I did a lot of research while pregnant. I felt pretty prepared by the time I gave birth, and I felt comfortable with the baby gear we had for Sophie. One thing I was totally terrified of? Breastfeeding. I knew I 100% wanted to try, and if it didn’t work out I would be ok with that.
I would hear, and read, over and over that breastfeeding is hard. As a pregnant, first time mom, I really did not like going into motherhood scared to breastfeed. I watched videos on getting a newborn to latch properly, how to boost your supply and what pumps were best. I felt like it was this foreign thing I wouldn’t understand once my baby was placed on my chest.
Let me clear something up for all you pregnant moms reading this that are planning to breastfeed: it is not as hard or painful as I thought it would be. It is one of the best choices I made for our baby girl. Also – I believe fed is best. If you don’t want to breastfeed, that is fine! If you try it and hate it, also fine! I have no opinions on what you choose to do with your baby and your body. I was totally prepared to formula feed if we needed to. My body just so happened to start producing as soon as she was born, and I was thrilled. If you want to read a post on my breastfeeding experience, I’d love to share that as well so let me know! But today’s post is about bras. Something I was somewhat prepared for, because again, I didn’t know what to expect.
If you read my birth story you know Sophie was born 6 weeks early and spent a bit of time in the NICU. I started breastfeeding her the morning after she was born. I breastfed whenever I was in the NICU, and pumped every 1-2 hours I was home and brought in pumped milk for the NICU nurse’s. The first morning I visited Sophie after being discharged from the hospital one of the nurse’s noticed my bra choice. It was just a bralette, and it was comfy. She mentioned that I should start wearing breast pads. I had a pack at home, but had no idea how many of the bad boys I would go through on a weekly basis. My breasts were definitely engorged at this point – I was 3 days post partum and those babies were getting FULL. This was the most painful part for me. I had to pump so much at first, but it also really helped my supply by pumping that much.
When I met with a lactation specialist she recommended another bra to me that was great for hands free pumping since she knew I was pumping so much. So after knowing I needed a pumping bra, I made it my mission to be nursing bra prepared by the time Sophie came home. And I didn’t want to spend a lot. So I have my list of my favorite nursing and sleep bras, and wanted to share.
I love these so much. They are soft, comfortable, come in great colors, and are an awesome price. They snap for easy one hand access, and are easy to clip back in place. Get 2 packs of these, or a 5 pack, and you’re set.
My rating: 9/10
My only complaint: I’ve had these for a few months already, but they have pilled a bit. Probably my own fault but honestly not even a big deal to me.
My rating: 10/10
No complaints on this one!
You may want some comfier bras for night time. I learned very quickly that you have to wear bras during the night while breastfeeding or pumping. I LOVE these packs from Target. I have 4 of these bras, and they are my go to night bras. Easy to feed and comfy.
My rating: 10/10
I can’t complain because it’s my own fault, but I throw these in the dryer and they’ve pilled a bit. So if you don’t want them to pill just hang them up after washing.
This next one is not a nursing bra, but I use it as one. It is easy to lift up and down, and is unlined. The material is so. smooth. It’s breathable, and so comfortable. Plus it’s only $12.99! I have a lot of bralettes like this that I wear all the time, but this one is my favorite. If you can’t get your hands on any nursing bras, I highly suggest just wearing ones like this. I got mine in store and they had multiple colors. I have it in black, but online, as of right now it looks like it’s only available in green and red.
Auden Unlined Bralette from Target
My rating: 8/10
My only complaint: I got a medium and it’s a tiny bit snug at the bottom. Otherwise, it fits perfectly.
This bra is so comfortable. Again, like other nursing bras it clips easily, and has a nice racerback. If you’re a Momma that plans on working out, or just wants something that is really comfortable to hang around in, this is for you.
My rating: 9/10
Those are my top suggestions for nursing bras. I have seen so many choices and seriously almost spent way too much money on just one bra. I am so glad I didn’t. I saw one brand trying to sell a nursing bra for over $50. No thank you! These ones work just fine, and they are great, affordable options. If you have anymore suggestions, leave me a comment! 🙂
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