How many times have you stoodlooking into your closet and thought, ‘I have nothing to wear.’ Many women have a similar thought about breastfeeding: what to wear?
Stepping into the breast feeding mums shoes: Once you leave the comfort of your home and step into the busy world, you may not feel as comfortable nursing in public. Bottomline: your baby needs to feed. The question is: how can you nourish your baby without feeling anxiety or self conscious.
What to Look for in a Nursing Bra:
1. Comfort
A good comfortable bra is a foundation of a nursing wardrobe. A cotton bra is a good choice. Look for a bra that provides support and comfort. Choose a wider strap and ensure is not tight.
Original Nursing Bra by Bravado Designs
2. Easily Accessible Flaps
Flaps can pull up or down. The flaps should be easy enough to unfasten and fasten. Nothing should dig into your skin.
3. Wireless
Underwire should be avoided. The wire may cause pressure on the milk ducts which may interfere with the milk flow.
4. Full reveal
Choose a bra that reveals the breast, not just the nipple. To helps ensure baby gets a proper latch.
5. Timing
Don’t purchase a bra too early as bra sizes will change. Shop for one bra in your last trimester and then when breastfeeding is established, go bra shopping again.
Nursing Bras come in all sizes. Some are plain, some are fancy. Look for a bra that washes and dries well. Get a professional bra fitting and purchase the best quality of bra, within your budget.
Wardrobe choice may also contribute to your comfort and confidence while nursing. Look for clothes that allow easy access.
Ideas on what to chose:
1. Button down the front blouse or shirt
2. Large t-shirts
3. Busy patterns that will camouflage milk leaks
4. Layers. Layer your clothing: t-shirt under a blouse, sweater over a tee, tank under a t-shirt etc. Visit secondhand shops for blouses, shirts etc.
5. Nursing specific clothing. There are brands of clothing designed for nursing women. These can be a bit of an investment, price wise.
There are many nursing accessories on the market as well to assist with breastfeeding, such as the nursing cover or apron. A stretchy wraparound baby carrier can also be very helpful especially if you’re tending to another child while breastfeeding
Overall….enjoy your baby
About the Author:
My name is Sandra Carrier and I am a certified Lamaze instructor and aromatherapist. I teach the six-week birthing series at the hospital in Port Perry. I am a registered nurse and have worked in the New Life center for over 20 years. I am a primary care nurse for women in labour and during the birth of their babies. I also provide care for mothers and infants during the postpartum period. I own and operate Kawartha Lamaze. I have been providing childbirth education in the Durham and Kawartha areas for 18 years. I work with women and their families to assist them in achieving a positive birth experience. It is my belief that working as a registered nurse in the maternal/newborn field provides me with the hands on experience that enhances my classes.
To learn more about Kawartha Lamaze, please call 905-985-7321 ext. 5525
