Selecting Nursing Bras

I have found a really short but informative article on nursing bras in Dr William Sears website. He's a rather well-known pediatrician and I personally find his information very useful for new parents and even for non-first time parents.

Learn a little more about choosing the right nursing bra and other tips on nursing bras at http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T025200.asp. You will definitel find it useful. As for me, I will continue to test out nursing bras and give my own take on their comfort level, etc.

Review: QT Lacy Maternity & Nursing Bra

I got this nursing bra from Moms in Mind http://www.momsinmind.com.sg. It 's a snap front nursing bra with underwire and is made of rather soft lace. Great for people who are used to wearing underwire bras. If you are not used to wearing underwire nursing bras, I do not encourage getting this one as it tends to be rather uncomfortable. As I used underwire bras before I had kids, they were not a big problem to me. The fastener is using those metal snap fasteners that you see on infant clothings. Personally I find that it is not as easy to undo and refasten with baby in hand, compared to the those drop-cup ones.

Comfort: :) :) :)
Oomph: :) :) :) :)
Ease of use: :) :) :)
Degree of show-through: :) :)
Overall: :) :) :)

When to Buy Nursing Bras

So the big question for new mothers intending to breastfeed is: When should you buy your nursing bras?

From my personal experience, you should consider getting a few nursing bras (maybe about 3) very close to delivery. Perhaps around 2-4 weeks beforehand. Not too early as your breasts tend to become more swollen closer to delivery. Not too late too, as you may find yourself without any when you are heading to the hospital.

So what type should you buy? You may want to consider getting some cheap ones to last about a month or so (for confinement). Why cheap ones? Because most times your breast size changes and you won't want to waste money. Also because some mothers do give up breastfeeding beyond the first month and it will be such a waste spending too much. You can get some easily from OG maternity section. I found some at OG at Middle Road. They cost something like $10. Don't expect too much mileage from these though, as the elastic probably doesn't last beyond washes more than 3 months. Save your money for good quality ones a few months later when your breast size stabilises.

Why you need a good nursing bra

After more than two and a half years of nursing, I do find that a good "nursing" bra is one of the most important things that a nursing mother should invest in. Why? A good nursing bra is one that gives you good support, with a soft material that does not cause any abrasions on your already tender nipples, while is easy to undo and refasten quickly as you hold your baby in your arms. Of course, I have also come to realise through such a long nursing period that a nice nursing bra actually helps boost the nursing mother's confidence.

Before I gave birth to my first child, all these never cross my mind, and I got the cheapest ones I could find at a department store. While I used to spend on average S$50 on each bra (pre-nursing days), I did not imagine myself splurging on nursing bras mainly because all that I saw kinda looked alike and were so "granny"-like that I didn't believe in spending more on any. I guess having been through these, I would recommend new mothers to only buy the cheap ones for the first 1-2 months after birth (please read my next entry on reasons for getting cheap bras in the initial days).

The cheap ones are difficult to undo and refasten, support is not great, and the rubber usually loosens after only 2-3 months. Compared to the higher quality (and more expensive) ones I got later on, they were of less value for money, since the good ones can last at least 2 years on average. So, do be prepared to pay a little more for quality nursing bras after your breast size stablises.