Nursing Bras??

theagrif · January 2017

Hi ladies!

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for good nursing bras? I am trying to walk the line of "cute" versus "practical" as best as possible. I will also be pumping regularly at work. I originally started out as a 36B and I am likely pushing 36D at the moment (currently 24 weeks.) I haven't bought any new bras yet but I'm getting to the point where I am desperate. I was thinking to just go ahead and buy nursing bras and use them until DD arrives. Also, my breasts started to grow immediately and I am nervous about buying a bra I will outgrow once milk comes in. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks for the help!

visualcircus · January 2017

I use the Bravado Nursing bras. Since my cup size is constantly changing throughout pregnancy, milk coming in (my biggest size), and through 9 months of nursing I was able to use it for the many stages... they come in sizes S-2X. Medium was the right size for pregnancy and first 6 months of nursing... once DS started on solids I needed a smaller one but by that time I could wear my pre-pregnancy bras again.

cafedisco · January 2017

Since your size has fluctuated so much already, I'd really recommend getting 1-2 to last through pregnancy (and going with nursing bras now is a good instinct) and then wait to see what you need later in terms of size.

If you are pumping at work, I highly recommend a hands-free pumping bra or make a DIY one.

I'll be following too, I never really found a brand of nursing bra that I liked a lot.

Koukonei · January 2017

My favourite for pregnancy and for the first while afterwards are the Cake brand cotton candy bras. Super comfy and they stretch but still provide support.

chelle087 · January 2017

I definitely second the hands free pumping bra. I don't know that I would have stuck with pumping as long as I did without it.

I think I liked the medella one best. I also had a simple wishes one, but it just tied in the back and I didn't feel like it was tight enough to allow me to be truly hands free. Of course this was 3 years ago, so who knows how things have changed.

VeraCO · January 2017

If your concerned about price I advise going toTarget they unclip and are very easy to undo. Mine were on sale so I got them half off the original price was about $17 each. I've been wearing them because I couldn't fit any of my other ones and they are really soft I like them.

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

I also recommend the Bravado nursing bras. They're stretchy enough to accommodate the growing girls (with my first pregnancy I went up two cup sizes and the bra was still comfortable, with this one I haven't changed much but they still fit nicely) and they have a thick enough cup that you don't look like Madonna if it gets cold out. Target also has really nice (and affordable!) nursing camis and tanks that I pretty much lived in for lounging around the house.

Also second (or third, or whatever we're at now) the hands free pumping bra if you're going to be pumping at all, not just if you're not going to be pumping at work. It makes it so much easier to get other stuff done while you're tired to the pump...I had a lot of issues with BFing and was pumping every 2-3 hours, so that thing was a godsend.

ashleym112 · January 2017

@VeraCO I got mine at Target too. It unclips easily if needed and it's extremely comfortable. It has a lot of extra hooks for band size too, more than a normal bra I mean, so I figure it'll last me through a majority of pregnancy and after delivery.

I agree with @cafedisco, if you're already seeing a lot of change now, I wouldn't buy more than 1 or 2 because who knows what else will happen after you give birth. And honestly, go with what's comfortable. Obviously you'll want something that looks nice, but I wouldn't go solely on that factor. You're already going to be uncomfortable the closer you get to your edd, might as well not let your bra add any more to it!

cafedisco · January 2017

SnarkasaurusRex said:

I also recommend the Bravado nursing bras. They're stretchy enough to accommodate the growing girls (with my first pregnancy I went up two cup sizes and the bra was still comfortable, with this one I haven't changed much but they still fit nicely) and they have a thick enough cup that you don't look like Madonna if it gets cold out. Target also has really nice (and affordable!) nursing camis and tanks that I pretty much lived in for lounging around the house.

Also second (or third, or whatever we're at now) the hands free pumping bra if you're going to be pumping at all, not just if you're not going to be pumping at work. It makes it so much easier to get other stuff done while you're tired to the pump...I had a lot of issues with BFing and was pumping every 2-3 hours, so that thing was a godsend.

This is good to know. I still haven't broken the habit, 3 years later, of wearing multiple shirts/undershirts because my nips during my nursing days....well, they just wanted their presence known to the world. I had a lot of Target brand bras and that is my major problem with them - they are just too thin.

A random about nursing - I've been showing DD videos of newborns nursing and talking about how she'll have to play by herself when mommy is feeding the baby. We don't have any babies in our life right now and she doesn't remember nursing any longer (sad!!). Well I caught her the other day "feeding" her babies by pulling her shirt up. So sweet!

theagrif · January 2017

Thanks ladies for all the responses! Good to know about the hands free pumping bras! I wasn't sure if they were necessary, but it seems so!

SnarkasaurusRex · January 2017

@cafedisco I lost the pads that go in the cups on one of mine (forgot to put it in the bra bag when I washed it and they got lost somewhere on the trip back to the dresser), so whenever I wear that bra my nips are SUPER obvious! It became my 'at home' bra, haha.

I should add the disclaimer that my milk never really came in (so no porn star lactating boobs to test the stretch of the bras) and I was not super successful at nursing/pumping, but I did try for about 4 months, so I got a lot of use out of my nursing and hands-free pumping bras.

MWoodside · January 2017

I recommend waiting until about 3 wks after birth or so. At least. I prefer nursing tanks at the hospital and first few weeks anyway, they accommodate engorgement better. Then once my breasts stabilize I invest in 2 nice nursing bras. I got mediocre ones with my first (Bravado Bliss- no complaints, they just aren't the best) and with my second I got really nice ones and I am glad I did! I prefer no underwire. Some of them have a little bead in the middle you can move to remind yourself which side is up next (I block nurse so I only do one side per feeding), but I didn't really find that all that necessary b/c I can tell which one is fuller anyway. I went to a nice undergarment shop to be measured and then bought one there and the other online since online has a larger selection.

In terms of tanks, I love my Bravado ones and once I was in nursing bras I loved the Undercover Mama most b/c they attach to any bra.

cafedisco · January 2017

@MWoodside what brand of nursing bra is your favorite?

MWoodside · January 2017

I know one is an Elle McPherson one. I will have to dig them out to check the other fave.

belocin · January 2017

@MWoodside I second the Undercover Mama tanks! They were a lifesaver for me because my size G's were not holding up well in regular nursing tanks. Paired with the Bravado Allure, I felt secure and supported but also accessible for pump or baby. Win/win!

smoochie041719 · January 2017

Thanks for all you thoughts and suggestions everyone! It was super helpful to narrow the field a bit and get some recommendations. I bit the bullet and bought a Bravado because the maternity store in town was doing free fittings this past weekend. I figured I could test it out a couple times and see if I like it before investing in a couple more to get me through nursing. So far it seems pretty good!!

I also ordered a Kindred Braverly sleep nursing bra, anyone tried one of those? I've heard they are the softest most comfortable ones around, and I dread sleeping in tight elastic around my rib age.

About the undercover mama tanks, do they have good length? I hate a too short cami! And do they look socially appropriate for leaving the house with a cardigan or something? A lot of the nursing tanks I have looked at look like underwear or spanks or something rather than an actual tank top.

MWoodside · January 2017

Yes I liked the longer length of undercover mama tanks. Bravado ones weren't long enough for me.

Mama5181 · January 2017

I just want to throw in my 2 cents.
I highly suggest avoiding anything with underwires for quite some time. They can constrict which is no good. Mine caused mastitis and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
I lived in nursing tanks most of the time as I'm a SAHM. And loved having them at the hospital. I actually need to invest in a few new ones soon.
I never got the porn star boobs as my milk didn't come in like that. So the tops I bought pre pregnancy fit fine. But I'm not the norm.

KirstinH88 · January 2017

@jaygrace DH shops on Aliexpress all the time! But mostly for sports jerseys. I'll have to have him look up nursing bras and tanks there.

M&Max · January 2017

With DS, I got some stretchy sleep bras that I wore during the day initially since I seemed to have the most changes in sizes then. I just wore a nursing tank over it to give the girls a little more security. Target had a decent, cheap selection for both of those. After your milk settles in then you can spring for the better quality nursing bras in my opinion.

Blueberry85 · January 2017

I second the suggestion from @M&Max of Target nursing tanks (https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-cotton-cami-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-13793418) I have a bunch, and I still wear them around the house all the time. Get a couple more than you think you'll need. I think I only bought 4 or so initially and ended up having a mini hormonal meltdown a few days after DD was born because I'd already gone through all of them by like noon one day, what with leaking milk and baby spit up. I think I ordered 6 more later that day.

akslevin · January 2017

I've recently purchased a couple different styles of Medela brand and they're working great for now. Though I admit, they don't have enough nipple coverage. I couldn't stand to be in my regular bra anymore.

Ekzerr · January 2017

There's a neat diy nursing tank on pinterest! https://homesteadbloggersnetwork.com/diy-snap-fitted-nursing-tank-and-nursing-bra/ I might try to whip up a couple if I have time

lovelongdog06 · January 2017

Nursing tanks and stretchy pants are my official mom uniform. I found a $30 3 pack of bras on Amazon that a friend recommended and they're actually quite comfy!

Mama5181 · January 2017

@lovelongdog06 linky to the bras?

lovelongdog06 · January 2017

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CQPPKJ2/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have no clue how to make a link clickable on here. They're almost like bralettes, pretty full coverage. Stretchy and come with bra extenders. I occasionally run into a shirt where they show because the shirt is lower cut. They also come direct from China, which I wasn't exactly expecting. All in all it will be nice to have a variety of bras to rotate through the wash when I leak milk on them. I have tiny boobs so I like that there's removable padding and it makes them easy to wash.

M&Max · January 2017

Oh and fun fact for new moms: If you use lanolin or any kind of nipple cream, this can stain your shirts with a oil like stain (as in you can see the outline of where it touched the shirt but its not a stain per se). So note to self - if you end up using a nipple cream/lanolin heavily like I did in the beginning - always use some kind of nursing pad, whether it's disposable or reusable inside of your bra. Personally I liked the reusable ones but I also didn't leak a ton after the first 2 weeks or so.

I ruined 2-3 shirts not doing this at night with DS. They are now sleep shirts for me but definitely can see faint outlines around where my nipples would be. Haha.

Magheeta · January 2017

Oooh @lovelongdog06 I have those on my registry, too! They look so comfy!

smoochie041719 · January 2017

I ordered Kindred Bravely sleep nursing bras based on a recommendation from a friend, and I HIGHLY recommend them. They are so much more comfortable than any I have tried on both because the fabric is soft and the elastic is not too tight at the bottom. I think the website had a 10-15% discount and then when you place your first order, she sends you $20 off in the box for your second order.

kitkat8387 · January 2017

This might be a dumb question but is there a reason that we would need a sleep bra for nursing? I don't wear bras to sleep...in fact taking my bra off as soon as I get home is kind of the best part of my day lol. Is it to hold the nursing pads on?

KirstinH88 · January 2017

I believe it's to hold the nursing pads and so that you're not leaking all over the place, but I'm sure other people will correct me if I'm wrong.

HappyAnjel · January 2017

I had an oversupply.. and would wake up with a wet shirt even with a breast pad on.. I wouldn't try it without.. I'd end up with a milk soaked bed! I woke up the other day with a small wet spot on my shirt so I don't think I'll be going to bed without a bra on again for a while

Magheeta · January 2017

kitkat8387 said:

This might be a dumb question but is there a reason that we would need a sleep bra for nursing? I don't wear bras to sleep...in fact taking my bra off as soon as I get home is kind of the best part of my day lol. Is it to hold the nursing pads on?

Image: https://media2.giphy.com/media/3o6Mb36zzO2TyvHriw/200.gif#9

Speaking from experience, I never slept with a bra until I nursed. I had leaked really bad and would have to change my nursing pads at least once a night, and slept on a towel until my supply mellowed out. That's why it's so good to find a comfy one (or two or three) because you may spend the next few months to a year in them.

kitkat8387 · January 2017

ok, that makes total sense! Thank you! I already started leaking a little bit (but it's a tiny amount, and clear, so hasn't been an issue) so I anticipate maybe having this problem. I will pick up a couple sleep bras

M&Max · January 2017

@kitkat8387 yes definitely sleep bras if you're one that leaks. I also just found it more comfortable to sleep with one - the girls were large and in charge and when it was time to feed DS they would feel quite heavy/uncomfortable. I found the sleep bra helped alleviate some of that. Also - I used sleep bras during the day some times... sometimes they were just more comfortable for days we were going to hang out at home all day.

smoochie041719 · January 2017

@kitkat8387 sounds like everone has already answered but yes for leaking and for support if your boobs are tender or sore at all. I am not someone who sleeps in a bra either, but I also plan to wear them for around the house most days like @m&MAX says. I consider them loungewear bras.

smoochie041719 · March 2017

Alright, so I ordered the Bravado since it was highly recommended and I like it, but I also ordered the Kindred Bravely nursing bras that are basically the exact same style as the Bravado and they just arrived yesterday and are WAY more comfortable. The fabric is so soft yet still super supportive (I have a D cup right now, usually a 38C). I had mentioned earlier that I ordered the kindred bravely sleep bras and those are AMAZINGLY comfortable also. The sleep bras also come with a $20 off $40 purchase credit for your next order which is a bonus!

MWoodside · March 2017

kitkat8387 said:

This might be a dumb question but is there a reason that we would need a sleep bra for nursing? I don't wear bras to sleep...in fact taking my bra off as soon as I get home is kind of the best part of my day lol. Is it to hold the nursing pads on?

No, I never wore a sleep bra through nursing two children. I just used a nursing tank at night and breast pads for the period of time I was leaking. I also slept with an absorbent pad underneath the top of my body b/c in the even the baby slept longer than normal (rare for me) I would leak through the pads and nursing tank and on to the bed.

catem07 · March 2017

@kitkat8387 I just bought sleep bras for nursing, the v-neck pull aside ones. I think they'll be easier than unclipping a nursing tank. I don't like to sleep in tight shirts, so my plan is to sleep in just the sleep bras and no shirt. I anticipate needing to wear nursing pads for leakage based on things I've read.

jennielynn+ · March 2017

Nighttime leaking is a PITA. I used lansinoh pads for like ever, 5+ months I would say but, my first starting sleeping through the night so early at 8weeks. The 1st night I slept bare boobed, felt so kinky. I honestly thought I had beat the Amazing Race or some sort of 26mi marathon.

Has anyone found the Cake bra Nordstrom sells worth the price?

smoochie041719 · March 2017

The cake bra is one of the recommended bras on Lucie's list, but I haven't tried it personally

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