If you’re new to nursing a baby, navigating the nursing bra section at the store can feel daunting. Like many, you may prefer turning to online resources to avoid feeling confused and overwhelmed amidst the aisles.
Whether you’re anticipating your baby’s arrival or already caring for your little one, you’ve likely realized the significance of nursing bras. It’s common to prioritize preparations for your newborn and overlook your own postpartum needs.
The encouraging news is that nursing bras are generally user-friendly, and the market offers numerous comfortable and stylish options. All nursing bras share the primary function of providing convenient access for breastfeeding. The key lies in discovering the style and fit that suit your preferences and needs.
How to get the right fit
If you’re shopping during pregnancy, it’s advisable to anticipate at least a one-cup size increase from your current size. Additionally, if your rib cage has expanded significantly during pregnancy, you might find it necessary to increase your band size, at least temporarily, particularly during the initial month or two postpartum.
In the postpartum period, as your milk supply stabilizes and your body undergoes further changes, it’s likely that your bra size will fluctuate. You may observe variations throughout the day as your breasts fill with milk and then empty during nursing sessions. Many nursing bras, especially those designed for sleep and comfort, offer flexibility and adaptability, reducing the need for frequent purchases. One notable option we endorse is the Wrap Maternity and Nursing Sleep Bra from Motherhood Maternity due to its stretchiness and thick straps, ensuring maximum comfort.
Given the paramount importance of size for a comfortable fit, we also recommend considering ThirdLove Nursing Bras. ThirdLove provides comprehensive guidance on its website, access to fit experts, and offers a 60-day fit guarantee, all from the convenience of your home. Let’s acknowledge the challenge of going to a store for measurements or attempting self-measurement at home with a newborn—it’s no easy task.
Once you determine your size, you’ll need to deliberate on the type (or types) of nursing bras to purchase. It’s prudent to have at least three bras on hand, and likely more. Even if you’re not accustomed to washing your bras frequently, you’ll find it necessary as your nursing bras inevitably become soiled with milk, spit-up, and other baby-related substances. Understanding the functionality of each type of nursing bra can assist you in making informed decisions about your purchase.
Read Also: Why are sports bras important and 7 ways to find the right sports bra
How to use a traditional drop-cup nursing bra
My preferred type of nursing bra is the traditional drop cup style, as I find it the most comfortable and supportive. Resembling a regular bra, it may or may not feature a back clasp. When it’s time to nurse, simply unhook the clasp at the top of the cup on the desired side.
To unhook the clasp on the right side:
- Position your right thumb under the clasp.
- Optionally, grasp the right bra strap just above the clasp with your left hand. Depending on the ease of unhooking, you may not require both hands.
- Lift the clasp from underneath using your right thumb.
- Pull the clasp upward and away from your body.
- Lower the cup down.
- After nursing, re-fasten the clasp.
While the cup is lowered for nursing, you’ll notice a fabric piece extending to the bottom of the cup to keep the strap in place. This design ensures that your other breast remains covered and supported while you nurse on one side.
It’s worth noting that many traditional nursing bras omit underwire due to concerns about potential clogged ducts and mastitis. While there’s no conclusive evidence supporting this concern, some may find underwire bras uncomfortable during nursing, especially during the initial stages of milk production and regulation.
However, some women feel they lack sufficient support without underwire. Among the aforementioned options, only the ThirdLove bra includes underwire.
How to use a front- or middle-clasp nursing bra
Picture your standard bra, but instead of the back clasps, imagine them positioned in the front between your breasts—that’s essentially a front or middle-clasp nursing bra. Using this bra is straightforward: just unfasten the front clasp, and both breasts are readily accessible for nursing.
This style of nursing bra proves invaluable in situations where simultaneous access to both breasts is necessary, such as:
- Nursing twins
- Tandem nursing an infant and a toddler
- Simultaneously nursing and pumping
- Engaging in skin-to-skin contact with a newborn while maintaining access to breasts.
Non-clasp or sleep nursing bras are usually crafted from soft fabric and provide gentle support to keep your breasts comfortably positioned during sleep or while relaxing at home. Particularly beneficial during the initial stages of nursing when leakage is more common, these bras aid in securing nursing pads in place.
Using them is straightforward: merely pull the fabric to the side of the breast you intend to nurse on. This simple action grants easy access for breastfeeding without the need for clasps or closures.
How to use a specialty or pumping bra
Although they may seem perplexing initially, pumping bras offer unparalleled convenience, especially for multitasking moms who need to attend to their children, work, or manage various tasks while expressing milk. These bras provide the freedom to accomplish other tasks while efficiently collecting your valuable breast milk.
Pumping bras empower you to pump hands-free, allowing you to multitask seamlessly. They even enable simultaneous pumping and nursing if needed.
While each pumping bra may have its unique features, the general steps for using one are as follows:
- Slide or unzip the fabric to gain access to your breast.
- Position a breast shield in place.
- Adjust the fabric to secure the shield in position.
- Attach the pump to the shield.
- Pump hands-free, allowing you to carry on with your activities while expressing milk.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of using a nursing bra is pivotal for new mothers navigating the journey of breastfeeding. From traditional drop cup styles to front-clasp designs and non-clasp sleep bras, each type serves its unique purpose, providing comfort, support, and convenience tailored to the needs of breastfeeding mothers.
Understanding how to use each type of nursing bra empowers mothers to breastfeed with ease and confidence, whether at home, in public, or while multitasking. From simple unhooking mechanisms to hands-free pumping capabilities, the versatility of nursing bras accommodates the dynamic demands of motherhood.
By familiarizing themselves with the different types of nursing bras and their functionalities, mothers can optimize their breastfeeding experience while prioritizing comfort and convenience. Ultimately, mastering the use of nursing bras enhances the bonding experience between mother and child while facilitating the seamless integration of breastfeeding into daily life.