Shopping for a nursing bra?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid

Nursing bras are special bras that are used by pregnant and nursing moms. Shopping for a nursing bra can quickly get confusing for lots of reasons. Unlike buying regular bras, women who buy nursing bras are going through lots of changes in their bodies, especially around their breasts. In fact, it is not uncommon for women to go up two or three cup sizes within a few weeks over this period.

Couple that with the fact that there are many different types of nursing bras all of which come in various brands, sizes, and qualities and you get a situation where it’s very easy to make rather expensive mistakes.

So how do you choose a good nursing bra? And what are some of the common mistakes to avoid? This guide will answer these questions.

What makes a good nursing bra?

While every woman is unique and individual needs differ, all good bras will have a few similar qualities:

• They should come in the right size. It is extremely important that you always wear a bra that fits you well as you nurse your little one
• They should be comfortable and made using natural, breathable fabrics that are not irritating to the skin
• They need to be easy to use. This will come in handy when you need to get to to your breasts with one hand while holding your little one with the other
• The nursing bra should also be adjustable and well-fitting to give you the extra support you will need to avoid issues like chronic pain and stretch marks as your breasts change
• They should be well-padded to offer that extra layer of protection from leakages
• If you need the extra support, the right nursing bra for you should be designed for the same. For example, you can get a double-strapped nursing bra or one that comes with an underwire. 

Common mistakes to avoid when shopping for a nursing bra

Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when shopping for nursing bras: 

1. Getting one in your pre-pregnancy size

Before buying any nursing bra, ensure you know your current size. A woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. Your breasts will definitely grow larger and feel fuller over your pregnancy months. Because of this, using your pre-pregnancy bra size is completely out of the question as your breasts will have changed in both size and shape.

Consider getting fitted for your nursing bra professionally at about 8 months of pregnancy or two weeks post-birth. This will be your breast size till about 8 weeks post-birth, after which your breasts will reduce in size a little.

Getting a nursing bra that fits you correctly will not only be super comfortable for you, but it will also support your changing body better. 

2. Getting a larger size nursing bra

Your breasts are going to grow into it, right? Wrong! Getting a larger size nursing bra will not only leave you with months of discomfort, but you also risk developing issues like lower back pains and stretch marks around the breasts due to the lack of support from the oversized nursing bra.

Whatever you do, always get a nursing bra that fits you properly. Also, consider getting one where the fabric stretches over the cup allowing for slight expansions and contractions through subtle changes in your breast size.

3. Purchasing the wrong underwire nursing bra

Underwire nursing bras are great. However, getting them in the wrong size can lead to a number of problems. For example, if you use one that’s too small, you risk obstructing your milk ducts. Blocked milk ducts can lead to mastitis.

Experts recommend waiting at least 6 weeks post birth before starting to use underwire bras because by then, your body will have gotten better at regulating breast milk production.

4. Having the same bra for multiple pregnancies

As mentioned earlier, women’s breasts change a lot both during and post-pregnancy. However, they also change for every pregnancy, which means your breast size will be different from pregnancy to pregnancy.

For this reason, measuring your breasts and getting the right fit every time is essential. A lot of women make a common mistake of using the same nursing bra they used in their first pregnancy for all their other pregnancies. Apart from being the wrong size, an old nursing bra will also have lost its elasticity and have damaged fabric. Which means you will not be getting the support you need at all.

Experts also recommend that nursing bras should only be used for a maximum of 6 months before being replaced. This is whay it is important to always ensure that you get new nursing bras for every pregnancy.

5. Buying the wrong bra for your shape

Every woman's body is unique in its own way. Because of this, not every bra style will suit everyone. Here are the common nursing bra styles and the type of woman they were designed for:

• The balcony-style bra is suitable for women with breast weight that is evenly distributed and women with round breasts. 
• They should be comfortable and made using natural, breathable fabrics that are not irritating to the skin
• The plunge bra is designed for small busty women with heavier breast bases.
• The full coverage bra has cups that are designed to fully cover the breast area, securing it and giving the much-needed support. It is ideal for busty women.

6. Purchasing the wrong material for a nursing bra

Comfort is key for any nursing mom. The nursing bra you choose should provide that. This is why cotton and other natural materials are preferred for making nursing bras because they are breathable, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and designed not to raise your body temperature.

When you purchase a nursing bra in the wrong material, you miss out on all these benefits. 

7. Buying a nursing bra that does not fit your lifestyle

As you buy your next nursing bra, it is a good idea to also think about your wardrobe and lifestyle as you do so. A nursing bra that looks good and goes perfectly with your wardrobe will not only look good on you but also give you a huge confidence boost when you need it most.

At Momanda, we make nursing bras for women who can’t stand boring bras. With us, you do not give up on being stylish just because you are pumping or breastfeeding. Plus, all our bras are made using the highest quality materials, allowing them to not only look good on you but also to feel great on your skin. Don’t take our word for it, though. Why don’t you try it out for yourself?

Final Thoughts

Getting a good nursing bra is essential if you want to have an easy and comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and your little one. When you can avoid the common mistakes listed here, finding that perfect nursing bra for you should be a breeze.

And if you are looking for a simple tried and tested nursing bra that’s loved by moms everywhere, we highly recommend our Lace Plunge Nursing Bralette. 

SamanthaHoare - Feb. 09 2022

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