style | nursing bras

Good style starts with the right undergarments.  At the very least you want a bra that fits well, doesn't pinch or sag, and looks smooth under clothes.  Looking cute and/or sexy is a huge plus, but now, on top of all that, you need a bra that also opens easily (but not too easily!) for nursing access.  Oh, and a little bit of stretch is nice for the times when your boobs aren't the same size because your baby only ate on one side (how's that for sexy?).  That's a lot to ask of a bra, and at first search it may seem impossible to find one that delivers on everything.  I tried on dozens of bras in different sizes and styles before I finally found my perfect everyday bra.  I can't believe I'm admitting this on the internet, but I actually do wear it just about every day, and I should probably buy a second one so I can rotate more often.

My daughter is 10.5 months, and I'm at the point where my milk supply is established, my boobs are usually the same size, and I no longer need to use nursing pads.  However, there are a few things I wish I would have known when I first went out shopping for nursing bras.  If you're pregnant or a new mom, here are a few things that may be helpful to know:

1) You probably don't want to buy a nursing bra before you have your baby and start nursing!  You may think you know about how big your boobs will get, but it could really, really surprise you!  You may get larger than you ever imagined (this is coming from a former 32B cup, now sporting 32DDD's), OR you may only gain a cup size and the 3-sizes-too-large bra you purchased will be going right back to the store.  It's best to wait a few weeks to allow your milk supply (and cup size) to stabilize and then go try on bras.

2) Your probably wondering, "So what the heck am I supposed to wear for 2 whole weeks if I don't have a nursing bra?!".  Well, there are a few great options for the in-between time.  Some nursing bras (also called sleep bras) are designed with super soft, stretchy cups (kind of like a loose sports bra) that will provide comfort and support even if your boobs are feeling especially large or small while you're milk supply establishes.  Even though mine was technically called a sleep bra, I wore it all the time during the first month or so.  When I wasn't wearing a soft-cup bra, I was wearing a nursing tank top.  I  LOVE nursing tanks!!  Nursing tanks are great because you don't need to wear a bra underneath if you don't want to.  You can wear them with a bra, and many people do, but you don't have to double-up if you don't want to because most have a built in shelf bra.  The shelf bra combined with nursing pads usually provides plenty of coverage for those first few weeks home from the hospital when you aren't going out of the house quite as much as normal.  I didn't take a nursing bra to the hospital, but I'm so glad I took my black nursing tank top.  I wore it most of the time I was there (when I wasn't in a butt breeze gown).

3) To contradict my first point, even if you wait several weeks to buy a bra, one bra may not fit forever.  It's best to not go overboard and buy 5 or 6 bras in one size because, because, as you lose weight and your body shape changes, you may need to go down a size if you nurse for an extended time.

4) Take a pair of nursing pads with you when you try on nursing bras.  Most nursing pads aren't incredibly thick, but depending on the padding and fabric of the bra you purchase, you may find that they show through or don't fit comfortably.  Since you'll be wearing those pads everyday, all-day for the first couple months or so, you'll definitely want to make sure they fit well and don't show in whatever bra you purchase.  

5)  If you find a bra you absolutely love, do yourself a favor and buy two.  This is where I need to take my own advice.  When I finally found "the one" it was more than I had been wanting to spend so I only bought one.   I survive just fine with one good bra and a few not-so-good bras, but the days when I have to wear "the other bra" I'm uncharacteristically grouchy.  Just kidding.  Kinda.

6) Buy a bra with enough coverage that you don't have to rely on nursing pads to avoid "exposure".  You won't have to use nursing pads forever (believe it or not), so make sure the cups of your nursing bra are padded enough that you feel confident wearing it without the extra thickness and coverage that nursing pads provide.  Most soft cup bras are super comfortable but may not be ideal for wearing out and about without nursing pads.  I have a soft cup nursing bra that is like wearing a soft, snuggly, supportive cloud, but I can't wear it out to the grocery store with only a t-shirt unless I completely avoid the entire refrigerated/frozen foods section.  

Now that you have the basic nursing bra info, here are my recommendations for a well-stocked nursing undergarment collection.  In total you'll want:

• 2-3 nursing tank tops in neutral colors
• 1-2 soft cup/sleep nursing bras
• 2 all-purpose everyday nursing bras    

Here's my pick for the best nursing bra for v-neck shirts: Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Nursing Micro Wirefree Bra.

This bra doesn't have a huge range of sizes which is incredibly unfortunate, but if you can find your size it is totally worth it.  It's a very low-cost bra, and it adds versatility to your wardrobe with its deep plunge.  Be forewarned, the band stretches a bit so buy a band size that is snug on the largest or middle hook so you can move to a smaller hook as it stretches out.  This bra is the most "normal" looking nursing bra I have found, and it is fantastic for v-neck t-shirts or lower cut shirts/dresses!  This one is husband approved as actually looking "sexy".  While the reviews aren't great on the Target website, I love this bra as do many mamas from whom I have personally heard from but clearly didn't leave a review.  It's definitely worth a try, if you can find your size!   

Here's my pick for the best brand-name sleep/soft cup bra: Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.

This is a great-fitting and very comfortable bra!  In general, if you prefer soft cup bras then you will probably LOVE this one!  Even though this bra has awesome removable, molded foam cups, I still prefer something with a little more shape (more "real" bra-like), so I didn't keep this one as my everyday bra even though I loved the fit and support.  Also, this bra comes in small, medium, large, and extra large sizing which is kind of nice for the early weeks when you don't know exactly where your cup size will stabilize.  Check out the Bravado size guide here since Amazon just links to a generic size guide which doesn't help in the slightest.
  
Best low-cost sleep/soft cup bra: Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Comfort Nursing Bra.

This bra comes in some really pretty colors and prints, and is probably the cutest soft cup bra I have seen.  It is sized small, medium, large, x-large, AND xx-large, similar to the Bravado one, but it rings in at less than half the cost.  This was my pick for the first couple weeks/months because I knew it wasn't a bra I would want to wear forever, and I wanted to spend my big bucks on a regular cup nursing bra.  If you want a soft cup bra for everyday then I would recommend going with the Bravado one.  If you plan to wear a soft cup bra for the few months and then only occasionally, go with this one.                     

Best brand-name nursing tank top: Bravado Designs Essential Nursing bra camisole.

This nursing tank is very supportive which makes me want to say that it's great for the larger chested ladies, but it's also more low cut which might make it not so great for the large chested depending on how much skin you are comfortable showing.  It's an incredibly flattering tank thanks to the scoop neckline and light ruching, and it feels and looks very feminine   This is a tank that really needs to be tried on, because it might work perfectly for you, or you might find it supportive yet uncomfortably low-cut.  One huge bonus - this tank comes in a plethora of sizes!

Best low-cost nursing tank top: Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Cotton Nursing Cami.

You could buy two of these tanks for the price of one of the Bravado tanks, but it is more basic and a little less supportive.  This tank does layer better than the Bravado thanks to its higher and smoother neckline which makes it a little more versatile.  All in all, a good tank at a good price!  You can find these tanks in most Target stores in the undergarments/sleep-ware department which is a nice bonus.     

Finally, here is my pick for the best-of-the-best everyday bra: Bravado Designs Allure Nursing Bra.

I absolutely LOVE this bra!  It comes in a large variety of sizes - especially hard-to-find small band/large cup sizes.  It's flattering and looks smooth under shirts, but it has enough detail to look pretty even as a basic everyday bra.  Check out the beautiful lace detail on the sides and back:

The cups fold down easily for nursing, though the clasps did stick a bit initially.  However, after a few uses the clasps were easy to open and close one-handed.  I love that this looks and feels like a "normal" bra while still functioning as a nursing bra!  This bra DOES have underwire which can be a huge no-no for nursing moms.  However, the underwire in this bra is designed to avoid constriction of breast tissue and is lactation consultant approved and safe for nursing!  Hurray!