Here
are some tips on choosing the best nursing bra for you.
The best time to buy a nursing
bra is during mid to late pregnancy. By all
means continue to wear pre-pregnancy bras until they are no longer
comfortable, then go out and buy. Make sure the nursing bra you choose
fits properly. This seems like obvious advice but most women don’t buy
conventional bras that fit them correctly! Also, the nursing bra should
allow for the insertion of breast pads. The nursing bra should be made of
a stretchy material so that it moves with you. Finally, all good brands of
nursing bras are very adjustable at both the strap and cup.
The nursing bra you buy should be easy to use. A good
nursing bra will allow easy opening using just one hand – make sure you
can close it one-handed. Most good quality maternity bras come with
plastic clips or hooks and eyes - both are easy to open with one hand,
though hook and eye can be trickier than plastic clips to redo.
The nursing bra should give you good support,
especially if you need a plus size nursing bra. You can avoid back strain
by getting a bra with good support.
Try to buy a nursing bra where the cup is lined with
cotton - although many synthetic materials nowadays do let your skin
breath. The material of the cup should let your skin breathe as sweat
combined with breast milk can cause rashes and mastitis.
Many large-breasted women use under-wire bras as they
like the support such bras provide. When breastfeeding it’s best to avoid
under-wire nursing bras especially in the early postpartum weeks.
Under-wire maternity bras can put pressure on milk glands and may lead to
less milk production or blocked glands. Many modern nursing bras give
ample support without using under-wiring. If you do want to buy an
under-wire nursing bra, then it’s vital that it fits perfectly.
If you're planning on pumping often, you should
consider buying a nursing bra that will work well with a hands free
pumping system.
At nighttime you can wear a light nursing bra that that
is made of stretchy material. These bras simply open by stretching and
lifting the cup over your breast. Nighttime nursing bras are much more
comfortable than day wear nursing bras.
Take care of your nursing bra. Following the
manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry it.
Buy as many nursing bras as you can afford; you need to
change your nursing bra every day.
Nursing bras can be sexy. There are now many pretty,
stylish and sexy nursing bras on the market. Investing in one of these can
be a real ‘pick-me-up’ especially on special occasions.
Buying the best nursing bra for you is not about buying
an expensive or brand-name nursing bra: it's about buying a nursing bra
that fits you perfectly, gives you the support you need, functions well
and is pleasing to wear.