Learn whether you can wear a regular bra while nursing
Nursing can be one of the best ways a new mother can bond with her little one, and considering how often newborns need to be fed, it’s no surprise that breastfeeding becomes a major part of a woman’s life if she chooses not to use formula.
Nursing bras exist to help speed up the process of nursing, as well as provide additional support to mothers who are breastfeeding. If you’re on a budget, or simply not wanting to spend money on a nursing bra, you may be wondering if you can wear a regular bra while nursing. While the best nursing bras make for an excellent investment, it’s not necessary that you wear them while breastfeeding.
From the benefits of nursing bras to wearing regular bras while nursing, here’s everything you want to know about nursing bras and other alternatives for breastfeeders.
Nursing Bras Versus Regular Bras
Nursing bras have become a popular choice among young mothers who enjoy the extra support they offer. One of these supports is breast pads, which often come with nursing bras to help in the case of leaking. Some nursing bras have removable breast pads, while others have them sewn in as a permanent feature. If you wear a regular bra or a maternity bra while nursing, you won’t get the same kind of leak coverage as you would wearing a nursing bra. That being said, some regular bras do come with heavy padding which can help reduce leak-through, while others are thin and will offer little to no leak-through protection.
Another important feature of nursing bras is the easy access they offer to the breast, which is convenient for when mothers need to breastfeed on-the-go or in a public setting. Of course, nursing bras can also be used at home to offer additional convenience when breastfeeding. Along with feedings, the accessibility of the breasts is ideal for pumping milk, which also becomes a regular activity for nursing mothers. Regular bras are not designed in the same way as nursing bras, making it more of a hassle to access the breast while feeding or pumping.
Finally, nursing bras are made with comfort in mind, often consisting of soft, removable straps that are wide and gentle on the skin. There are some regular bras that can compete with the comfortability of nursing bras, though in general, most regular bras won’t offer the same amount of comfort as a nursing bra.
Wearing a Regular Bra While Nursing
If you decide that you want to wear regular bras while nursing, there are steps you can take to help accommodate frequent feedings and pumping sessions.
For starters, you want to be sure that your bra is loose and soft. This is especially important, as adding pressure to the breasts can actually be a risk factor for blocked ducts or mastitis. Additionally, you want your bra to be soft and flexible enough to be easily pulled down or lifted for access to the breasts.
If you want to use breast pads, which can be sold separately from nursing bras, your bra needs to have enough room in it to fit the pads. Remember, your breasts will be fullest before a feeding, so if you’re sizing a new bra, it’s best to try it on when you’re at your fullest.
When it comes underwires, there’s a bit of controversy over whether or not nursing mothers should be wearing them. The most common myth around bras with underwire is that they can be harmful because they suppress the rib cafe and armpits, limiting milk’s ability to move freely through the body’s ducts and limiting the supply of milk being produced. However, despite these concerns, there is no actual proof of this being the case.
However, even if underwire bras don’t prevent milk flow in the body, they aren’t the most convenient choice for nursing mothers, they are difficult to lift up and adjust when trying to breastfeed a child.
The Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the final verdict on nursing bras versus regular bras, the answer is a simple one. It is completely safe to wear regular bras while breastfeeding; however, if you’re looking for a more comfortable and purposeful bra while breastfeeding, a nursing bra is the way to go.
Resources— Breastfeeding.support, Milk Nursing Wear
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