Tips for Choosing the Perfect Nursing Bra

To start with, here’s the simplest answer to what exactly a nursing bra is – a bra that has features that allow for easy access to the breast for breastfeeding your little bundle of joy. Finding a perfect nursing bra which offers the right support, comfort, fit and feel is an important step in the journey of nursing and motherhood. Many women may often find that the shape of their breasts constantly changes during pregnancy and nursing.

Not having enough support when your breasts need it the most, can make lactating a painful and uncomfortable experience. Thus, a functional and snug fit nursing bra is definitely essential in a nursing mother’s innerwear collection. With so many options available on the market and conflicting information all around, buying bras online can be stressful enough.

Buying the right nursing bra for a changing body of a mother, can be even more overwhelming and challenging at the same time. But worry not! We have rounded up a few tips which can help you get your hands on the right and the perfect nursing bra to provide you ample support and comfort for this important phase of your life.

Finding the right fit.

It’s highly likely that your breasts will continue to change in size throughout your pregnancy period and post-delivery. So, before you buy a nursing bra, it is crucial to take two simple measurements: under-bust and bust. To find your under-bust measurement, wrap the measuring tape around your body, directly under your breasts. The measuring tape should be straight around your torso and well-fitted but not tight.

Round this measurement up to the nearest even number, for example, anywhere between 31.5 inches to 34 inches will be considered a band size of 34. To find your bust measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breast (nursing mom should measure before feeding). Your cup size is determined by subtracting your band size from your bust measurement.

This difference corresponds to a letter. For example, if your bust measurement is 38 inches and your band size is 34, the difference of 3 inches equals a C cup.

Styles and the right function.

Just like any other type of women innerwear, standard bras and panties, nursing bras come in a variety of styles to suit specific function and needs.

• Sleep/ Comfort Bras: A simple crossover design which is ideal for the initial postpartum phase since they offer easy breastfeeding access as you and the little one gets used to nursing. These bras are super smooth, made of breathable material and easily accommodates the changes in breast size over the nursing period.
• Contoured Cup Bras: Features a smooth design that looks nice under your clothes, but they still have cups designed to fold-down to allow nursing access. These are better-structured in comparison to other types of nursing bras.
• Clip-down Bras: This style of maternity bra provides great support and is an ideal choice for nursing mothers who are working, running errands or engaging in similar activities.

Comfort is key.

Comfort should be at the top of your priority list while buying a nursing bra. Nursing bras that are 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and Lycra are some options you can look out for. Additionally, make sure that the material is breathable and the cups accommodates your changing breast size. Padded Bra cups should be lined with cotton or other breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, and the lining should be seamless to avoid nipple irritation. Material that is non-breathable can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth and soreness.

Finding the right feel.

Once you’ve understood the fit, style and function, it is important to figure out the ‘right feel’. You should not struggle to put on a new bra, the band should be low and even under your breasts and around your back. Try moving around a bit to see if it gives you the expected comfort and support. To make things a tad bit easier, the following would be the signs if your nursing bra is too big:

• The cups have wrinkles.
• Your breasts slip out from the bottom of the cup.
• The strap slides off your shoulder, even after tightening it.
• The band rides up in the back.

Signs that your nursing bra is too small:

• The centre is not laying flat between your breasts.
• The strap dug into your shoulders and leaves strain marks.
• Your breasts spill out from the top or side of the cups.

No poking and slipping around. It may seem like a Herculean task to find a nursing bra which gives you the right feel, but your body will thank you for taking the time to pick the right one.

Wire-free is the best.

Most nursing mothers often face the dilemma about wearing an underwire bra while nursing as it is said that the wire could inhibit blood flow and affect the milk production or lead to a clogged duct. To avoid such issues, wire-free nursing bras are best recommended. Wire-free nursing bras feature the same support under the bust, without the under-wire.

Easy to use.

During nursing, you’d want to be able to undo the bra cup with a single hand while holding the baby with the other. Thus, buy a nursing bra online with drop-down cups and nursing clips that are easy to unsnap. Straps with adjustable sliders on the front are also an additional feature which makes nursing easier. A variety of styles, patterns and fits are available online these days.

Mothers juggling with work and motherhood can buy maternity bras online to save time for a trip to the store. While making the purchase online, remember to invest in a good quality brand, read the reviews and be sure to use the size charts or fit guides available to understand about the size and fit, as it may differ from brand to brand. Keeping these tips in mind, you’re bound to find a nursing bra that suits your needs and style the best.

Check out nursing bra collection from VStar, with double layered cotton knitted inner fabric to provide you with utmost comfort and support throughout your nursing journey.