You've decided to breastfeed your baby! Congratulations! Many breastfeeding moms find they are more comfortable with wearing a bra 24 hours a day, particularly in the beginning stages of breastfeeding. Finding the nursing bra that best fits you will help you reach your breastfeeding goals by keeping your breasts healthy and comfortable. Nursing bras are encouraged for new moms because of their increased support versus a traditional bra, as well as ease of day and night time feedings.
There are many different brands and types of nursing bras on the market. Seemless, underwire, softcup, tanks and shelf bras all offer different advantages to the nursing mother. Finding the right nursing bra for you is not all about comfort. The health and safety of your breasts and breast tissue can be affected by ill fitting bras.
What to Look for
The best time to buy a nursing bra is in the final weeks of your pregnancy or when your pregnancy bras become uncomfortable. While breastfeeding, your breasts will naturally fluctuate in size over the course of the day and night. Be sure to have your nursing bra fit at a time when your breasts are at their fullest to accommodate your largest comfortable size. That is when your breast size will be closest to your breastfeeding bra size. You will want to leave enough room for nursing pads also. It is a good idea to have a trained sales clerk measure you for a proper fit rather than estimating your nursing bra size.
There are two ways that a nursing bra can easily provide access to the breast for ease of feeding. One way is a flap. The nursing bra opens and closes the cup to provide access for feeding. Softcup nursing bras are intended to be pushed to the side or upward away from the breast to allow for feeding. Both methods are not available in every style.
Nursing bras come in a variety of fabrics, styles and construction and you should expect to spend $25 to $50 for a good quality nursing bra.
Common Pitfalls
Many healthcare providers discourage nursing bras that use an underwire for support. If the underwire nursing bra is not properly fit and the underwire shifts, it can cause milk duct blockages that could lead to mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the milk ducts usually due to infection. Symptoms of mastitis include pain, redness and warmth of the affected breast, as well as fever, chills and body aches.You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you are suffering from these symptoms. Nursing bras with an underwire should not be slept in for the same reason. Underwire nursing bras provide more significant support and women may be more comfortable in them if they have always used them. They can be used safely if fit properly and worn during the day only.
