Finding the perfect nursing bra may seem like a daunting task for a new breastfeeding Mom. Taking in to consideration the fact that her breasts have grown yet again, fitting in to something truly comfortable and supportive may seem like something dreams are made of. Well, here's some great news: gone are the days of dowdy, unsupportive nursing bras. Technology has taken over, and the newest crop of bras will make you feel fantastic, confident and comfortable.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the bra fits perfectly.
- Buy three bras to start out.
- Don't shop earlier than your ninth month of pregnancy.
These are, hands-down, the most comfortable, supportive and fashionable nursing bras around. From the back, they look like a sports bra, and from the front, it is simple to latch and unlatch. The perfect blend of cotton and spandex allows the bra to adjust to your daily fluctuations, without getting stretched out and baggy. In addition, their customer support ("Certified Fitters") is excellent, and they can help you right over the phone to figure out which style and size is best for you, if the sizing grid on their website (or in their snail-mail literature) needs clarification.
You've got to hand it to Elle MacPherson, the Australian supermodel/actress who gained nipple notoriety as a
Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. She launched her Intimates line in 1990, and her nursing bras have gained great popularity among breastfeeding beauties throughout the world. These bras are beautifully designed, very soft and stretch quite well. They also clasp easily and are very supportive.
Fitting in to the "one-less-thing-to-think-about" category, Glamourmom products offer an all-in-one system. Completely stylish and supportive, these nursing bra tanks/shirts allow for complete postpartum tummy coverage and can be worn alone or with another shirt over it. The built-in soft cups are comfortable, and the clasps are very easy to undo.
Getting back to basics, the Playtex nursing bras are inexpensive, simple and supportive. These are great for Moms who can't live without their underwire, but be careful — underwire bras can cause
plugged ducts, which may cause more problems than it's worth. At the same time, these bras are very soft and comfortable, so you're getting good quality for your money.
Comfortable and breathable, Medela nursing bras are the tried-and-true. The fabric stretches well and gives decent support. They also accommodate every breast size imaginable, so no Mom should feel unsupported on that end.
