Nursing (or pump friendly) clothes

pshaortao · February 2017

I hated a bunch of my nursing bras and tanks. Since the topic got brought up in randoms, I'd love to hear everyones favorites (bras, tankks, tops, dresses etc) Bonus if links are included.

It also might help to mention chest size?

bacorrea · February 2017

I've heard really great things about this company. I'm going to check them out this time. Apparently they have a wide range of sizes! Anyone use them before?

https://www.bravadodesigns.com/us/

jayandaplus · February 2017

Yes, but they're so expensive @bacorrea!

I can't wait to see what people post here.

DH got me this for when my belly became huge and all my normal pjs didn't fit. Sadly, I've outgrown the pants already but the top is a) super comfortable and b) should fit me forever no matter how big I get and c) will be easy to use with nursing.

bacorrea · February 2017

@jayandaplus I know, but if it is supportive and functional I think it's worth the price. This is a clothing item I plan to use at least a year! $50 seems worth it.
Last time I had a really hard time finding a nursing bra and just lived in sports bras and tshirt bras.

WombThereItIs · February 2017

Cake and Le Mystere bras 4 lyfe. They're not super cheap but I loved them. Definitely wait until your boobs calm down to buy good bras though. Nordstrom has got your back.

The lamaze brand that pops up on zulily is the worst. They're cheaply made and weirdly low cut. Like my areolas were trying to sneak out the top of the tanks, it was weird.

In general for nursing I skipped the fancy nursing specific clothes, they look weird and aren't worth the extra markup. After a while you get good at finding clothes you can pop a boob out of easily and most things work except for things that zip up the back (which are ctuly good for pumping at work).

For pumping bras I used the medela ones, my only complaint was they could be tricky to zip because there was no clasp at the top but it looks like they added that as a feature to the new ones so I would recommend. You only need maybe 2 of those, you wear them 30 minutes or so at a time and for work I would bring a fresh one on Monday and bring it home to wash on Friday.

ETA: I wore underwire with no problem. Some people get paranoid they can cause clogged ducts but I never had an issue and frankly at a 36DD/E I needed the support of an underwire. The no wire stuff just didn't have the engineering m'ladies required.

starphish18 · February 2017

I'm really interested to see what people say on this thread. I have a smaller bust, so I'm not as worried about support. I'd really like a nursing bra that still feels/looks like a normal bra.

Also, probably a stupid question, but I haven't shopped for nursing bras before. Do nursing bras generally not have underwire?

ETA another question. I've heard a good rule of thumb is to size yourself for a nursing bra near the end of your third tri, when your boobs will be the size they'll "settle" at after you start nursing. Is this right?

nda_roxybabe · February 2017

I've been bookmarking dress I am hoping will work. I love the idea of regular dresses that zip in the back and then I'll just flip down to pump. I do have a few dresses that button up the front so hopefully those will work too. Here's what I have saved so far, some are quite pricey:

https://www.boobdesign.com/products/maternity-dresses/dress-tilda-soft-red-m

https://www.aulaitshop.com/the-going-home-dress/

https://www.figure8maternity.com/item/1810500/stella-woven-nursing-dress-with-belt-coral-pink-chevron

https://www.figure8maternity.com/item/1839800/carmene-sleeveless-nursing-dress-with-belt-navy

https://www.seraphine.com/us/nursing-clothes/nursing-dresses/cotton-stripe-maternity-nursing-dress.html

p.s. I'm a barely A.

march2008 · February 2017

I wore Bravado nursing bras last time and they were well worth the price (I was in the D to DD cup range and they were very supportive). I got a good two year's worth out of them. I'm planning to buy some again this time, but will wait until after the milk comes in. I've already gone up several cup sizes this time, which didn't happen my first pregnancy until after the milk came in, so I have no idea what size to expect this time.

I used nursing tanks while at home. I just had the Gilligan ones from Target and they worked fine.

I never bought any specific nursing shirts.

saric83 · February 2017

I exclusively pumped with DS, and for pumping at home, I loved this strapless one that I just wore with a nursing tank from Target. https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=18778106&ab=BRU:bproduct_rr:Related:3 But once I went back to work, the Dairy Fairy ones were a lifesaver since I could just wear it all the time and didn't have to switch bras every time I pumped. https://shop.thedairyfairy.com/rose-handsfree-pumping-bra/

While on maternity leave in the summer, I pretty much just lived in maxi skirts and nursing tanks. Once I went back to work in the fall, I wore a lot of outfits of jeans, tanks (that I could easily take off) and cardigans (to wear while pumping, so I wasn't sitting there in just the pumping bra getting cold). I normally live in dresses all the time, but most of mine were either too difficult to get in and out of quickly for pumping.

pshaortao · February 2017

I had bought two of these three years ago. The tank top itself was great and flattering, but the elasticity was what kept me from wearing it. It was so friggin tight it left a deep red mark all around. DH ended up cutting the back of the elastic for me so I could be more comfortable. I only wore it at home/in bed. I'm smaller chested so this style was fine for me without being too revealing

It looks like the more recent reviews are better though.
https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-v-neck-sleep-cami-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-14084100

hp_momma · February 2017

I can never seem to find a good nursing bra so I'm really interested to see the reviews!

I will add that I liked sleeping in the Target nursing tanks because I could wear my nursing pads which are especially helpful at night when your leaking. I also felt like I needed the extra support but didn't want to sleep in a full bra.

I never bought nursing specific clothes but it does get a little frustrating when you realize a shirt/dress you want to wear isn't going to work well for nursing!

mrsrep123 · February 2017

These are the nursing bras I still have from last pregnancy.
https://www.motherhood.com/full-busted-seamless-nursing-bra/007-99162-000-001.html?cgid=nursing-bras&dwvar_007-99162-000-001_color=007-99162-10#start=4

Sorry for the huge pic. I also purchased regular-looking ones from there too but these are SUPER comfortable AND functional. They have removable pads as well. When I purchased them, it was buy 3 get 1 free. I think there's a sale on them right now.

hp_momma · February 2017

This might be a weird question/request... I have super sensitive skin and I like the bra to be more silky/smooth/sports bra fabric than the
t-shirt/cotton material. I have a super hard time finding nursing bras like that, anyone have good suggestions?

cclaineDC · February 2017

I second @mrsrep123 's recommendation. I picked up one of these a few weeks ago and it's super comfy. My only complaint is that they really do mean FULL coverage, so the top of the bra and straps peak out over some of my shirts. I picked up a couple of Motherhood's other bras that look like normal bras but with the nursing clips, but they're not as comfortable. I probably needed to get them a band size up. Anyway, I was a 34B before getting pregnant, now I'm a 36DD-E.

jayandaplus · February 2017

@hp_momma I think you want bras made of noncotton material then. Look for bras made from rayon, lycra, nylon, etc such as these.

WombThereItIs · February 2017

@hp_momma this was my favorite sports bra esque nursing bra. You can find assorted colors on sale on sites like zulily and such if you keep an eye out. Also the Nordstrom anniversary sale is late July so if your boob game is still going strong then it would be a good time to pick some up.

Whoops, edit to add the link: https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/cake-cotton-candy-seamless-nursing-bra/3361818?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BEIGE

FYI for the first timers, don't buy a lot of bras now. Your boobs are going to get scary big then settle down to some level of bigger once your supply settles. Now is an okay time to get brad in more general sizes like s/m/l but for more exact band/cup size bras you'll want to wait.

fbmandy55 · February 2017

I'm having a hell of a time with plus size nursing gear. Amazon has a crap selection, motherhood has like 3 overpriced items. It's frustrating.

bacorrea · February 2017

fbmandy55 said:

I'm having a hell of a time with plus size nursing gear. Amazon has a crap selection, motherhood has like 3 overpriced items. It's frustrating.

@fbmandy55 Same! I ordered the Bravado nursing bra. Check out Plus Size Mommy Memoirs. There is a facebook page/website/giant group chat. A lot of people suggest some stuff I am hoping will work for me this time around!

With DD I wore Lane Bryant no underwire tshirt bra. It was awesome. I also wore sports bras a lot. I never found a nursing tank that fit so I just wore the maternity tanks from Target. They are super stretchy.

Yiggle09 · February 2017

@WombThereItIs medela just rolled out a new pumping bra/ bustier with a clasp and different material i believe. I saw the video on facebook, was trying to find a link but not sure if i found the right one.
@bacorrea i bought a bravado nursing tank with built in cups im 34 d for christmas i still have not tried it on! Ill go home tonight and do it and report back
@mrsrep123 I had 3 of those last pregnancy but I couldnt stand them. the mediums rode up so my boobs felt like they were about to fall out and the large was so stiff fabric wise, the clasp area on the back was uncomfortable like it scratched all the time and I gave them all away!
My friend bought a bunch of cheap ones from walmart she loves but I am unsure of the brand.

psherman42wwsa · February 2017

I was surprised to see that walmart sells maternity/nursing clothes online.

I bought one of these cami's last time. The quality is actually decent, its good for around the house and night time. It is a baby doll style which is nice post baby but it does not look good under clothes since its not fitted. It is a full coverage top and probably would work nicely with a fuller figure as well as smaller. A good option if your not sure if you want to invest in nursing clothes right away.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Loving-Moments-by-Leading-Lady-Materity-Babydoll-Nursing-Tank-With-Lace-Trim-and-Full-Sling/22367626

psherman42wwsa · February 2017

also, I recommend the lansinoh wishes hands free pumping bra. It held up great with daily use for over a year. I liked that its one size fits all, the band in the back is adjustable as your body changes sizes. It seems thicker and of better quality than the medela in my opinion.

llenadevida900 · February 2017

if anyone lives in the SF Bay Area try Healthy Horizons - it's a breastfeeding haven. They have all kinds of brands/styles of bras and tanks, plus things for mom and baby, LCs on staff, nursing rooms, etc. Other cities might offer similar stores, idk.

Personally i I lived in those target tanks (literally 24 hours a day).

Kipperoo · February 2017

@saric83 , I just found a Milk Fairy bra that is literally everything I never knew I always wanted in a nursing bra, haha...I've been on the hunt for a relatively basic, pretty, lace-y nursing bra and just came across this one, which is all of that PLUS a pumping bra! So, thanks for the recommendation!! https://shop.thedairyfairy.com/ayla-luxury-lace-nursing-and-handsfree-pumping-bra/

And I 2nd the above recommendations (with a slight caveat) for the Wishes pumping bra--I had it with my first and used it multiple times a day for pumping. I loved that it allowed me to be hands free, but hated that it wasn't comfortable enough for constant wear, so I was having to undress, change bras, then change back after. Hoping this Milk Fairy bra is the answer to my nursing dreams!!

lilbeautysxt · February 2017

I purchased all of my nursing tanks and bras from motherhood maternity and loved them! Lived in the tanks when I was at home, and then just wore my normal clothes but always kept a nursing cover with me to throw over if I was out and about.

BabyMC517 · February 2017

Ok so I was just on Pinterest and breast feeding tips and tricks came up. One of the pins had a link to someone who made their own pumping bra and I though huh let's see what that's about! Seems pretty simple...thought I'd share for those of you who like to DIY and it sounds like a good idea because then you'd be using a bra (in this case a sports bra) you know fits you.

https://youtu.be/9EknM2o2E_0

MrsFox2008 · February 2017

I didn't buy many nursing clothes the first go around and won't this time either! I did find some nice nursing bras from Walmart I like. I mean they aren't fancy or anything but are very comfortable.

mrsrep123 · February 2017

As far as an at-home pumping bra, I ordered this from Amazon and it was great. Check it out.

I didn't make it as far as pumping at work, but I'll have to check out the suggestion from @Kipperoo

Kipperoo · February 2017

@mrsrep123 , that's the same one I had! I mistakenly called it the Wishes bra in my earlier recommendation...oops...but yeah, that was super helpful! I didn't pump at work either and likely won't with this one...I know this sounds terrible, but it just extends my work day because there is really no where that I can pump while I work--I don't get "timed breaks" and I typically just want to get in and get out so that I can spend time with DS, so adding an extra hour of pumping just doesn't work for me.

kat81 · February 2017

mrsrep123 said:

As far as an at-home pumping bra, I ordered this from Amazon and it was great. Check it out.

I didn't make it as far as pumping at work, but I'll have to check out the suggestion from

This is the best one.

I would not do the sports bra pumping solution. As you go through the post-partum / pumping period, your boobs / band size will change in size, mostly down. By the time you get to the 1 yr mark your boobs are typically very small again. The simple wishes bra allows you to adjust every day. The sports bra will be too tight at times and too loose at other times.

skeetied · February 2017

I exclusively pumped with my first and I really liked the Pump Ease "bra" for it. It was a lot more simple than some of the other ones, but it did the trick.

The Bravado tanks are awesome for the first few months and I like their "original" bra too for around the house. Around three months postpartum (when milk supply tends to stabilize), I like going to Nordstrom and getting fitted for an awesome, expensive nursing bra. Even if I have just one, it makes all of the difference in the world. Some Nordstroms will even convert a regular bra if you can't find a nursing-designed one that you like.

BabyMC517 · February 2017

@kat81 I wasn't really sure about that particular sports bra DIY as I can't use those types of sports bras anyway, no support whatsoever for these ladies! I just thought it was interesting and could possibly work for a little bit for others (I have no experience in this at all lol). My guess is I'll end up with one like you've all suggested...its the regular nursing bras that I need to figure out for myself! I hate bra shopping in general and this doesn't seem like much more fun either! Hoping to be able to find some at Target or Kohl's to try on and then look to see if I can find them cheaper online haha we shall see! My current bras, with the extenders, are driving me nuts! Hoping I can hold out a little longer!

psherman42wwsa · February 2017

Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women's Nursing Cami Built In Bra (S/Medium, Winter) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GRYWY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cEJSybMQXY9JA

I just got these in the mail today. They actually fit me now because they are stretchy material and I think they will fit just fine post baby. I think they are pretty nice! I would recommend.

bubsalicious · February 2017

@nda_roxybabe I LOVE that last dress! Do you know if they ever do sales? I may need it now...

jayandaplus · February 2017

@lrwardrop Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like there's any support. I'm mostly nipple, so I feel like these wouldn't work aesthetically. But do you just use breast pads?

achays11 · February 2017

I will definitely be keeping an eye on this thread! Last time I got a couple of nursing bras from a jockey outlet. They were okay, but weren't the best.

Does anyone one know anything about the H&M nursing bras? I'm really not looking to spend a lot on bras and theirs are pretty cute too.

Also foe those that may be worried about showing too much when nursing or pumping, look into a Covered Goods nursing cover. It covers you all the way around, not just the front. Plus it has multiple other uses as well.

https://www.coveredgoods.com

kat81 · February 2017

I just wanted to weigh in with a big "thanks" to this thread. When I first bought nursing related stuff in 2011ish, there just really wasn't that much out there. I noticed more came out after this point but I just stuck with what I had. Now for #3 I'm thinking I need some new items (all I have are nursing tanks and nursing bras -- no actual nursing tops or dresses, though I did buy some dresses to be nursing-friendly as the boob can be popped out, but they were not meant for that purpose.) I know this is lame, but we live in an area where people are fashionable, and when I told DH that I was thinking I could use more nursing stuff as mine was a bit old/ratty/uninspiring he was like, "yeah, what you have isn't xxxx friendly, is it?" (xxx being the area we live in) SUCH a good point!

So anyway, I find these links very useful.

I do have one complaint, though, about nursing products. Why are so many nursing products maternity&nursing? I get that in both cases your boobs are big (though mine are always pretty small!) I get that postpartum your belly is nowhere near flat. But for my first two kids I nursed them for 1.5-2 years (granted, 1 yr in I was down to 2x/day so I didn't NEED nursing wear.) I spend more time nursing than being pregnant, and much more time nursing than being in the maternity clothes part of pregnancy. Even with my second pregnancy in which I gained way too much weight and considerable time to shed it, I was still wearing normal (non-maternity) clothes before I was done nursing and before that 1-yr mark. With #1 I had a normal belly within maybe 2 months of delivery, when I was still nursing practically 24/7. So, I want a nursing top that looks like a normal top. I don't see how they can design tops that look good for 8-9 mo pregnant AND postpartum (yes, maybe 5-6 mo pregnant and postpartum, but not 8-9 mo, and the models in the pictures are definitely sporting a 6 mo belly, not 8-9 mo.)

psherman42wwsa · February 2017

jayandaplus said:

@lrwardrop Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like there's any support. I'm mostly nipple, so I feel like these wouldn't work aesthetically. But do you just use breast pads?

I haven't used them for nursing yet but when I do I will use nursing pads. There is a shelf bra inside similar to other nursing camis that I have. Right now I am a c cup and it's supportive enough. If I were to wear them now and leave the house, I would worry the cold air would show my nipples so I would put in some little liner cups from other bras.

bacorrea · February 2017

jayandaplus said:

@lrwardrop Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like there's any support. I'm mostly nipple, so I feel like these wouldn't work aesthetically. But do you just use breast pads?

I depends on the person, but I had to wear nursing pads the entire year I nursed DD.

bacorrea · February 2017

@Yiggle09 did you try on your Bravado? I got mine in the mail and I am returning it. I just don't think it's enough support.

Yiggle09 · February 2017

@bacorrea with all the Dr's appointment's I haven't! I'll try it tonight. They have a new pumping bra too I might look into too

chickyclg · February 2017

bacorrea said:

jayandaplus said:

@lrwardrop Maybe I'm missing something but it doesn't look like there's any support. I'm mostly nipple, so I feel like these wouldn't work aesthetically. But do you just use breast pads?

I depends on the person, but I had to wear nursing pads the entire year I nursed DD.

So much this! I was still wearing nursing pads months after I weaned the kids because I would leak.

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Nursing (or pump friendly) clothes

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