Finding a comfortable bra that provides shape in any stage of life is like finding gold in the sand, am I right? A great bra can make a huge difference in our comfort and our confidence! Or how about one less thing to worry about when you’re pregnant? Or something pretty and functional to put a little magic into the ups and downs that come with the postpartum time, or as we like to call it around here, the fourth trimester?
Maybe you’ve overheard things from other moms like “{*Sigh*}…It is what it is” or “You just have to get through it” when it comes to maternity bras during pregnancy or nursing bras postpartum. There are a lot of myths out there and today I’ve partnered with Bravado Designs to help shed some light on all this boobie talk and de-bunk anything you’ve heard that you don’t need to worry about! Read through to get a peek into their newest styles and colors, as well as some of their tried-and-true staples, and a Lactation Link exclusive promo code I begged them to give you!
Ok so here they are, 5 Nursing Bra Myths De-bunked!
MYTH #1 There’s no way around it, nursing bras are U-G-L-Y!
De-bunked: Need I say more than this image?
This line is sooooo beautiful! The colors are so complimentary for all skin tones and don’t resemble a traditional, boring old nursing bra AT ALL! Let’s say you’re like the majority of women and are caught still wearing their nursing bra even a year after baby has weaned, there’s no shame when you have one of these beautiful styles on.
{The Invisible nursing bra}
Lindsey’s recommendations:
My favorite for everyday wear: The invisible
Wear with your favorite tee: Buttercup
Sleep bras: Ballet and the Bodysilk Seamless
MYTH #2 It’s impossible to achieve shape while your breastfeeding
De-bunked: Have you heard of or experienced the uni-boob? (Asking for a friend.)
The official definition describes the breasts being lumped together (typically by a spandex-y nursing sports bra type-thing) and results in your chest looking more like one large breast rather than two. Hang on (get it), it’s not a lost cause! With the right fit and structure that provides support but separation (your breasts prefer their own room!), you can still have a shape in your bustline when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Lindsey’s recommendations:
Going out or back to work: The Belle Underwire
Everyday shape: The invisible and The Buttercup
MYTH #3 Wearing an underwire while breastfeeding is a big no-no
De-bunked: It’s been said, “An underwire will cause mastitis.” Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue like plugged ducts or a breast infection. I’m here to tell you: the underwire isn’t necessarily the culprit! The real issue is a bra with a poor fit – this could mean with or without an underwire! If the fabric or underwire of your bra feels like it’s pushing deep into your ribs, or your breast tissue is spilling out the top of the bra, it doesn’t fit right. That poor fit can restrict blood flow and block milk ducts leading to other issues. The bottom line is: don’t be afraid to wear an underwire while breastfeeding if it fits right!
Try this on: The Belle Underwire
Check this out: Bravado designs FIT video
MYTH #4 Pumping is an ordeal even when you’re wearing a nursing bra
De-bunked: Pumping takes time and let’s face it, time is a commodity for moms with an infant! In my online breastfeeding classes, I teach how to get the most milk out in the least amount of time…it involves being hands-free while you pump. Bravado has a great solution – their “Clip and Pump” hands-free accessory which connects to any nursing bra so you can quickly get your pump going – without changing all your clothes several times a day!
Throw this in your pumping bag: Clip and Pump accessory
MYTH #5 Nursing Moms just have to “get by” with discomfort during breastfeeding
De-bunked: If you’re like me, when you get home, your first item of business might be to take your bra off so you can relax! The great thing I’ve found about the Bravado Designs bras are they are designed to fit like an extension of you, so you may not even think about your bra anymore! Keep in mind that your size may change a bit from your pregnancy into the first several days postpartum to when your milk supply regulates (around two weeks postpartum). There are several styles I feel can grow with you and others you may want to wait until your supply regulates or plan on buying two sizes in.
Sleep bra: Ballet, The Original
Everyday: Invisible, Belle, Bodysilk Seamless
Thanks for stopping by today! All my Lactation Link mamas can get 15% off of their entire purchase at Bravado Designs with the code ‘LLINK15’.
Questions about maternity or nursing bras? Leave them in the comments below! How about getting started with my free breastfeeding course? Sign up here.
xo,
Lindsey Shipley, RN, BSN, IBCLC
*This post has been in partnership with Bravado Designs. All opinions are my own.