3bs: breasts, babes and bras

Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Tips & Tricks | February 11, 2010

If your partner’s thinking lingerie for a Valentine’s gift this year chances are they’re thinking less about frilly unmentionables and more about nursing bras. And if they’re not you certainly are! So we went to mum, second generation bra fitter, breastfeeding counselor and bra designer Brandee Anderson of Honeymilk Designs for some advice on when to stock up on nursing bras and what you really need.

Do mums-to-be need nursing bras before their babies arrive?

It’s a good idea to get at least one soft, stretchy bra while you’re pregnant to take to the hospital with you.  Anita makes great ones.

There is no failsafe formula to predict how your breast size will change when your milk comes in so I don’t recommend getting too many bras before you deliver. Even with very soft nursing bras the seams can irritate you and if they compress your breasts too much you can get mastitis.

What about once your baby’s arrived?

It’s best to wait four to six weeks to get fitted for a bra after you have a baby. You may need an “interim” bra in the meantime which can seem like an unnecessary extravagance but it’s better for your milk supply and your long term breast health.

Once things settle down a bit I recommend you have three or four nursing bras. Two underwire ones and some softer ones for sleeping. And larger breasted women are always happy to discover that they can wear an underwire while they’re nursing as long as you’re fit professionally and you don’t sleep in it.

How often do you need to get refitted when you’re nursing?

Often when your baby starts solids you’ll notice a difference in your breast size but overall it’s best not to rely on frequency of nursing as an indicator but go in for a refitting when you notice a change in size.

What are your favourite nursing bras?

Well obviously I’m partial to Honeymilk but I also love Anita’s bras, Medela makes a lacy one that’s quite nice and Emma Jane makes a pretty cotton one that works if you’re not too large.

What’s the most important piece of bra advice you can give nursing mums?

It can seem expensive but it’s important to invest in nursing bras, they’re not going to last forever but the effect they have on your body will. And remember if you’re breastfeeding you’re not buying formula and bottles, which definitely end up costing more per month than a new bra, so invest in good support. You’ll feel better and your breasts will be healthier.