Should I wear a bra all the time while breastfeeding?

Women invest a lot of time and energy in finding the perfect bra, but pregnancy and childbirth may change their preferences. After delivery, you will go through several physical changes. One of the most sensitive parts of your body, your breasts, will also need a lot of attention. You will need to wear something comfortable and practical, be it your clothes or your bra. This is primarily because your breast size will increase, and you may not find your regular bras comfortable, especially while breastfeeding. Therefore, your maternity clothing must include good quality nursing bras too.

Nursing bras essentially make breastfeeding convenient. But, wearing one daily might give rise to a lot of questions. If you are wondering how bras can affect breastfeeding, this article is for you. Here, we shall discuss everything you need to know about wearing a bra, especially nursing bra, during breastfeeding and address some relevant concerns/questions you may have had on this topic.

Is it Safe to Wear an Underwire Bra While Breastfeeding?

There is no denying that underwire bras provide optimum support to your breasts, but is it a good choice during breastfeeding? Here are some reasons that will help you make an informed decision regarding wearing an underwire bra while breastfeeding:

• Your breasts may feel tender when you are breastfeeding, and you may feel extreme discomfort after wearing an underwire bra.
• The underwire of your bra can dig into your skin and cause unnecessary pressure to your breasts.
• You may even feel pain and discomfort when your breasts lactate often.
• Wearing an underwire bra may also lead to blocked milk ducts, mastitis, and various other problems while breastfeeding.

Underwire bras are a good option but not during breastfeeding. You should opt for good maternity or nursing bras that are not only comfortable but also provide the necessary support to your breasts.

Why Can’t You Wear a Regular Bra During Breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and childbirth cause a lot of changes in your body, including your breasts. Therefore, your normal bras may not be suitable to provide the much-needed comfort and support to your changing breasts. Hence, you should opt for a good nursing bra that provides optimum comfort to your changing breast size.

When Should You Start Using a Nursing Bra?

As soon as you get pregnant, your body starts preparing for the upcoming labour and childbirth. Your body changes and your breasts may become fuller and bigger too. The changes in the breast size are more evident as you enter your second trimester or in some cases even earlier than that.  Here are some tips on using nursing bras:

• It will be a good idea to start wearing maternity bras as you enter your second trimester.
• Maternity or nursing bras are excellent for your changing breasts.
• Don’t worry about providing support to your breasts while breastfeeding as the nursing bras are not only comfortable but provide good support to your breasts.
• You can procure 3 to 4 bras in darker and lighter shades to go with all your outfits.
  
  
  
  
  

How Is a Nursing Bra Different from a Regular Bra?

If you’re wondering what the difference between a nursing bra and a regular bra is, this section should help you figure that out.

• The cup sizes of a nursing bra are bigger to cover the entire breast providing good support.
• The inner lining of the bra is also very soft and provides extra comfort.
• The bra comes with two cups; the outer one is detachable.
• The detachable outer cup is secured with hooks and eye clips.
• These bras do not have an underwire.

So, now you know how a nursing bra is different from a normal bra, but did you know that it is different from the maternity bra as well? Let’s check out how.

How Is a Nursing Bra Different From a Maternity Bra?

Maternity bras are worn during pregnancy to accommodate the changing breast size, while nursing bras are worn after childbirth as they make breastfeeding convenient. Maternity bras provide complete coverage and utmost support. They have broader straps, secure hooks and a breathable cotton lining. Nursing bras are also designed to provide complete support, but they have a flap that allows easy access to the nipples, making it extremely convenient for breastfeeding.

Is It Alright to Sleep With a Nursing Bra on While Breastfeeding?

You may be sleeping with or without a bra before pregnancy and the birth of your child. But, as soon as your baby arrives, you take decisions keeping your baby in mind. If you are uncertain about wearing a bra at night while breastfeeding, think about comfort. Wearing a comfortable nursing bra while sleeping would not affect breastfeeding.

What Kind of a Nursing Bra Should a Breastfeeding Mother Wear?

If you are finding it difficult to decide the kind of a bra you should wear while nursing, here are some ways to choose a good one:

1. Invest in a Good Quality Bra

Buy a good quality nursing bra, and not the cheap imitations that are available in the market. You should pick a bra that is durable and will last you long, even if you have to pay a few extra bucks.

2. Buy Different Varieties of Nursing Bras

We often get stuck on one particular style and may keep buying the same product over and over again. But, for nursing bras, the same may not be applicable as your will body keeps changing till after you stop breastfeeding. There are several nursing bras available in the market to choose from. Some even claim to be convenient for daytime or nighttime use. You must consider your requirement and purchase accordingly.

3. Buy a Well-Fitting Bra

During breastfeeding, your breasts may keep changing size, but you must refrain from buying an ill-fitting bra. Nursing mothers usually make a mistake of buying bigger sizes, thinking they would be more comfortable. But, it is very important that you buy a bra that gives good support to your breasts even while breastfeeding.

4. Say “No” to the Underwire and Sports Bra

Do not buy an underwire bra at any cost as they are not only uncomfortable, but they may also put pressure on your breasts. You must also refrain from wearing a sports bra while breastfeeding. Sports bras are designed to provide additional support and thus restrict the excessive movement of the breasts. They are thus extremely uncomfortable to wear while nursing.

5. Buy a Considerable Number of Nursing Bras

All nursing mothers experience breastmilk leakage leading to damp and wet bras that you have to change often. Wet bras can stink and may cause infection in your breast too.  Therefore, it is always a good idea to buy 4 to 5 nursing bras and change whenever it is needed.

An ordinary bra does affect breastfeeding to some extent. Use the tips given above to choose nursing bras that suit your requirements, provide support and are extremely comfortable.

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