Brassieres are female undergarments that support the breast. They are typically form-fitting and designed for a specific purpose.
Nursing bras for example, are worn to make it easier for mothers to breastfeed, and they do so without having to remove the bra, which also avoids breasts sagging. Breastfeeding is an important part of motherhood, because it is where newborns get most of their nourishment and immunity to diseases and illnesses from. Aside from that, it is a way for them to bond with their mothers and meet their emotional needs. For new moms, it will certainly be a struggle to decide on what the right maternity bra to buy would be. However, this article should provide you with helpful insights on what your options should be.
Maternity bras usually come in different styles to guarantee ease and functionality for nursing. There are four basic types, and each of them comes with their own advantages and disadvantages:
• With underwire. These bras are just like the regular ones you wear, except that they help you nurse better. They provide great reinforcement for your breasts, but, they can be quite uncomfortable. The underwire does not allow your breasts to breathe that much, and, if you wear something a size short, you might suffer through a bit of pain. Moreover, this kind of nursing bras puts too much pressure on the chest. This could predispose mothers to blocked ducts and mastitis.
• No underwire. These are clearly less suffocating than a maternity bra with an underwire, but, they will not hold up your breasts in the right way, therefore, promoting sagging breasts. It’s not usually recommended for well-endowed women who go through a lot of physical activity outside of nursing, as they might feel some discomfort in the process.
• Flaps. This particular maternity bra has detachable flaps covering the breast part, so mothers can feed their infants without having to go completely topless. They are perfect when going out, because mothers can discreetly nurse in public places with ease. Some are even designed to accommodate changing cup size, so, there would be no need for these shortly-used undergarments to pile up. They come wired or without a wire, and the flaps can be undone either from the top or in the middle. But, if you’re not used to wearing them, it may be hard for you to get them unfastened.
• No flaps. They usually have a more versatile built, so mothers can just pull one side and nurse. They are quite comfy, considering the material that’s used, and, they are less pricey, too. But, like maternity bras without underwire, they don’t provide substantial breast support.
There are some women who do not like putting on a nursing bra, because it makes them feel stiff and warm. But frankly, it’s all a matter of preference. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you always clean your nipples with lukewarm water before breastfeeding, to avoid contamination. Don’t reuse a nursing bra that’s not been washed, because that’s unsanitary. Also, don’t sleep with them on; otherwise, you’ll end up with sore breasts.
