Since my husband and I are expecting our first bambino next month, my life is full of changes. Most of them are exciting, like creating a nursery for this little person we haven’t met yet. Some of them are funny, like when the fraud department at my credit card company called and asked if I was really the person spending so much money at Wal-Mart and Babies R Us. (My response? “Yes, I know. I miss Nordstrom, too.”) But some of the upcoming changes are a little scary, and for me, breastfeeding falls in that category.
I’m definitely planning to breastfeed, and I know it’s a natural process and women have been doing it for eons and blah, blah, blah. But it’s intimidating! For example, I only recently learned that newborns eat 8-10 times a day. Seriously? That’s more often than I check email.
If I could just get a handle on the wardrobe issues, though, I’d feel much more confident about the whole thing. Let’s face it: looking good while nursing is the El Dorado of motherhood. I could go on all day about the limited variety and questionable style of most nursing clothes, but I don’t have the luxury of worrying about that because I have yet to find a suitable nursing bra. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that looking good starts with a great-fitting bra.
Since I’m naturally “well-endowed”, I’ve been investing in well-made, supportive bras for as long as I can remember. Wacoal and Chantelle work best for me, and although they cost a pretty penny, I don’t mind spending more for such crucial wardrobe items. But now I’m fretting because my old stand-bys won’t work for nursing.
Further complicating the issue is that—of course—my bust has gotten even bigger during the pregnancy. Something I read said that this is a good sign biologically; it means your body is getting ready for the baby by making sure he can find his food source. Well, I don’t think that will be a problem. Helen Keller could find my bosoms these days.
And now that a supportive bra is even more important than ever, I’m frustrated with the options I’m finding. So I need HELP in a big way! Any D or DD women out there who’ve found nursing bras they love? I’ve heard that underwire styles can be problematic but can’t imagine going without it. Has anyone found a brand that works? BareNecessities.com has many options, but I’m not familiar with the brands and have no idea where to start. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Wife tried when our Son was born. Shame she could not do it. It passes along Antibodies for the Infant. Poor Kid spent month in Hospital getting IV Antibodies after being born and getting sick.
If I remember right (he’s 25 now) your not going lots of places right away so no hurry. Make Dad do all the going places for things.
I can recommend some names……But won’t. Hopefully He/She is very healthy!
I could have written this post…almost a year ago. I am (was) a Wacoal gal (D/DD…depending on the style). The thought of nursing FREAKED me out. I was more worried about that than I was actual labor/delivery. It all worked out and I am still nursing. My girl will be one next month {{sniff, sniff}}
Anyways…I love (LOVE) Bravado. The essential nursing tank ROCKS. I slept in it, wear it under everything. It also has the benefit of covering your tummy while you nurse. I liked this even while at home. It comes in alot of color option (spit up looks awesome on the pink…lol) Really, all of their bras were great. If ou have any other questions, I’ll be happy to answer :-)
and CONGRATULATIONS on your soon to be bundle of joy!!! Enjoy every minute :-)
Amy
akkauz at hotmail dot com
Not a D/DD (was a B pre-baby, maybe a C while nursing) but I can’t say enough good things about Bravado and my larger-chested mama friends swear by Bravado as well. Definitely try out a nursing tank or cami in addition to a bra…the coverage is nice and helps boost your confidence if you nurse around other people.
I would also recommend Bravado nursing bras. They are awesome. You can call Bravado and ask what size you should be buying or you could go for a fitting at a local retailer to see what style you like best. Around here many of the people who sell Bravado do so out of their homes. You may be surprised at how BIG you are going to get once your milk first comes in! I was a B cup before pregnancy and ended up DD. I am currently pregnant with baby #4 and I am still a D. Good luck with your search.
I’ve nursed all 5 of my kiddos and was a LLL Leader for 13 yrs so consider myself an expert – LOL.
The Bravado body silk style fits everybody and is soft and comfy for those early weeks when you are tender and bigger than normal.
After you get in a routine and want some real support, try Anita bras. Worth the price. Their underwires are comfy and supportive, though they don’t ‘really make what you would call a padded t-shirt bra. I wear a 36E in Anita. Their cup sizes run small so order up. The herroom website has good sizing and reviews.
Thank you for the well wishes and the advice! Sounds like Bravado is a great option to start with. Many, many thanks for the feedback, ladies. I am still a bit intimidated but definitely looking forward to this new challenge!
This Elle MacPherson Maternelle is great. f
I also like the Bravado body silk seamless nursing bra, as well as the Bravado nursing tank.
Anita didn’t work for me. I think the clasp was not as easy as the others.
I’m nursing my 3rd right now–and have found this particular Bravado and the Elle MacPherson to be the best (I’m 34D-DD after things settle down, but each time have started at 38DD-E).
I take back my Bravado recommendation:
http://justwestofcrunchy.com/2011/04/01/bravado-sells-out-for-the-big-bucks/
I’m a little late to comment but … I loved my Medela Seamless Underwire Bra. Mine was a size 40G so you know I needed lots of support and this bra gave it to me.