[MayBaby2007]

On a really tight budget here (who isn't, right?)....<br><br>
Does one NEED a "nursing bra" or would a regular one work?<br><br>
Could I make a "nursing bra" from a regular bra--like, just cutting a hole in the bra for the nip (and areola?) to poke out (and using a nursing pad inside bra when not nursing)? Would that work?<br><br>
I've read that a non-underwire bra is best for nursing. But, I've also read that for large breasted women, an underwire is needed for good support. I was hoping to get personal experiences with this? I can't remember the last time I even tried on a non-underwire bra.<br><br>
I'm a 36 DDD and, in this area anyway, I have to go to a specialty bra shop to find my size. I'm guaranteed to pay at <i>least</i> $30 for a bra and though I have not checked them out, I would assume that "nursing bra's" are even more expensive. I'm sure I could find cheaper deals online--but I'd rather be able to try them on before I buy so I'm not stuck with something that doesn't work or have to mess with back and forth shipping.<br><br>
TIA!

 

[heatherRN]

With the amount of nursing you will likely be doing in the beginning the holes/pad idea might get frustrating. Check out ebay for nursing bras, I have gotten some really cheap that were discontinued styles or factory seconds. I should add that you only need 1 or 2 and just toss them in the loads of laundry you will have.<br>
HTH

 

[CrunchyCate]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>MayBaby2007</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7911805"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">On a really tight budget here (who isn't, right?)....<br><br>
Does one NEED a "nursing bra" or would a regular one work?<br><br>
Could I make a "nursing bra" from a regular bra--like, just cutting a hole in the bra for the nip (and areola?) to poke out (and using a nursing pad inside bra when not nursing)? Would that work?<br><br>
I've read that a non-underwire bra is best for nursing. But, I've also read that for large breasted women, an underwire is needed for good support. I was hoping to get personal experiences with this? I can't remember the last time I even tried on a non-underwire bra.<br><br>
I'm a 36 DDD and, in this area anyway, I have to go to a specialty bra shop to find my size. I'm guaranteed to pay at <i>least</i> $30 for a bra and though I have not checked them out, I would assume that "nursing bra's" are even more expensive. I'm sure I could find cheaper deals online--but I'd rather be able to try them on before I buy so I'm not stuck with something that doesn't work or have to mess with back and forth shipping.<br><br>
TIA!</div>
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</tr></table></div>
I don't know if I would try to make one, but you don't necessarily have to get a nursing bra. I never used one with my first (I even wore Wonderbras when nursing). To this day, I don't know how I got away with it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
I personally prefer underwires, because they support me better. Some say you are more likely to have a problem with blocked ducts, but I haven't had a problem with that. I am wearing a couple of old (they stopped making them) Olga nursing bras to death, because I love Olga non-nursing bras. I don't have any suggestions for brands, because I haven't found any I've really liked that much.<br><br>
When I am at home, I switch over to a sports bra. I find it a lot more comfortable than any nursing bra. They are very supportive and maneuverable.<br><br>
Oh, and I wear a 36DD, also (although I can sometimes squeeze into a D, but it's not pretty.)

 

[heket]

I'm a still nursing, but when pregnant went up to an E. I found Goddess nursing bras for about the amount you listed at <a href="http://www.laurensilva.com/Goddess_Soft_Cup_Nursing_Bra_p/godd-511.htm" target="_blank">http://www.laurensilva.com/Goddess_S...p/godd-511.htm</a><br><br>
Comfortable and giving full support without an underwire. They've been great. I'm looking toward other bras for work (since I wohm 40+ hours/wks) and with exercise I'm starting to go back to my regular size (34 DD.) <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[klg47]

I wear a normal $10 molded foam bra from Target. I just pull the cup down to nurse. I'm sure it stretches and deforms it terribly, but it's only $10, so who cares?<br><br>
I really need to find a custom fitter. I am wearing a 36D with the band pinned in about 2-3 inches. Based on other stuff I've read (from people who have gone to real fitters), I need a 32E or worse, lol. That certainly doesn't exist in regular stores, and I don't want to buy something online just to see that it doesn't fit in the slightest!

 

[Sagesgirl]

If you get a good bra, you don't need underwire. And you will be in awe of how much more comfortable it is! <a href="http://www.jms.com/product/16106.html?cgnbr=30K1000000" target="_blank">This</a> is the bra I wore with my second daughter. Not a nursing bra. I haven't had a nursing bra since I had my first daughter. It's just not worth it to me, and really I found them to be more trouble than they're worth. Just My Size has a <a href="http://www.jms.com/category/3050000000.html" target="_blank">whole page</a> of Glamorise bras, all soft-cup, and most under $30. Anything that doesn't fit so tightly to the ribcage that you can't get your breast out will work. I just push my bra up off my breast to nurse.

 

[Flower of Bliss]

I wear soft cup bras w/o underwire and sports bras. I can easily pull them up or down to nurse (though my LLL leader says some women get plugged ducts this way, so be careful it's not binding when you pull it). I bought the soft cups at Kohl's for $8 and the sports bras at Walmart in 3 packs for $10. I have a bunch, which is nice. I leaked like crazy, so I seemed to get them wet all the time (yes, I was using nursing pads). The soft cups aren't really cup specific, so they adjusted fine to my changing sizes and having the nursing pads and such.

 

[katt]

My sister does not use a nursing bra, she just lifts the bottom up and latches babe on.<br>
I, on the other hand, bought one as soon as my breasts figured out what size they are going to be for a while. I found out that a hospital nearby has a baby boutique where they sell nursing bras and baby carriers (slings, wraps, etc) So, I was able to go try 'em on before buying, I HIGHLY recommend, and it was only 37$, I was prepared to shell out the big bucks, so this price was very nice. I only have one as we don't have a lot of money, but, I'm SO glad i have it.<br><br>
oh.. I have an Underwire as the 'girls' are pretty darn big.

 

[livingfree]

i am a 34G and my experience has been that you will need a nursing bra. i've not been able to get away with lifting a bra uo, etc., and if a bra fits properly, you won't be able to nurse in it.<br><br>
you can find nursing bras in bigger sizes, like the Goddess one mentioned earlier, but then you have to order one without trying it on. i have a great lingerie store here that fit me (several months after dd was born and i was a consistant size) and then converted my bra to a nursing one. they cut the strap right at the top of the cup and put a hook there. it works great...the only thing to make sure of is that the underwires don't come up too far or you won't be able to fold the cups down.<br><br>
for the first few months i just wore a softcup nursing bra in the wrong size from target. i wouldn't want to wear a wire in the beginning. i still sleep in that bra (i have to wear a bra at night for nursing pads).<br><br>
the bra that i wear is by volage...i love it!<br><br>
sorry for any typos...i'm NAK

 

[cdahlgrd]

Nope, just use a sports bra (NOT A TIGHT ONE!!), or a lane bryant cotton bra w/o underwire and just lift it up and down. Works great, easy to wash and cheap to buy. Some bras can be pulled down over your breast too.