Nursing bra
In the modern world, the postpartum period for women is very facilitated, since many models of underwear not only allow you to feel comfortable, but also perform a protective function. One of these models is a nursing bra, the purpose and features of which we will consider in more detail.
Why is it needed?
In the postpartum period, the body is exposed to the greatest stress, including certain parts of the body. Most of the load is on the mammary glands, since they are filled with milk and become larger, the skin has to stretch and the breast can lose its shape and sag.
A classic underwire nursing bra, first of all, is a powerful support for the breast, helping to protect it as much as possible from losing its former shape. A wide line with a fastener allows a young mother to feel as comfortable as possible, does not cut into the skin and perfectly fixes her breasts.
As for its direct use, a special model bra is needed to facilitate breastfeeding. Due to the fact that the breast can be easily and quickly exposed or removed from the cup of the bra, feeding the baby no longer seems so difficult and takes place in more comfortable conditions.
It is worth buying such a product immediately before childbirth, since the breast swells and grows, and a previously purchased product can become small and turn only into a waste of financial resources.
If you have planned to buy a nursing bra in advance, you should first consult with the doctor who is leading your pregnancy, clarify how much more volume is possible and purchase a larger product.
But this only applies to bras with clasps and fixed cups. Models of T-shirts and tops are made of a special elastic material that stretches quite easily, so an increase in breast volume will not be a problem.
What does it look like and how does it differ from the usual?
The straps of maternity bras are much wider than normal bras because the breasts need much stronger support in the postpartum period. And the parts of the cups are folded back and attached to buttons or buttons for easy exposure of the necessary part of the breast and easier feeding.
Other models differ from the usual bra in that they are made of elastic fabric in the form of tops or T-shirts, which are well suited for home use or for night feeding.
A distinctive feature is the material from which maternity bras are made. It should be a soft fabric that is pleasant to the body and has soft hidden seams that prevent the product from rubbing against the soft skin of a young mother.
Models
There are several varieties of nursing bras, like ordinary ones, because no model range is limited to any one type. Each young mother has her own habits, therefore she makes a choice based on personal preferences, trying to get the most comfortable product for herself.
Let's take a closer look at each of the types, what advantages they have, and what disadvantages can cause rejection of the model.
Bra - top
This bra model is a top like a sports model, made of soft cotton or knitted fabric. May have solid wide or narrower adjustable straps.
The top model can have a V-neck, then the baby is fed by pushing the tissue on one of the breasts.
Another model of the top is a product made of a strip of fabric with a spare front part, which is attached to special hooks.
This type of bra has a lot of advantages, including incredible comfort when wearing and using, easy and quick removal of the breast, pleasant texture of the material.
Among the shortcomings, only the absence of elastic cups can be noted, which is why the breast is in a slightly "hanging" position, which can negatively affect its shape.
Tank top - bra
A bra of this type has a cut similar to a top, and the distinguishing feature is the length, which, as a rule, reaches the waistline or lumbar region.
Such T-shirts are not very practical for use in everyday life, because due to the lack of a support line and bones, the chest is in a "hanging" state.
But this model is great for sleeping and greatly simplifies feeding your baby at night.
Seamless
This model is perfect for young mothers with delicate skin that requires careful handling and appropriate care. Such a bra does not chafe or create uncomfortable sensations.
The seamless model can be made in the form of a classic bra, and in the form of a top or undershirt for nursing.
Plus, the classic seamless nursing bra allows you to wear tight-fitting evening wear over it.
Underwire
The underwire model is the most aesthetic option as it maintains the shape of the breast without making it saggy.
The model is equipped with detachable elements that allow to expose part of the breast for feeding. The element is attached to buttons or invisible buttons.
Some underwire nursing bras have a push-up effect that makes breasts look more appetizing and seductive.
A distinctive feature of the model with underwire is the cups with foam rubber and different options of fasteners - at the back or at the front.
Brands
Properly selected postpartum underwear plays an important role in the process of feeding a child. Many manufacturers praise their products with an emphasis on the use of high quality materials. Consider in practice whether this is so and whether the cost of postpartum nursing bras is justified.
Emma jane
Many models of nursing bras are presented in the collections of this manufacturer. In addition to the rulers, the models are also divided into day and night, each of which has a number of features.
In addition, bras of this brand are divided depending on the shape of the breast, so that in the postpartum period a young mother feels as comfortable as possible. The bodices are made of natural fabrics, have wide straps and the most comfortable hook fasteners.
The cost of such bras varies in the range of 2,000 - 5,000 rubles, which is quite acceptable and justified.
As for the brand itself, it has existed for a quarter of a century in the market of goods for young mothers, delighting customers with convenient and high-quality goods.
Mom Comfort
A line of excellent nursing bras, mainly with underwire models, which perfectly support the breast, helping to maintain its shape after childbirth.
Bras of this manufacturer are not only comfortable, but also very attractive in appearance, have various decorative elements in the form of printed colors and lace inserts.
Mom comfort is a domestic manufacturer, the cost of products is in the range of 1,000 - 2,000, depending on the model.
Medela
The Swiss company, which specializes in the production of products and other goods for pregnant and lactating mothers, began its existence back in 1961.
The brand has established itself as a high-quality manufacturer of luxury goods, and high quality is achieved and maintained through regular innovative research.
The cost of these products is in the range of 2,000 - 5,000 rubles.
Bliss
Another domestic brand, specializing in the manufacture of quality goods for pregnant women and young mothers, was founded in 1998 in the city of Novosibirsk, and a little later settled in the capital.
The collections of nursing bras are surprising in their breadth, there are models with underwire, tops and T-shirts, made of good quality materials and providing the young mother with maximum comfort.
The cost of such products is from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the model.
Anita
The brand, which represents a huge catalog of maternity products, also includes models of nursing bras.
The pricing policy of this company is quite flexible, you can find a model at a cost of up to 1,000 rubles, and a cost of about 4,000 rubles.
Our mother
The Ural company, which produces goods for pregnant and lactating women, began its existence relatively recently, but quickly gained popularity.
The products have become widespread due to their sparing pricing policy. The thing is that when using materials of fairly good quality, the cost of bras varies in the region of 500 - 600 rubles.
How to choose?
For some women, choosing a postpartum bra can be a big problem, because if you are negligent, you run the risk of purchasing uncomfortable underwear that will press and restrict movement. Let's take a closer look at how to choose a good nursing bra, what to look for and what nuances are especially worth considering.
Material
During pregnancy, the parameters of the female figure change, so you should not base your choice on the usual bra size, you need to measure the real parameters and choose according to them.
The second, but no less important criterion is the quality of the material. The fact is that in the postpartum period, the skin of the breast is especially sensitive and receptive, so the fabric from which the product is sewn must be of the highest quality.
Cups
First of all, for the fastest and most convenient feeding process, it is necessary that the bra cups quickly open and close. It is advisable that most of the breast is exposed, for closer contact between the mother and the baby during feeding.
It is best that the clasps on the cups are not too tight, if they are buttons, and easily enter the loops, in the case of buttons. There are models with zippers, but they are not very comfortable.
In addition, the volume of the cups must be such that specialized inserts can be inserted. Some cups have special pockets.
Sizing
Determining the correct size is an important point in choosing bras, but not every girl knows how to do it correctly, so that all the parameters and features of the figure are taken into account.
The first step is to measure the girth of the chest itself, focusing on the most convex parts. In this case, the centimeter should be in an even position and should not be twisted, as this can distort the result obtained.
Next, you need to measure the girth of the body in the area under the chest, taking into account also the even position of the measuring tape.
Size chart
To choose a bra as accurately as possible, it is not enough just to measure the parameters of the figure, you also need to compare them with the dimensional grid to calculate the appropriate size. All dimensions corresponding to certain parameters are indicated in this table:
Under bust (cm) |
62 to 66 |
67 to 71 |
72 to 76 |
77 to 81 |
82 to 86 |
87 to 91 |
92 to 96 |
97 to 101 |
102 to 106 |
107 to 111 |
112 to 116 |
117 to 122 |
Cup size |
Bust (cm) |
76 to 78 |
81 to 83 |
85 to 88 |
91 to 95 |
96 to 98 |
101 to 105 |
106 to 110 |
111 to 115 |
116 to 120 |
A |
|||
79 to 81 |
84 to 86 |
89 to 91 |
94 to 96 |
98 to 102 |
103 to 107 |
108 to 112 |
113 to 117 |
118 to 122 |
123 to 127 |
128 to 132 |
133 to 138 |
B |
|
81 to 83 |
86 to 88 |
91 to 93 |
96 to 98 |
101 to 103 |
106 to 108 |
111 to 113 |
116 to 118 |
121 to 123 |
126 to 128 |
131 to 133 |
136 to 138 |
C |
|
83 to 85 |
88 to 90 |
93 to 95 |
98 to 100 |
103 to 105 |
108 to 110 |
113 to 115 |
118 to 120 |
123 to 125 |
128 to 130 |
133 to 135 |
138 to 140 |
D |
|
90 to 92 |
95 to 97 |
100 to 102 |
105 to 107 |
110 to 112 |
115 to 117 |
120 to 122 |
125 to 127 |
130 to 132 |
135 to 137 |
140 to 142 |
DD, E |
||
91 to 93 |
96 to 99 |
101 to 104 |
108 to 109 |
111 to 114 |
115 to 119 |
121 to 124 |
126 to 129 |
131 to 134 |
136 to 139 |
140 to 144 |
F |
||
93 to 96 |
98 to 101 |
103 to 106 |
109 to 112 |
113 to 116 |
118 to 121 |
122 to 126 |
129 to 131 |
134 to 136 |
139 to 141 |
144 to 146 |
G |
||
The size of the bra itself |
65 |
70 |
75 |
80 |
85 |
90 |
95 |
100 |
105 |
110 |
115 |
120 |
|
Women's clothing size |
34 to 36 |
36 to 38 |
38 to 40 |
40 to 42 |
42 to 44 |
44 to 46 |
46 to 48 |
48 to 50 |
50 to 52 |
52 to 54 |
54 to 56 |
56 to 58 |
This table contains the most detailed and accurate data with which you can easily determine which bra is right for you.
But, as already mentioned, the choice of a nursing bra must be made in the postpartum period or in the last months of pregnancy, because along with the change in hormonal levels and the appearance of milk, the parameters of the figure change, so a pre-selected product may simply not fit.
What material is it made of?
Nursing bras differ not only in models and sizes, differences also relate to the material from which the product is made. Each of the fabrics has unique characteristics and functional features.
- Cotton. Some models, usually of the highest quality luxury class, are made of high quality cotton material that allows air to pass through perfectly while allowing the skin to breathe. But such a product may not be very practical, since it has low wear resistance and quickly loses its original appearance, and at the same time many functional features.
- Knitwear. To create more durable and functional models, high quality jersey is used with the content of cotton fibers, which provide the material with "breathable" properties. The knitwear is more elastic, therefore it exactly repeats the outlines of the forms and perfectly "sits" on the chest.
- Microfiber. Among the obvious advantages of this material is its relatively low cost, which makes nursing bras more affordable for any budget. Also, the material stretches well and the bra supports the breasts well.
But against the background of one big drawback, all these advantages fade and become insignificant, because microfiber is not a natural material, therefore it does not allow the skin to breathe and can cause discomfort, and sometimes even an allergic reaction in too susceptible delicate skin.
- Polyamide. This material is quite common, but undesirable for the postpartum period, because it is of synthetic origin. But recently, in the manufacture of polyamide, they began to use hypoallergenic fibers, which makes it quite suitable for sewing nursing bras.
In addition, polyamide postpartum underwear is good because the models have high wear resistance, elasticity and wear resistance.
What are earbuds for?
Many postpartum bras have additional features such as pads, sometimes referred to as pads. Let's take a closer look at what it is, what functions the earbuds perform and what they are for.
The earbuds are like thin, reusable foam pads that are highly absorbent. The pads are inserted into the bra, snuggling tightly to the chest, and sometimes the product is equipped with a specially designated pocket.
Some people think that inserts are a waste of money, but in reality, if you are thinking about hygiene, the inserts are more of a necessity because they solve the problem of milk runaway.
The fact is that it often happens that milk leaks from the breast and when wearing an ordinary bra, wet spots appear on the clothes, which is not only not hygienic, but looks somewhat unaesthetic.
To prevent the appearance of such "wet" marks, they use just such inserts that perfectly absorb all breast secretions. If they get too wet, they can be easily replaced with new ones.
Since this part is reusable, there is no need to purchase a large number of earbuds, it is quite possible to do with three to four pairs.
Reviews
When analyzing the numerous reviews of young mothers, the uniqueness of the postpartum bra becomes obvious, because almost no girl can do without such a product during this period.
Only about 1.5% of all women consider a nursing bra a waste of money and stick to the old feeding methods while wearing a completely normal, everyday bra.
About 17.5% prefer bras made of pure cotton, but in this case they have to purchase items at fairly frequent intervals, since, as already mentioned, cotton wears out rather quickly.
About 20% prefer microfiber products, regardless of the fact that the material is synthetic and can cause a reaction. Quite a few women are attracted by the low price and high degree of strength and wear resistance.
But the bulk - 51%, prefer postpartum bras made of hypoallergenic, durable polyamide. Such products will last a long time, being in good shape, therefore, with careful use, replacement may not be necessary.
In addition, when analyzing the reviews, it becomes clear that the overwhelming majority of women consider it necessary to use bra pads.
Also, many new moms prefer nightwear and bras without underwire as a home option.