This figure should be guided by when determining the size of the bra.
Measure your bust at the widest point to determine the cup size.

Nursing bra sizes are classified from size 1 to size 5

Let's use an example to determine the desired size. If you have a chest girth of 104, and a girth under the bust of 88, then 104 - 88 \u003d 16.
Let's look at the table:

Difference in cm: 10 - 11 - fullness AA - corresponds to the zero size;

12 - 13 - A - the first size;

14-15 - B - the second size;

16-17 - C - the third size;

18-19 - D - fourth size;

20 - 21 - D D - the fifth size.

The difference in subtraction corresponds to "C" - the third dimension. In this example, the required bra size is 90B.

Nursing Bra Size Chart

When choosing a bra, pay attention to seams inside the cup whether the chest is comfortably supported. If you feel the slightest inconvenience, especially in the seam area, then it is better not to buy this model, but to consider the option of a bra model with a seamless cup.

Buy not just one bra, but several as your milk will leak out and therefore you will need to wash your bras frequently.

Buying a nursing bra - how to choose the right bra for a nursing mother?

Before choosing a nursing bra, check out our tips:

Buy the best quality bra This is not the kind of thing to save money on.
Choose cotton bras which keep the nipple dry and cool.
Clasps should be comfortable , do not cause discomfort, do not cut into the body and are easy to unfasten and fasten.
Shoulder straps should be wide to provide adequate support for your breasts.
Fitting to the body should be comfortable . This is usually achieved with an elastic trim at the bottom of the bodice.
Between the bra and the back should fit a maximum of two, at least one finger . If more than two fingers or they do not fit at all - do not consider this option.
If you put on a bra, put your hands up, and it goes up the back Your bra doesn't fit.
Remember - hard elements or bones in a bra for nursing mothers are not allowed, because their presence leads to stagnation of milk.
Make a purchase of a bra only after trying it on , because each woman is individual, and all manufacturers cannot take into account the characteristics of the female breast. Look for your option that suits you.

Benefits of a breastfeeding bra

Supports the breast, preventing it from sagging and the formation of stretch marks;
Convenience when feeding the baby - the bra does not need to be removed;
You can not remove it even at night, thereby preventing milk stagnation that occurs if the mother fell asleep in an uncomfortable position;
Relieves pain during feeding and is a good prevention of mastitis.

After the birth of a child with a rush of milk, the woman's breasts become heavy and full. The maximum size is reached in the third - fourth week after childbirth. Further, the volume decreases slightly.

Lactation is finally established by the sixth month after birth. Milk is no longer produced in advance, but appears after sucking. At this time, the breast acquires the approximate size that it was before the start of feeding.

Properly selected underwear for nursing mothers will help to avoid such problems. You can choose and buy a nursing bra in the first six months after childbirth already at the eighth month of pregnancy. It is at this time that the breast acquires approximate final dimensions.

Rules for choosing a nursing bra

Choose cups with clasps that can be opened and closed with one hand;
The bra always supports the breast from below, even with open cups;
Avoid tight bras. Bones and straps of such underwear compress the chest and block the milk duct. Then the baby will not receive the required amount of milk. In addition, stagnation of milk leads to the formation of !;
In the first weeks after childbirth, it is better to use a bra without wires. They interfere with the normal flow of breast milk. In addition, they cause discomfort to a nursing mother;
Choose cups made of breathable fabric, preferably cotton or modern microfiber-based synthetic fabrics. Remember that synthetics and plastic films collect moisture near the nipples. Excessive moisture leads to the appearance and development of infection and inflammation;
Cotton underwear should contain 5-10% elastic fabrics. For example, lycra or elastane. This bodice has a more neat appearance. And it will last longer than 100% cotton;
The first nursing bra should not contain seams on the inside of the cup. As the seams rub the nipples, resulting in breast pain, cracks and discomfort. In the future, make sure that the seams are not located in the nipple area;
Since the size of the bust changes during the feeding period, two bras can be bought in late pregnancy. One of which will be in size, and the second one is larger.
Additional underwear can be bought in the third or fourth week after the birth of the baby, when lactation is more or less established;
For large breasts, choose a bra with extra support. A bodice with circular support will do;
During breastfeeding, it is convenient to use special lining in a bra. They will absorb excess milk, provide comfort and hygiene. Don't forget to change your earbuds when they get wet.

Nursing Bra Models

Reminds me of a short shirt. A non-wired elastic top is great for breastfeeding mums. The big advantage of such a top is quick and comfortable access to the chest, which is easy to release by simply sliding the cup.

However, such underwear does not provide proper support and is not suitable for women with heavy and large breasts. The top is best used during lactation, namely in the first months after childbirth.

With circular support

They are made according to the type of a classic bodice, however, a cup of this type has two layers. In the inner layer, a special slot is made for the nipple and areola. At the same time, the top layer is easily unfastened and turned out to the side. Such a bodice well supports the bust, but requires more careful selection in size. Bra with circular support can be bought with and without underwire.

open cups

The bust is supported only from below with the help of flexible bones. One of the cups of such a bodice comes unfastened and completely opens the chest. This type is suitable for small breasts or after 5-6 months of feeding. They have an attractive appearance and have no restrictions in design. However, access to the nipples will be difficult and not the fastest.

How to determine size

The standard marking contains two characters. The letter indicates the cup size (volume on the bust), and the number indicates the volume under the breast. Nursing tops are sometimes only marked with underbust girth, as the stretchy fabric stretches to fit different sizes. Sometimes tops indicate double the volume of the cup. For example, 75 A-B. This indicates that the bodice is suitable for the first and second bust sizes, and the girth is 75 centimeters. In addition, the top can simply indicate the size of the clothing (S, M, L, etc..).

During pregnancy, your body changes and prepares for breastfeeding, so it is especially important to choose the right supportive bra for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Benefits of different types of bras for pregnant and nursing mothers

Wearing a bra that is too tight is hardly pleasurable. But it is quite difficult to predict how the breasts will change during pregnancy and after childbirth: the body of each woman is unique and changes in different ways. Some breasts increase by just one size, while others can grow three sizes or even more. Therefore, it is recommended to wear bras and tank tops with well-designed cuts that can adapt to changes in body shape and provide you with constant comfort.

During the day, it's best to wear a comfortable, seamless nursing bra - no underwire, but with support. Such a bra can be worn even during pregnancy, when your regular bras become too small for you. During breastfeeding, it is good to use bras with detachable cups - so you can feed your baby simply and discreetly.

At night, wear a comfortable, breathable sleep bra that will hold your bra pads in place and make breastfeeding easier.

How to choose a nursing bra size?

When choosing a bra, the main thing is to measure your chest correctly. This can be done at home in comfortable conditions or in a store with the help of a specialist. Every woman is unique, so measurement is the very first and most important step.

After deciding on the size, try on the bra to make sure you are comfortable in it. At the same time, you can check whether the fasteners and detachable cups of the bra are comfortable, whether its shape and quality of the material suits you, how well it supports the chest, whether it is invisible under clothes, and so on.

Check if it is convenient to unfasten the fasteners of the bra with one hand. This is important because you will have to unfasten and fasten them with one hand all the time - with the other you will hold the child.

Bra size calculator

Here is your size:

Every woman is unique and Medela thinks about each one. If you cannot find your size in the Medela chart, we recommend choosing the size closest to your measurements.

Remember that every woman is unique, so size is just a guideline. We recommend trying on bras before buying to find the best fit for you. There are many different models of nursing bras, so you are sure to find one that will provide you with comfort, ease of feeding and look great at the same time.

The expectant mother always worries about not forgetting to buy anything for the birth of the baby. For all parents, this is the main event in their lives, and therefore they must take care of everything. Most mothers, before buying something for their baby and his care, weigh the pros and cons, make sure whether this thing is necessary, whether it is a necessity, and only after that they decide to buy. Let's talk more about the need breastfeeding bra and learn all about this thing.

This question is asked by almost all mothers. Most often, expectant mothers hesitate about buying this item, based on the following questions:

is it comfortable
how practical
Is it worth spending money if you don't need it later?
does it make any sense

When a baby is born, mom has to deny herself a lot for a while:

in food
in things
in habits
in comfort, etc.

Breastfeeding is an important component of a baby's health, because there is nothing more useful than mother's milk, and mothers who understand this and have the opportunity to breastfeed their child must make sure that the feeding process is:

comfortable (for both mother and baby)
safe (mom should refrain from certain allergenic foods)
hygienic

So that the process of breastfeeding does not become torture for you, you must try to make it as convenient as possible, and the main component in this case is the purchase of a nursing bra. Do not think that such underwear is outdated or ugly (some mothers are only concerned about the aesthetics of their underwear after childbirth). Today, in the lingerie market, buyers are provided with a huge selection of bras in question - various:

colors
dimensions
models

It is also worth paying attention to the fact that many mothers begin to wear the type of bra in question even before the baby appears.

By week 37, the body of a woman who carries her baby under her heart becomes ready to produce milk, so most mothers hide their usual underwear in a deep box - far and for a long time.

Many women are not left alone with the question - is it necessary to wear a nursing bra, is it possible to just buy more underwear, and that's it?

Let's figure it out together, weigh the pros and cons, and find out whether this purchase is necessary or whether it's just a myth that a woman with a baby must have such underwear in her wardrobe.

I would immediately like to note on this occasion the fact that standard bras are not designed for weighted breasts and their maximum support. Usually in a standard bra:

shoulder straps narrower than nursing model
not always sewn from natural fabrics, unlike the bodice for nursing

As soon as milk in the body of the expectant mother begins to be produced, the breasts become heavier all the time, filling with milk, which often causes terrible discomfort and a feeling of heaviness.

And the main advantage of the bra in question is that it alleviates these “sufferings” and enables a woman throughout her pregnancy and after the baby is born to maintain the shape of her breasts, which, in case of improper care, often loses its shape. The appearance of the future mother's breasts can also change, and so, a nursing bra minimizes this process.

The main features of this bra model include:

ease of feeding
breast maintenance
pleasant sensations on the body
does not cause discomfort

Remember: doctors recommend wearing a nursing bra for all breastfeeding mothers, no matter what size their breasts are (even if they are very small).

Every mother must remember that after she gives birth to a baby, changes in her body do not stop, moreover, they occur at the hormonal level (namely, the processes occurring at this level can "globally" affect both the inner "life "of the body, and on the appearance of a woman).

It's no secret that during the weighting of the breast with milk, and in the process of feeding, the elasticity of the tissue in the breast becomes especially increased, and such a process quite often has its side effects in the form of:

stretch marks
breast shape changes
changes in the appearance of the breast
loss of elasticity, etc.

This is not intimidation, but a statement of fact, which is why moms who refuse the “workwear” in question may ultimately regret it. In addition, for those who do not know, if the breast with milk sags a lot, then the likelihood that a woman will suffer from mastitis or lactostasis is quite high.

So the need for this postpartum "accessory" is very clear. Take care of your health and appearance, because after childbirth, life is just beginning, and mothers should look great so that no one could even think that a woman with such perfect, firm breasts already has a baby.

Characteristics of a nursing bra

In order to make sure that a nursing bra is a useful purchase, let's look at the advantageous characteristics of this item:

The first thing I would like to note about this is that a nursing bra is an excellent and simple way to protect mothers' breasts from stretch marks, as well as from sagging and losing shape.
Practicality. In order to feed her child, a woman does not need to take it off, detachable cups are a convenient device for feeding in it. It is not worth taking off such underwear at night, because during this period, the breast is more intensively filled with milk.
Wearing it regularly prevents stagnation of milk, as well as mastitis, which often affects nursing mothers.

An excellent preventive device against lactostasis.
Thanks to the wearing of such underwear, the pain of the "growing" breast is minimized.
It is very convenient to put special “blotters” in the cups of such a bra so that the milk does not seep through the clothes.

If you get a nude and white bra, you can wear any clothes you like.

When to buy a nursing bra?

For many expectant mothers at 36 weeks of their pregnancy, the body is already fully prepared to produce milk, and it is at this time that it is better buy a nursing bra.

If we talk about the number of bras that you may need for lactation, then the optimal number is three pieces:

one you wear on your chest
the second, washed, hanging on the dryer
the third is a spare, just in case something happens to the other two (tear, get dirty, etc.).

The expectant mother must, without fail, take care of buying such underwear in advance so that she can go to the hospital with him.

It may happen that you did not calculate your future breast size, because, in some cases, the breast before childbirth becomes one size larger, and in others even three (depending on the characteristics of the body). In this case, it is recommended when buying to agree on the possibility of exchanging it for a larger or smaller size.

Expectant mothers often wonder where to buy a nursing bra? There are many places to buy:

on the market - at points of sale of underwear
in specialized stores (for mothers)
in shopping centers (lingerie stores)
online order

How to choose a nursing bra?

Since today the consumer is offered a fairly large variety of the goods in question, it is necessary to know what types of nursing bras exist and how to choose such underwear.

The future choice of such a bra will depend on the following factors:

preference
convenience
breast size
breast shape
nursing bra price

Let's define the types of such underwear and consider all their pros and cons:

Fastener between the cups of the bodice. In this case, the advantageous characteristics of this type of bra include the fact that it is very convenient to unfasten. Among other things, the underwear has several fastener positions, which makes it possible to adjust the size.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then here we can say about the immodesty of such a bra, because in order to feed the baby, the mother needs to completely bare her breasts, and for some women this is an inconvenience.

Zippers on the cups of the bodice. It is very easy to fasten, as well as unfasten such underwear, and this is the main advantage of the bodices in question, but at the same time, the only negative point is that in this case you can’t wear tight clothes, because the fasteners and zippers will stand out strongly.
Button fastening on the shoulder strap above the cup. Feeding in such a bra, of course, can be called comfortable, because in order to carry out this process, you need to press the button and open the chest with which you will feed the baby. In this case, the entire chest opens completely. Using this bra is very easy. Sometimes the lower part of such a bra squeezes the breast a little, which can lead to difficult milk flow.

Elastic bras. The material for that bodice is easily stretchable, which makes it possible to simply pull back the cup and expose the breast for feeding the baby. The advantage of such a bra is the ability not to purchase a new one, even if the breast is greatly enlarged during the “rush” of milk. Some moms find this type of bra too tight.

Sleepwear. Usually, such bras for mothers are made of very thin and light materials so that during sleep it is not felt at all on the body, but at the same time continues to perform its main function - to support the chest.

The only drawback of such bras - large sizes for feeding No.

Bra for feeding in the form of a top. To date, this type of nursing bra is the most relevant, because:

it has no zippers or seams.
the material from which it is made is elastic (both in cups and in the base)
it is possible to change the size
supports the bust strongly, thanks to the wide shoulder straps

When choosing a bra, the main thing to remember is that the size of the bra should fit. During lactation, do not even think about buying a bra one size smaller so that it squeezes your breasts and makes your neckline beautiful, because the health of your breasts is paramount (squeezed breasts during lactation leads to very serious consequences in the form of the development of various breast diseases).

The leaf must not:

make breathing difficult
squeeze the chest, thereby injuring it
bump into the back and shoulders

Too big is also not worth buying, because, in this case, such a bodice simply will not be of any use.

Nursing bra size must be perfect, so before you go shopping for such a bodice, you need to take a few measurements:

bust
girth under it

It is also worth considering the fullness of the cup, but in this case it corresponds to your usual bra, which you wore before pregnancy. If you are wondering - which nursing bra is best, the answer to it will be a number of recommendations:

the fabric of the bra must be exclusively natural, any inserts in it must also meet this requirement;
the fastener on the chest (to expose the chest) should be practical, comfortable and strong so that the process of unfastening the bra does not take much time;
you need to choose such underwear so that you can unfasten it with one hand (the best option);
the bottom of the bra should continue to support the breast even when the cup is fully open and the breast is "outside";
the straps on the bodices in question should not be narrow (so that they can be easily adjusted and there is no lace on them);
it is desirable to have a pocket in the linen for insertion (against leakage);
there should be no bones on the bodice ( bras for feeding milavitsa - great option)

fasteners on a bra must necessarily have several levels so that, if necessary, you can increase or decrease the size of the underwear
underwear should be comfortable.

If all of the above factors could not convince you of the need to purchase such underwear (this is unlikely, but anything can happen), find out about nursing bra reviews from those who used such underwear, and who can convince you that this acquisition will be far from a useless thing.

Do not spare the money and time to choose such underwear, because the right model of a nursing bra is the key to the success of the lactation process, breast health and its wonderful appearance.

Video: "Nursing Linen"

A special bra is equally necessary for all nursing mothers, regardless of breast size. It not only helps to avoid stretch marks and sagging, but also ensures the proper level of hygiene. However, only properly selected bras can cope with these functions.

The list of familiar landmarks - the size, material, height and shape of the cups - during pregnancy and childbirth is supplemented by several new items. A woman preparing for motherhood should consider the following points and recommendations:

Attention! The minimum set of bras for a nursing mother with established lactation includes 3 pieces. One is worn, the second is in the wash or drying, the third is ready to be put on.

Material quality

The fabric must be elastic.. Before feeding, the breast swells, becomes heavier, after - it becomes lighter and smaller in volume. Due to the ability to stretch and return to its original shape, the correct bra performs its functions equally well before and after the feeding process.

The second quality criterion is the softness of the bra and the feeling of touching the product. Breastfeeding mothers have more sensitive nipples. At the same time, the sucking process often causes microcracks on the areola. To prevent these wounds from rubbing, bras are made from very delicate, safe and pleasant to the touch fabrics.

The third fundamental factor is the origin of the material. Underwear made from natural fabrics with an admixture of synthetic fibers dries faster and is more elastic. 100% non-artificial materials breathe much better and are easier to maintain the proper level of hygiene. In terms of allergies, everything is individual. Some synthetic fabrics cause an inadequate immune response less often than natural ones.

We can definitely name only the characteristics and elements that should be absent in the case of a nursing bra:

push-up inserts;
openwork inserts;
decorative beads, rhinestones.

Protruding and insufficiently soft jewelry and structural details can harm both the woman herself and the child. For example, he can quietly swallow a rhinestone from his mother's bra.

Important! Before buying, be sure to smell the underwear. An unpleasant smell is one of the indicators of poor quality of the material.

Comfortable shoulder straps

There are 2 ways to quickly unfasten a bra. Some models come with detachable straps, while others detach the straps themselves. It is impossible to say which design is more convenient. The woman decides for herself.

What can be said with certainty is that thin straps when pouring milk into the bust will cut into the skin. Therefore, you need to choose models with wide and elastic straps.

Important! Owners of magnificent forms need to buy bras with sewn on straps. Plastic holders will break from overvoltage.

Cups by size

Until lactation is fully established, the breast is re-formed. And the changes are happening very quickly. Much more dynamic than in adolescence. Because it is very important to buy underwear with cups in size. They will help to avoid sagging. If you choose an overly narrow model, then this can lead to congestion in the chest and inflammation.

Another important feature is the bottom support insert. A good bra is sure to lift the bust a little. It is very important that such a detail in width and shape coincide with the line of the breasts.. If it is too narrow, then this is also fraught with a violation of the milk flow.

How to choose the right size?

"Overgrowth" and a few months before the due date, such a thing is not bought. The appearance of colostrum does not guarantee that under the influence of hormones the bust will increase significantly and there will be a need to wear a large bust. Therefore, the rule according to which for the postpartum period you need to purchase bras with cups 2 sizes larger does not find confirmation in life.

Much it would be better to wait until later dates and buy underwear, taking into account the behavior of your own body(an adequate assessment of genetics will also be useful).

If the bust has increased since conception, but only slightly, then you should purchase a model about 1 size larger than the one available at the time of visiting the store. 0.5 is recommended for thin women who have never had curvaceous forms, and whose breasts have hardly changed at all during pregnancy (sometimes this happens with athletes). Well, 2 sizes more are usually purchased in cases where the bearing of a child has radically rebuilt the body.

Important! The first postpartum bra, bought at random in terms of size, should not be expensive - the big expense will not be justified. It is impossible to predict the physiological changes in the body of a particular pregnant woman. It is highly likely that in the first hours after delivery or after 2-3 weeks the bust will change so much that you will have to buy a model of a completely different type.

A safer solution seems to be to go for a nursing bra with multiple rows of hooks. The more of them, the higher the chance that a particular bra in terms of volume will fit after childbirth.

When to buy it?

In the postpartum period, the breast ceases to change dramatically in volume at 2-3 weeks. The timing is approximate, depending on the type of childbirth, the characteristics of the pregnancy, the number of children and the speed of the primary recovery. In this case, one can only say unequivocally that it is not necessary to purchase permanent nursing bras earlier than 15 days from the date of birth.

A bra for the maternity hospital is also purchased according to indications. The higher the risk of preterm birth, the earlier you will have to buy a bra. Normally, this is done at 8 months. Then, when the doctor begins to ask you not to leave the house anywhere without a medical card.

Important! Don't stock up on a whole bunch of postpartum underwear at once, as there's no guarantee that it will fit you in the future. The most significant practical application. So, the convenience and inconvenience of a particular type of fasteners of folding elements can only be judged after the start of breastfeeding and gaining experience in this matter.

Women who have abundant colostrum secretion will have to hurry with the acquisition. For them, breastfeeding bras are a way to provide themselves with normal hygienic conditions. And for this you do not need to wait 8 months. You should go to the store immediately, as soon as colostrum begins to stand out abundantly. However, the bra bought during this period of time, most likely, will then turn out to be useless and inappropriate in size and girth. Therefore, buying expensive models does not make sense.

A little about the manufacturers

Popular brands:

FEST;
Milavitsa;
Anita
Mom's House;
Emma Jane
Bliss.

The most affordable option is "Mom's House" and "FEST". "Anita" is interesting first of all with reliable straps, "Milavitsa" - with a variety of styles and style solutions, and "Emma Jane" comes out with top-busts designed for long wearing.