Which nursing bra is best? Nursing bra: when to buy and how to choose? Do you need a bra for breastfeeding? Characteristics of a nursing bra
Each future mom begins to think in advance about how to make life after the birth of the baby more comfortable. Buying a nursing bra is an excellent solution that will help you depend less on circumstances in such a delicate matter. In stores today you can find a huge number of models. In our review, we will look at whether a nursing bra is needed, which one is better and how to choose the right one.
Basic principles when choosing a bra
If you want to stay in great shape after giving birth, you should definitely think about buying a nursing bra, whose task is to support your breasts during lactation. Stretching and inflammation of the mammary gland will not bother a young mother if she chooses the right underwear. Let's look at the main points that need to be taken into account when buying a nursing bra (photos attached).
Quality
The main quality parameter of a bra is the fabric from which it is made. Be sure to choose underwear made from natural materials, such as cotton. To prevent deformation, the composition should also contain polyamide or microfiber.
The most important thing is that the underwear straps are comfortable, wide, tight and provide reliable support for breasts heavy with milk. Poor breast support is the most common cause of stretch marks. With the help of detachable flaps on the cups, even in a crowded place you can safely feed your baby. The design of the cups should be comfortable, and you should not experience any discomfort. It is important that the bra only lifts the breasts, but does not squeeze them.
Additionally, please note the following facts:
- There are no seams on the inside of the cup, which should be soft, without synthetic lining.
- Slightly increased cup size compared to actual bust size. The bra should not compress the breasts; there should be room in the cup for lactation inserts that absorb milk.
- It is desirable to have no hard bones so as not to disrupt blood flow. For a mother with small breasts, there will be no problem wearing such a model, but if you have a large bust, then choose underwear with soft, flexible bones.
But the main rule: buy a nursing bra only if you are comfortable in it and nothing restricts your movements.
Straps
The convenience of the entire bra design is ensured by its straps. Check that they do not stretch, do not cut into the shoulders, and are wide and elastic. In addition, it should be possible to quickly and conveniently adjust them.
Calyxes
Particular attention should be paid to the cups. They should be easy to open with one hand and expose your breasts, and there should be no seams. The cups can open from the front or top, exposing either only the nipple or most of the breast. The latter are more convenient because they provide tactile contact between the child and the mother. There are also bra models in which the cup opens from the bottom with a zipper, exposing the entire breast. This type of underwear is suitable for all women. In this case, it is not scary if the child stains the breast with milk - the cup will remain dry. The zipper on the clasp is safe and cannot even accidentally pinch the skin of the chest - it is hidden in a special pocket.
Nursing bra: sizes
When choosing a bra size, there are several features: first of all, it is worth remembering that after giving birth, the girth under the breasts will change to a smaller extent, and the breasts themselves will become larger from milk. It is believed that a nursing bra should be one size smaller under the bust and two sizes larger in the cup.
Bra size chart for nursing mothers
According to the European system, bra size is indicated as a number and a letter: 70A, 85D, 90B and so on. The number is the rounded circumference under the bust in centimeters, and the letter is the conventional cup size.
To measure the circumference under the bust, you need to do the following: lower your arms and tightly clasp the measuring tape under the bust. If you are taking measurements alone, then you need to hold the tape with one hand, extending the other along the body.
Calculating the cup size is a little more complicated: to do this, you need to measure the circumference of the chest at the most protruding nipple point. Now from the first value (circumference under the bust) you need to subtract the second (chest circumference). As a result, we get the difference and correlate it with the letter:
difference 10-11 cm - cup A;
- 14-15 cm - cup B;
- 16-17 cm - C cup;
- 18-19 cm - D cup;
- 20-21 cm - E cup.
Now you need to round the first number to the nearest value and add a letter.
- 68-72 cm - rounded to 70;
- 73-77 cm to value 75;
- 78-82 cm to value 80;
- 83-87 cm to value 85;
- 88-92 cm to value 90;
- 92-97 cm to value 95.
Thus, we get the desired bra size.
What time to buy a bra
The question arises: when is it better to start buying a bra: before or after childbirth? Best time for this purpose - immediately before childbirth, at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the breasts are most consistent with the size of the breasts that you will have during breastfeeding. Don't forget to add to this, as mentioned earlier, one more size.
Where to find a bra for breastfeeding, and what is the price for it
Recently, many stores have opened where you can buy a nursing bra. Their cost ranges from 500 to 4000 rubles. The higher the price, the better, more comfortable and functional the underwear will be. You can also purchase a nursing bra in the online store. Be sure to read customer reviews carefully.
Review of the most famous manufacturers, reviews
Today, the product market offers many models of nursing bras from Russian and foreign manufacturers. But despite all the diversity, there are few differences between the models, mainly in the method of opening the cup. What you should pay attention to is the quality of the material and the reliability of the seams.
- The FEST company produces underwear from natural materials, which promotes air circulation. According to reviews from nursing mothers, the cups are elastic, provide good support, and the bra does not put pressure on the breasts. Clips on the cup allow you to unfasten it with one hand. There are no underwires in the bra. Lingerie is quite affordable for everyone, its price ranges from 800 to 1700 rubles.
- Belarusian “Milavitsa” also has a nursing bra in its collection. Underwear for expectant mothers receives only the most positive reviews. The quality of the linen is very high. When sewing, cotton fabric is used, which does not lose its shape. You can choose lingerie with a feminine design. The cups are detachable from the top and are made of soft materials. There are also no bones. Some of the most budget models cost 600 rubles, more expensive ones - 1300 rubles.
- Anita's assortment includes bras with wide straps that are easy to adjust. They reliably support the chest. The clasp at the back has hooks at three levels. Soft underwires help support the breasts. There is also an indicator that can be used to indicate which breast the mother last fed the baby. There is a convenient clip for opening the cup. Product reviews are only good. Anita bras are of very good quality, which is consistent with their price - models cost from 3,000 to 4,000 rubles.
- “Mom’s House” produces bras with cups on a frame, which are conveniently removable and open upward using a clasp. All seams are made with high quality and pleasant to the touch. This underwear is made of microfiber, but it is not inferior to natural fabrics in its qualities, and in some ways even surpasses them - it is more elastic and durable. The products of the “Mom’s House” company are certified and are absolutely safe for mother and baby. Product price - from 1000 rubles.
- The English brand Emma Jane offers not only regular nursing underwear, but also interesting model bra top that can be worn day or night. It is a light and pleasant product, without any adjustment mechanisms. Does not interfere with sleep, supports the chest. Natural cotton fabric. The cup is seamless, made of elastic material, does not cause irritation and is easy to remove. The average price of a night bra is 2,200 rubles.
- The Novosibirsk company Bliss produces cotton underwear with cups that open upward. It makes it easy to feed your baby without undressing. According to product reviews, it holds the chest well, preventing the back from getting tired. Flexible underwires ensure comfortable wearing all day long. The price of the bra is from 3000 rubles.
So, we looked at how to choose a nursing bra and reviewed the best manufacturers. This is an important part of the wardrobe at the moment breastfeeding absolutely irreplaceable. What is important is not so much the aesthetic appearance as the comfort and usefulness of the linen, so choosing it should be approached responsibly and in advance.
Modern women are accustomed to planning everything and scheduling their lives point by point. This approach applies not only to the profession, but also to personal life. The habit of thinking things through in particular makes sense during pregnancy. Almost every expectant mother carefully prepares for this honorable and at the same time responsible status. And here it is important to take everything into account, because even the smallest details can make life easier at the most opportune moment.
Underwear for nursing mothers
In the process of preparing for the trip to the maternity hospital, both diapers and undershirts for the baby, and comfortable clothes for the mother are selected. The most necessary elements of clothing for a woman who is going to breastfeed her child include: with side fastenings, comfortable wraparound dressing gowns, special underwear in the form of a bra for nursing mothers, etc. There is often debate about the latter, whether it is needed at all or whether it is enough to use the usual option without spending extra money.
In this matter, you need to figure out what a nursing bra is used for. Its most important advantage is the creation of convenience for breastfeeding, so that nothing interferes with both mother and baby during this sacrament. An ordinary bra will not create such comfort if its cups do not open individually. Therefore, you should not save on basic things, so as not to create unnecessary problems for yourself.
How should you choose?
Firstly, it is worth noting the place of purchase of such a specific bra. Many obstetricians and gynecologists do not recommend purchasing it on the mass market for many reasons, the main one of which is the dubious quality of the product. It’s better to go to a specialized lingerie store, where an experienced sales consultant will advise and select underwear for a specific figure.
Secondly, how to choose a nursing bra if the consultant does not have the information and you have to make a decision yourself? In this case, do not be upset: there are several specific selection criteria.
The cups of the bra should open and close so that this can be done with one hand, because the second hand will support the baby.
The nursing bra should be designed in such a way that it supports the breasts from below, otherwise it will be inconvenient to fasten and feed.
A must-have item is the right size. Cups that are too narrow can compress the breasts so much that it will lead to blockage of the milk ducts, and as a result, serious breast diseases. A bra that is too loose will not support the breasts in the desired position, and milk leakage may occur.
What should you pay attention to?
It's no secret that the right nursing bra will not only contribute to a comfortable breastfeeding process, but will also ensure a good mood for the nursing mother. After all, if the cups take a long time to open or close due to a complex clasp, this can lead to nervousness. To avoid problems, it is better to immediately take a closer look at the chosen option from all sides.
So, you should definitely check whether the cups at the front open completely. This option is very inconvenient, because after finishing feeding it will be problematic to place the breast back.
You should also avoid seeds, especially in the first month after childbirth. The pits can obstruct the flow of milk in the area where they are located. The problem with bunions often occurs in pregnant women who complain of abdominal discomfort when sitting on a chair or sofa.
Material for making bras
When choosing the top part of underwear, you should always take into account that a nursing bra is not a simple item of clothing, but primarily a means of facilitating and creating maximum comfort.
Comfort is impossible if the fabric of underwear does not “breathe”, that is, it does not allow air and moisture to pass through. Thus, synthetic fabrics for the most part do not absorb moisture, which collects on the chest around the nipples, where, over time, harmful bacteria quickly multiply, causing inflammation. Among different types The most reliable materials are 100% cotton, which is perfect for any skin type and does not cause allergies.
Also, you should not buy bras that initially have various films or plastic inserts sewn into them. They do not carry any benefit, but only serve to increase prices as another marketing ploy by the manufacturer.
Determining the size
Many pregnant women wonder how to guess which one will be needed after childbirth. Experts offer several recommendations regarding this topic.
It is advisable to buy a nursing bra whose dimensions (cups and girth) chest) will be one or two points more. Moreover, it is better to make the purchase at a later date, since by this time the breasts are already very full. This bra is suitable for the first month after giving birth.
Required quantity
At the moment when the nursing mother has finally settled down, you can buy a few more bras that fit exactly in size. It is better to take at least three, because they have to be changed and washed often, especially in the summer.
On many bras, manufacturers have thought out a convenient move in advance: several rows of hooks are sewn on the back in order to adjust the width and compensate for changes in breast size. There are also often additional options for larger cups.
Purchasing from a catalog
Not all ladies during pregnancy have the opportunity to go to the store, try on and personally choose the underwear they like. There are times when there is simply not enough time to go shopping, or the condition of a pregnant woman is so critical that she has to stay in a hospital for support. This is where the Internet comes to the rescue or where you can order everything you like.
However, with such a remote order, there is a risk of making a mistake and not guessing with the shape or size of the nursing bra. This leads to unnecessary problems: returns, replacement with another option, etc.
It’s better not to rush into choosing, but to take a closer look at what the nursing bra looks like on the model. Photos in online stores are usually presented in close-up so that you can see all the nuances: general appearance, cup shape, style, color, fasteners, decor, etc.
It is advisable to call the contact phone numbers before making your final choice and consult with the seller on how to measure yourself correctly and choose the exact bra size. Women with large breasts should pay attention not only to size and shape, but also to additional support.
You will probably be purchasing a new bra for quite some time. early pregnancy. Breast change begins as early as the first trimester, and most mothers outgrow their pre-pregnancy bras as well as their old jeans.
If you're shopping for a new bra while pregnant, look ahead and buy a nursing bra. It may not fit right after childbirth, when the breasts swell at the beginning of lactation. But it will come in handy at some point in your successful breastfeeding.
What to look for when purchasing?
Buy only one bra of a certain type at first to test it out. When you find that you really like the bra, you can buy more. When choosing a bra, keep the following factors in mind:
– The cups should be easy to open with one hand. If you can reattach them with one hand, even better. Remember that your other hand will be holding a hungry child. For breastfeeding in public, choose a bra with clasps that you can open with one hand without looking at them.
– The bra should support the breasts from below, even when the cups are open. This makes feeding more convenient and fastening your bra without interference.
– Avoid nursing bras that open all the way at the front. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time when it comes to placing your breasts back in place after feeding.
– Nursing bras should fit comfortably. Tight bras can lead to clogged milk ducts and breast infections in areas of the breasts that are compressed by straps or underwires, blocking the flow of milk.
– Avoid bunions, especially in the first weeks after birth. If you choose a bra with underwire, be very careful in choosing the size. The breast tissue that produces milk stretches all the time from your chest up to your armpits. The “bones” can obstruct the flow of milk through the ducts in this area. (These types of bras can also be uncomfortable to wear during pregnancy. The underwire can dig into your high belly every time you sit down.)
– The cups should be made of a breathable fabric, such as 100 percent cotton or one of the newer synthetic fabrics that also allow the skin to breathe. Many synthetic fabrics collect moisture near the nipples and cause bacterial and yeast growth and inflammation. Avoid buying bras with plastic films.
You need at least three bras: one on you, one in the wash, and one in your closet. If you have a little more of them, then you can wash them less often.
Bra size
How do you know what size bra to buy? After childbirth, the breasts change greatly. Here are some methodological recommendations:
– Your breasts will increase considerably after childbirth, so you can buy one or two less expensive bras for later pregnancy, a size larger in chest circumference and a larger cup size than what you are wearing. They will come in handy in the first weeks after giving birth.
– Once your breast size has settled, usually after the second week, buy additional bras that fit better.
– Most nursing bras have multiple rows of hooks on the back to accommodate changes in breast size and expansion of the ribcage during pregnancy. If you buy a bra that fastens well with a second row of hooks, you have the option of going up a little and going down a little. Because the cups open from the side, most nursing bras also have a little room to increase the cup size.
– If you are purchasing a bra from a catalogue, follow the seller's instructions when measuring to determine the correct size.
– Women with large breasts need a bra with extra support.
There are a variety of nursing bra designs available today. Many of them are very attractive. Some mothers feel that they need to be very careful about how their bra fits while breastfeeding. Others, especially those with small breasts, are more lax with their bra choices over time. Some women just don't wear it. And someone might choose a stretchable bra, not intended for nursing, that can be lifted above the chest and then lowered again.
Is it absolutely necessary for you to wear a bra while breastfeeding? Will this prevent sagging and stretching? Breast size and shape depend largely on heredity, and even women who have not breastfed find that their breasts change after pregnancy. Some mothers feel that their breasts become smaller and sag after weaning, but become firmer again after a month.
Most mothers feel more comfortable wearing a bra, but a lot depends on what you're used to. Go boldly and choose what's right for you.
During pregnancy, your body changes and prepares for breastfeeding, so finding the right supportive maternity and breastfeeding bra is especially important.
Benefits of different types of bras for pregnant and nursing mothers
Wearing a bra that is too tight is unlikely to bring pleasure. But it is quite difficult to predict how breasts will change during pregnancy and after childbirth: every woman’s body is unique and changes differently. Some breasts increase by only one size, while others may grow three sizes or even more. Therefore, it is recommended to wear smartly designed bras and tank tops that can adapt to changes in body shape and provide you with constant comfort.
During the day, it is best to wear a comfortable, seamless nursing bra—wireless but supportive. You can start wearing such a bra during pregnancy, when your regular bras become too small for you. During breastfeeding, it is good to use bras with detachable cups - this way you can feed your baby simply and discreetly.
At night, you should wear a comfortable, breathable sleep bra that will keep 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 breasts correctly. This can be done at home in a comfortable environment or in a store with the help of a specialist. Every woman is unique, so measurement is the very first and most important step.
Once you have decided on your size, try on the bra to make sure you are comfortable in it. At the same time, you can check whether the bra has comfortable clasps and detachable cups, whether you are satisfied with its shape and quality of material, how well it supports your breasts, whether it is invisible under clothes, and so on.
Check whether it is convenient to unfasten the bra clasps with one hand. This is important because you will have to unfasten and fasten them with one hand all the time - you will be holding the baby with the other.
Bra size calculator
Here is your size:
All women are unique, and Medela thinks about each of them. If you cannot find your size in the Medela chart, we recommend choosing the size that is closest to your measurements.
Remember that every woman is unique, so size is only a guide. We recommend trying on bras before purchasing to choose the most suitable option 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 will look great at the same time.
When I was twelve years old, and my breasts were just beginning to acquire appetizing round shapes, my great-aunt, an experienced doctor, told me not to rush into buying a bra. That it relaxes the chest muscles and only spoils the shape. I followed her advice honestly. Wearing beautiful lace lingerie only under transparent blouses and on romantic dates.
By the age of twenty-four, I had firm breast size three. Even during pregnancy, I went without a bra. But after the birth of a tiny baby, in just a couple of days, my breasts became so heavy that I realized: now I can’t live without this part of a woman’s wardrobe! And after being discharged from the maternity hospital, we went straight to the store for goods for mother and baby. Of course, I, like probably the majority of mothers of the first-born, believed that without a special bra, feeding a baby is unacceptable, impossible, wrong, and a bunch of other “no’s.”
My first savior was the Italian company Mama Mawi. It cost three times more than ordinary linen. Probably because the flight from Italy was not cheap. But do mothers have common sense? It is especially dangerous for fathers of newborns to get into arguments with their mothers. As soon as you mention the overpriced price of a product, you will receive big, saddened eyes in response and hear: “Do you even feel sorry for a bra for the princess? She tried her best for you! A princess or little princess gave birth. And you... I didn’t expect it! Lyuska has a good husband! He gave her a diamond ring for the birth of her son. And you... You got angry because of some bra”... Therefore, as a rule, newly-minted daddies pay for the extravagances of their extremely happy wives silently, without any comments. For the benefit of the whole family.
The bra was snow-white. Made from 100% cotton. With a flirty bow in the middle. Part of the cup was opened and lowered during feeding using a special clamp. Seems like an ideal option for mom.
At first it was like this. And after two weeks and four hand washes, the snow-whiteness of my bra turned to whiteness. I like my things to be in perfect order and color. Therefore, the changes in the “packaging” for the most expensive baby treat in the world somewhat saddened the part of me that is responsible for aesthetic pleasure from the surrounding reality.
Since as soon as my mother couldn’t stop being sad, the sadness gets into the baby’s body along with the milk and causes him stress, we went to the store again and bought exactly the same underwear for me, only beige.
What friendly salespeople there are in stores for mothers and babies! They noted the beauty of my baby, they didn’t forget my size, which, by the way, increased from a three to a five after giving birth, and they wished me a good day. Real sweet-voiced sirens that make you come back to their store again and again!
And again I was happy for two weeks. I thanked my husband with all my heart for being so kind and attentive to me and for buying me the most wonderful bra in the world. She lamented that not all mothers can afford to buy special underwear. How do they live, unfortunate ones? I even started searching the Internet for mothers in need so that I could send several such a bra as a gift for the birth of a baby.
And then my breasts began to decrease in size at night, devastated by my daughter’s greedy mouth. This caused the milk trap inserts to move during sleep, and I would wake up with a wet bra. Which was completely unpleasant. Since the bra was made of thick cotton, it took a long time to dry. Due to the increased frequency of washing, my bra was already covered with unsightly pellets after three and a half weeks. In addition to these troubles, the clip on the bra periodically unfastened on its own, which also contributed to milk leakage. And the baby sometimes chewed the fabric along with her breasts, which only dropped to half a cup.
The question of purchasing linen was raised again. This time we preferred the German Anita. The label stated that the brand had been in existence since 1886. That's why we thought that now we've definitely done it right choice. Moreover, the saleswoman assured us that thanks to the seamless cups and microfiber in the composition, the bra is not felt at all on the body. This was an undeniable advantage, since sleeping in a bra, and sleeping without it was not possible due to large quantity milk, became quite tiresome for me.
This time I chose black. Here the cup reclined completely when feeding. The clamps were tight and did not cause any trouble. Only over time I began to simply lower the cup under my breasts, without fiddling with the tricky design of the underwear. It turned out that my somewhat barbaric method is in no way inferior to linen progress. Simply deflating the cup is even faster and more comfortable.
If the milk leaked, the bra dried instantly, without causing discomfort when worn. Looked like new after multiple washes. The milk inserts did not move off during sleep. Only the last one left much to be desired. I continued to feel the bra on my body, which made it difficult to fall asleep.
The happy ending in my story happened after a chance visit to a sports store, where I bought a top with straps that covered my chest, made of microfiber. Thanks to the absence of a fastener, it was really not felt on the body. It cost five times less than the same Anita, was easily washed without deforming, dried quickly, thanks to the elasticity of the material, lowered without any problems so that my child could eat to his fill... And even the jumps in the size of my breasts were not scary for him. It adapted to the body. I have never leaked milk in it. So I repeated my trip to the sports store and bought a couple more of the same tops in different colors.
To summarize everything that has been written, we can highlight several points for choosing the ideal nursing bra:
- The fewer seams and details on the underwear, the more comfortable you will feel in it. How simpler model, all the better!
- Give preference to microfiber over all possible fabrics. It is wear-resistant, dries quickly, is easy to wash, does not require additional care, retains its presentation for a long time, and adapts to changes in the breast.
- Do not buy several bras of the model you like at once! Start with one copy. Wear it, get used to it, listen to your feelings.
- Try to avoid white as it is impractical! Choose models in cream, nude, and beige shades.
- You don't have to buy special nursing bras. You can buy a simple bra at a regular lingerie store. The main thing is that its cup is elastic and falls down easily.
- If you, like the Princess and the Pea, are hypersensitive and sleeping in a bra makes you uncomfortable, opt for a sports top.
Enjoy your breastfeeding with the blissful face of the most wonderful baby in the world!