Nursing bras and tops necessary?

MCapler

I plan on breastfeeding and I'm a stay at home mom.  Do I really need nursing bras?  And if so, should I wait until after the baby is born before I buy any in case my chest gets bigger?

Also, what about nursing tops?  I hate to spend a ton of money on them.  Does anyone just use low cut tops than can be pulled over?  Or just t-shirts that I can pull up? 

What do you suggest?   

 

madhatter2003

Nursing bras = depends on boob size. For me (big chested) they are a must have. There is no way I could ever nurse in public easily without them, plus I cannot pull my bra to the side like a smaller chested woman could.

I would wait to get fitted until your milk is 'in' and settled....about 2-3 weeks after birth. Until then, a few 'sleep' bras and/or nursing tanks are good.

Nursing tops are not necessary. I've only ever owned a few tanks, and just get by with my normal stuff and a good bra. T-shirts that pull up are much more discreet than low cut tops you pull over IMO.

ljw0424

I didnt buy a nursing bra till almost 6 weeks pp, until then I just worn tank tops.  I tried just wearing regular bras and pulling my shirt up but it was a pain.  I dont think nursing shirts are a necessity but they sure are convenient.  I really didnt change in bra size, but most do. I think nursing bras make things a lot easier, but I am sure you can make do with regular bras and shirts.

alison43

Nursing bras--I say definitely yes but I have a larger chest and trying to get a regular bra out of the way was just a pain.  Plus it's so much easier to just rehook the flap then to try to get all your back hooks done and undone...

Nursing tops, not so much.  I have one and I actually feel like I am more exposed when I stick my boob out the hole.  I don't have any nursing tanks but that's because I was afraid they wouldn't hold me up well enough.

eacabraham@gmail.com

I'm larger-chested too, and could not get by without nursing bras.  Nursing tops, though... eh.  I just pulled my shirt out of the way, usually. 

kaightea

I didn't buy a nursing bra until ~6 weeks pp - until then I lived in nursing tank tops. I think nursing tops would be a waste. If you do use a regular bra, be sure there's no underwire (I heard wiring can cause clogged milk ducts).

AngieandTony

madhatter2003:

Nursing bras = depends on boob size. For me (big chested) they are a must have. There is no way I could ever nurse in public easily without them, plus I cannot pull my bra to the side like a smaller chested woman could.

I would wait to get fitted until your milk is 'in' and settled....about 2-3 weeks after birth. Until then, a few 'sleep' bras and/or nursing tanks are good.

Nursing tops are not necessary. I've only ever owned a few tanks, and just get by with my normal stuff and a good bra. T-shirts that pull up are much more discreet than low cut tops you pull over IMO.

ditto all of this. especially bolded part. my boobs are ginormous now and there's no way i could NIP discreetly without a nursing tank or bra

angelina477

I waited about three weeks to get a good nursing bra. That was the time I felt up to leaving the house though. You dont need a nursing tank, you can just pull up your shirt. You will need a nursing bra. Unclipping from the back and pulling up the whole thing is annoying, especially holding a screaming baby.

volleydiva

I bought a few nursing tops, but then realized the other day that I need some more.  I bought some that were a lot cuter.  I am a SAHM, but I go places and need to feed her in public some times.  IMO I have to have the nursing tops to make it easier, I don't like pulling up t-shirts as then I have to show my stomach (not the prettiest site right now).  Definitely need the bras too.  I love the nursing tanks from Old Navy as they are discreet and very comfortable.  Good luck!

CTJune06

I'm small chested and live in glamourmom nursing tanks. They are really terrific and comfortable!

Mrs_mam

I just wear tanks with built-in bras. You can just bring down one side at a time and you can sleep in them.

mrs.baum

I guess you could wear a regular bra or no bra, but a nursing bra is more convenient. I would wait until after your milk comes in and then get fitted. Same thing w/nursing tops.