discreet nursing bras and tops take 2

[mishaj]

Hi Mamas,

What brands do you like and where should I be looking for some conservative solutions?

And when should I start looking for nursing bras? Now, or after the baby is born? How much bigger can I expect to get?

Thanks for your insights!
Mj

[smokeylo]

I have tried buying nursing bras during pregnancy and already have 4 that no longer fit. I'd say pick up some cheapy comfy sports bras that will work for you for now and buy the pricier bras once you've given birth. My ribcage has expanded a ton which makes sizing really tricky. I really like the ladies at Birth and Baby (someone here rec'd them to me) - I had a great chat with them when I returned something and they sent me a great bra that's not really for nursing (well, I can pull it down) but it is really comfy for around the house.

For tanks, my plan is to get a bunch of regular tanks that fit (like Old Navy cheapies) and cut slits in the boobs. Then I can wear them under any shirt and be sure that my tum is covered without forking over a bunch of money. I don't plan on buying any "nursing" wear otherwise (except bras) -- maybe some button down shirts, but otherwise, I hate most nursing styles and figure the tanks underneath will have me covered.

HTH.

[the elyse]

you can also use a bella band under a regular shirt so that your stomach is still covered while you nurse. i have a black and white one that i've been using on my pants now, so i hope to get double use out of them while i'm nursing.

i love the idea of cutting the slits in the old navy tanks too. great idea!

[Dea]

I found sports bras to be horrible. Granted I'm quite stacked, so getting it on was hard, and since I'm warmer I was always sweating and ended up with a nasty rash between my breasts. I found that the wireless nursing bras at motherhood were really comfy, and if I have to buy a new size later it's okay, they're only $11 or $12.

[Mama2-4]

I personally love the nursing tank tops. I wear tank tops all year round, elimiminates the need for a bra, and they are very comfy!

[mishaj]

Thanks for the ideas- I love the thought of buying tanks for under clothing and just cutting slits in them.

I find I need a lot of support and can't wear sports bras unless they are the super hefty duty (no way a baby is getting at those breasts!) The super stretchy ones just annoy me.

Do the nursing tanks provide enough support for larger breasted women? I'm wondering if they are like the regular tanks with shelf bras that never really worked for me (too loose around the rib cage to be of any help)

Anyone buy any nursing bras from target?

Thanks,
Mj

[Mama2-4]

I have not tried the nursing bras from Target. The ones that I have used in the past have been from Motherhood. An important feature for me is the ease of how it closes. There are some with a little metal hook and eye, and some with a plastic clasp or snap right at the center. I do not like the hook and eye, they are hard to close one handed and if you leave them open they can catch on things. I guess the best thing is to just go try them on. Some women swear by the Medela bras, I have never tried these.

[StrawberryFields]

I could be totally alone on this, but I actually don't like nursing bras and nursing shirts. I wore them for a long time when ds was small but I soon realized that I felt a lot more comfortable wearing my regular bras and shirts and just pushing them up. Since the nursing bras and clothes generally open from the top and get pulled down I felt a lot more naked wearing them!!

As far as size, everyone is probably different because I know that myself I did not really change in size from pre-pregnancy. Since I leaked a LOT I needed a little extra room for some soft, thick nursing pads but that's about it.

Oh and that is the other thing I didn't like about nursing bras, when I pulled the flap down my nursing pad was apt to fall out but when I switched to just pushing up a regular bra my pads would stay contained.

[nausicaamom]

I'm too big to get away without some decent support (DDD/G cup). I plan on layering with tank tops as I'm almost positive a nursing tank that would accomodate my breasts *and* fit my plus-sized body does not exist. Since my cup size is so large, I'm going to convert some of my non-underwire bras and tank tops to nursing bras/tanks using the directions here, since there are like 3 styles of nursing bras that come in my cup and band size and they are really expensive and I have yet to find a 2x nursing tank. I do have a few bravado bras and two regular nursing bras to see me through the first few weeks, but as I plan to be mostly at home anyway I'll probably just go without. If you want to layer without the pain of cutting slits in tank or paying the money for Bella Bands, you can always try out The Belly Hugger. I've heard tell they don't work well for maternity use, but as a cover for your belly while nursing I would think they'd work better and with their clearance prices I know I can't make them myself for that cheap.

[Nature]

I never used nursing bras or nursing shirts. I found my regular bras a lot more comfortable, and really.. its just as easy to pull a regular shirt up. The baby covers your belly anyway.

Save some money!