How to choose a nursing bra?

A special bra is equally necessary for all nursing mothers, regardless of breast size. It not only helps to avoid stretch marks and sagging, but also ensures proper hygiene. However, only properly selected bras can cope with these functions.

Criteria for choosing a nursing bra

The list of familiar landmarks - size, material, height and shape of the cups - is supplemented with several new items during pregnancy and childbirth. A woman preparing for motherhood should consider the following points and recommendations:

  1. mother with babyCups should open and close easily. Nursing mothers are forced to cope with this task with one hand, since they have a baby on the other. Because Initially, choose a bra that you can unfasten without looking and in one movement.
  2. The fully reclining front is not always comfortable. Especially when the bust is very voluminous.This bra design causes the greatest discomfort when you need to quickly fasten the bra.
  3. Tight bras cause blockage and further inflammation of the milk ducts. 2 fingers should fit between the back and the buttoned bust.
  4. Models with underwires are contraindicated in the first few weeks of the postpartum period.

Attention! The minimum set of bras for a nursing mother with established lactation includes 3 pieces. One is worn, the second is in the wash or drying, the third is ready to be put on.

Material quality

blue nursing braThe fabric must be elastic. Before feeding, the breasts swell and become heavier, afterward they become lighter and smaller in volume. Due to the ability to stretch and return to its original shape, the correct bra performs its functions equally well both before and after the feeding process.

The second quality criterion is the softness of the bra and the sensation of touching the product. A nursing mother's nipples are more sensitive. In this case, the sucking process often causes microcracks in the areola. To prevent these wounds from chafing, bras are made from very delicate, safe and pleasant to the touch fabrics.

The third fundamental factor is the origin of the material. Linen made from natural fabrics mixed with synthetic fibers dries faster and is more elastic. 100% non-artificial materials breathe much better and are easier to maintain proper hygiene levels. In terms of allergies, everything is individual. Some synthetic fabrics cause an inadequate immune response less often than natural ones.

We can definitely name only the characteristics and elements that should be absent in the case of a nursing bra:

  • push-up inserts;
  • openwork inserts;
  • decorative beads, rhinestones.

Protruding and insufficiently soft decorations and design details can cause harm to both the woman and the child.. For example, he can unnoticed swallow a rhinestone from his mother's bra.

Important! Be sure to smell the underwear before purchasing. An unpleasant odor is one of the indicators of poor quality material.

Comfortable straps

There are 2 ways to quickly unfasten a bra. Some models come with detachable straps, while others have detachable straps. It is impossible to say which design is more convenient. The woman decides this for herself.

What can be said for certain is that thin straps will cut into the skin when filling the bust with milk. Therefore, you need to choose models with wide and elastic straps.

Important! Those with curvy figures need to buy bras with sewn straps. Plastic holders will break due to overvoltage.

Cups by size

cupsBefore lactation is fully established, the breasts are re-formed. Moreover, changes occur very quickly. Much more dynamic than in adolescence. Because It is very important to purchase underwear with cups that fit. They will help avoid sagging. If you choose an excessively narrow model, this can lead to congestion in the chest and inflammation.

Another important feature is the bottom support insert. A good bra will definitely lift your bust a little. It is very important that such a detail matches the line of the breasts in width and shape.. If it is too narrow, then this is also fraught with disruption of milk flow.

How to choose the right size?

white nursing braPeople don’t buy such a thing “for growth” and several months before the due date.. The appearance of colostrum does not guarantee that under the influence of hormones the bust will increase significantly and there will be a need to wear a large bust. Therefore, the rule according to which for the postpartum period you need to purchase bras with cups 2 sizes larger is not confirmed in life.

Much it would be better to wait until later and buy underwear taking into account the behavior of your own body (an adequate assessment of genetics would also be useful).

If your bust has increased since conception, but only slightly, then you should purchase a model that is about 1 size larger than what you have when you visit the store. 0.5 is recommended for thin women who have never had curvy figures, and whose breasts have hardly changed at all during pregnancy (sometimes this happens with athletes). Well, 2 sizes larger are usually purchased in cases where bearing a child has radically rebuilt the body.

Important! The first postpartum bra, bought at random in terms of size, should not be expensive - big expenses will not be justified. It is impossible to predict physiological changes in the body of a particular pregnant woman. There is a high probability that in the first hours after delivery or after 2-3 weeks, the bust will change so much that you will have to buy a model of a completely different type.

A safer solution seems to be to use a nursing bra with multiple rows of hooks. The more there are, the higher the chance that a particular bra will fit in volume after childbirth.

When should I buy it?

gray bustIn the postpartum period, breasts stop changing dramatically in volume at 2–3 weeks. The timing is approximate and depends on the type of birth, characteristics of pregnancy, the number of children and the speed of primary recovery.In this case The only thing we can definitely say is that there is no need to purchase permanent nursing bras earlier than 15 days from the date of birth.

A bra for the maternity hospital is also purchased according to indications. The higher the risk of premature birth, the sooner you will have to buy a bra. Normally, this is done at 8 months. Then, when the doctor starts asking you not to leave the house without a medical card.

Important! Don't buy a whole bunch of postpartum underwear at once, as there is no guarantee that they will suit you in the future. The most indicative is practical application. Thus, the convenience and inconvenience of a particular type of fasteners for folding elements can be judged only after starting breastfeeding and gaining experience in this matter.

Women who have abundant colostrum secretion will have to hurry up with the purchase. For them, nursing bras are a way to ensure normal hygienic conditions for themselves. And you don’t need to wait 8 months for this. You should go to the store as soon as colostrum begins to be released abundantly.. However, a bra purchased during this period of time will most likely later turn out to be useless and inappropriate in size and girth. Therefore, it makes no sense to purchase expensive models.

A little about the manufacturers

Popular brands:

  • FEST;
  • Milavitsa;
  • Anita;
  • Mom's House;
  • Emma Jane;
  • Bliss.

The most affordable option is “Mom’s House” and “FEST”. “Anita” is interesting primarily for its reliable straps, “Milavitsa” – for its variety of styles and style solutions, and “Emma Jane” produces top-busts designed for long-term wear.

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