Nursing your baby is an experience you may never forget. The bond between the two of you is special for your relationship and beneficial for your baby. Make your choice of nursing bra by exploring the different types available and making your selection based on lifestyle and personal preferences. The University of Florida recommends buying your nursing bras late in your pregnancy and always wearing a supportive bra to help your breasts maintain their fullness.
Flap Type
Nursing bras have flaps that open to allow your baby to nurse without exposing your entire breast. There are two types of opening styles. The first opens from the top down, where your shoulder strap meets the top of the bra cup and the second opens from the front center of the bra band in between your breasts. Try on both styles to see which suits your needs. Make sure you can open the flap with one hand. When your baby is born, you may find yourself holding the baby with one hand while trying to open the flap with the other.
Sleeping Bra
You can wear a nursing bra to bed if you prefer the additional support during the night. Purchase a soft cotton nursing bra specifically designed for nighttime. Look for a bra that does not bind your breasts or ribcage. Your breasts may leak during the night, and wearing a bra while sleeping enables you to use nursing pads to prevent soaking your pajamas. Avoiding sleeping on your stomach and placing pressure on your breasts.
Sports Bra
After the initial postpartum period, you may be ready to resume or begin an exercise program. Once your doctor gives you permission to workout, wear a sports nursing bra whenever you are active. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, exercise will give you energy and will not hurt your milk supply. Take your pads with you when trying on your sports bra to make certain the pads fit properly. Most sports nursing bras open from the top down.
Underwire Bra
Nursing bras are available in underwire styles. However, some lactation consultants and the California Department of Public Health recommend avoiding underwire nursing bras. An underwire could irritate your milk ducts, particularly during the first few months of nursing. After your baby is a few months old, try on some underwire nursing bras to gauge your comfort level. Look for a bra that has covered wires and fits you properly without the wires digging into your breasts when standing or sitting.
Seamless Bra
As a fashion conscious new mother, you may want to avoid the obvious seams and lace many nursing bras offer. If so, choose a seamless and padded nursing bra to wear under thinner t-shirts and lightweight fabric tops and dresses. Seamless nursing bras generally open from clips at the top of the front straps. Some seamless styles feature removable padding to help accommodate your changing breast shape.
References
- University of Florida: Emotional and Physical Preparation for Breast Feeding
- ConsumerReports.org: Nursing Bras
- Australian Breastfeeding Association: Choosing a Maternity Bra
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Nutrition and Fitness
- California Department of Public Health: Breastfeeding Management for Term and Preterm Infants
