How necessary is nursing clothing?

SY Smiles · January 2012

Every hospital bag check-list I see says to bring nursing tanks and bras. I'm a FTM and could be totally wrong on this, but would I be okay to just bring a sports bra that unhooks in the front and a couple of camis with the built-in bras that I can just slide down when it is time to nurse? The reason I'm asking is my chest has grown so much and I'm wanting to wait and buy my nursing bras after my milk has come in. I figured if I can get by with camis and a robe in the hospital and go shopping when LO his home and other things are taken care of, I'd like to do that. Am I missing something and making a big mistake here? Do I need the real deal?

emmasue18 · January 2012

I completely agree with your reasoning. I actually wish I had waited until after my milk came in to get sized for a nursing bra. I have used the ones I got with my first son (prior to having him) and they are too small. My recommendation is to get a sports bra that is looser fitting and 100% cotton. You want to make sure it is very comfortable and not at all restricting. My nursing bras have underwire in them because I am a DD and felt I needed the support but my next purchase is one that has no wire to wear around the house to get the maximum milk flow possible. :-)

Hope this helps! Good luck!!

December192009 · January 2012

As long as you have easy access I think what you're talking about is fine. Can I just say though that I have a friend who is a total Houdini! Seriously she will wear the cutesy tops and put on her little nursing cover and some how she's under there feeding my god son. I have nonidea how she does it! And when he's finished feeding there's not a wrinkle in her shirt! I'm always in awe, just because even when I nurse I feel like I am just a wrinkled mess if I'm not absolutely careful! So my long answers is as long as you own a nursing bra- no, if you are Houdini.

k.linn · January 2012

Sounds like a good plan. Or, if you don't want to be as exposed by completely unlatching a sports bra, you could get one of those crossover sleep bras. They generally come in S/M/L/XL, so it's easy to figure what will fit, and I tend to live in those at home. (They're on sale at Target this week, too).

poobear2015 · January 2012

I'm actually doing that too. I packed regular camis so that I can slip in the breast pad to the built in bra, but slide it down when I need to feed LO. I DID buy one nursing bra though (on sale - and I'm leaving the tags on til she's here) just in case I need something to hold me over until I get out.

pinksweetpea2 · January 2012

Truthfully, the thought of pulling an engorged and sore breast out of one of those built in bras sounds awkward and horrible to me...and the though of walking around without a bra at all sounds even more horrible. Without the support my breasts hurt constantly.

You don't need to buy all of the clothes, but I would at least bring one bra with you- even if it is just one of the sleeping ones- which are more stretchy and what I lived in the first few days until I discovered the awesomeness that is Bravado tanks.

GL

annapolischick · January 2012

An actual bra can wait, or you can get a cheapy from Target, which i actually like and liked with DD. The tanks i would get. The unlatching feature is a BIG BIG plus, especially for first timers (and heck even us, it's been a while). Trying to push and pull and fix etc every time you need to feed (and it's A LOT in the beginning) is not going to work for you.

I suggest getting some tanks (Target again sells great ones that are cheap) and use them layered under a shirt that no one will notice if you have a bra on or not.

natalie_wn@yahoo.com · January 2012

I bought one nursing bra from Walmart (Warners) just so I have something. I plan to buy more later. I will also just be bringing/wearing little camis and tanks for the most part with a zip sweater on top if I'm chilled. You might also consider button up shirts, especially pj shirts for at the hospital and around the house. Or see if your SO has any you can use.

annapolischick · January 2012

An actual bra can wait, or you can get a cheapy from Target, which i actually like and liked with DD. The tanks i would get. The unlatching feature is a BIG BIG plus, especially for first timers (and heck even us, it's been a while). Trying to push and pull and fix etc every time you need to feed (and it's A LOT in the beginning) is not going to work for you.

I suggest getting some tanks (Target again sells great ones that are cheap) and use them layered under a shirt that no one will notice if you have a bra on or not.

Jlobebe2012 · January 2012

k.linn:
Sounds like a good plan. Or, if you don't want to be as exposed by completely unlatching a sports bra, you could get one of those crossover sleep bras. They generally come in S/M/L/XL, so it's easy to figure what will fit, and I tend to live in those at home. (They're on sale at Target this week, too).

This! I am also a FTM, so take my advice as you may, however I bought 2 of these sleep bras (on sale 2 for $20 at target this week, along with many other on sale BF supplies! everyone should stock up) and I figure these will be ok until my milk comes in and I have a better idea of what size I will be then. Before this pregnancy I was a Full C/ Small D and now I am a Full DD, so I also feel I need to wait to get measured before I invest in good nursing bra.

Tina272 · January 2012

I love the nursing tanks from Target. So easy and you can wear a regular shirt over them but not expose yourself when feeding.

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