Nursing Bras

During your pregnancy you will inevitably have bought a number of maternity bras as your breasts will have changed in size, possibly several times.

If you are planning to breastfeed your baby then something you will need to do shortly before your baby is due is to get yourself measured up for good, supportive nursing bras.

Throughout your pregnancy you will probably be busy thinking of all the things you are going to need once your new baby has arrived - from a stroller and a crib right down to diapers and wipes. You may even have planned in advance that you will wear a postpartum girdle . But one of the things that a lot of new mums-to-be forget is that they will need nursing bras.

Bravado Designs Bodysilk Seamless Nursing Bra - Ivory 

It is best to leave getting measured for your nursing bras until shortly before your baby is due as your breast size may continue to increase. Also after the birth, once your milk comes in, your breasts will increase in size again. For this reason it is probably best to buy just one or maybe two breastfeeding bras before the birth and then the rest later.

Nursing bras really are absolutely essential if you are going to be breastfeeding your baby and its certainly not something you should try to do without. It is incredibly awkward to breastfeed whilst wearing a standard bra and you don't want to be making things more difficult for yourself. The design of  nursing bras makes it far easier to feed discreetly when you are in company.

Also if you try to feed when wearing an ordinary bra you run the risk of the material pressing on your breast which can lead to you getting a blocked milk duct. Having a blocked milk duct is an extremely unpleasant experience. It causes significant pain and flu-like symptoms including a fever. It is sometimes referred to as 'milk fever'. This is not something you want to suffer whilst trying to look after a new baby.

Anita Maternity Women's Softcup Nursing Bras #5051

Nursing bras used to be, how shall we put it, 'functional'. They had a tendency to be somewhat matronly in their design and did nothing to make you feel feminine at all. Over the past few years manufacturers seem to have woken up to the fact that we still want nice underwear after we give birth so things have changed and there are some really pretty nursing bras around. Having said that though the most important consideration when choosing a nursing bra should be comfort and fit. This is not the time to put appearance and style first if the cost of doing so is that you feel uncomfortable. If it looks a bit old fashioned but feels great then that is the one to get.

Nursing Sleep Bras

Whilst not wholly necessary some mothers do like to have a nursing sleep bra. You will inevitable be feeding your baby during the night and in the early days maybe even twice or three times. Of course some babies just keep you up all night wanting to feed!

Medela Womens Sleep Nursing Bra - White

A nursing sleep bra is a little bit lighter and therefore more comfortable when you are sleeping. However if you breasts have become very large you may be more comfortable with a daytime bra. Again comfort is the major factor here.

The Nursing Tank

The nursing tank is becoming very popular. They are both comfy and practical. They give you the feeling of wearing 'normal' rather than 'maternity' underwear. Good for keeping you warm in the colder weather too.

Bravado! Maternity Nursing Tank - Assorted Colors