For a breastfeeding mom, wearing a nursing bra is a matter of preference and availability. In the Philippines, most breastfeeding women choose to wear a nursing bra when going out of the house.
However, looking for nursing bras that fit perfectly and comfortably is a challenge for most breastfeeding Pinays because available sizes in physical retail stores are very limited and not sturdy.
Experts say however that wearing a supportive bra may help reduce the stretching of tissues that could result in sagging. Breastfeeding mommies with big breasts will generally be more comfortable wearing a bra for support.
But, you might ask: Is a nursing bra really important for breastfeeding?
The answer really depends on whom you are asking. For lack of an idea of where to buy nursing bras, breastfeeding mothers settle for their regular bras. They just get a size bigger than their pre-pregnancy stage and are content. Others would temporarily replace their regulars with nursing bras because they find wearing them feels easier to have the baby latch on and still be comfortably discreet when breastfeeding in public places than using the standard bra.
It’s worth the time checking the different styles to find which one you are most comfortable wearing.
When shopping, feel the cups and choose those molded yet flexible ones because a hard cup would put some pressure on the breasts and can get irritating.
Some styles have the center clasps while others have the shoulder clasps. Try opening and closing the cups and see how loosely or rigidly they come off and are fastened back.
Okay, now you’d ask: When should I buy a nursing bra?
The best time to get one or be fitted varies from woman to woman. As soon as pregnancy starts, the breast begins to prepare for lactation but it is either at the end of the ninth month or soon after the baby is born that a woman‘s breast swells to its biggest size.
Finally, you have decided that you will buy one and you’d wonder: Is it true that wearing an underwire is not recommended?
There is no scientific basis to the claim but the truth is that when breastfeeding, the size of breasts fluctuates by a couple of hours because milk is produced and drained in a continuous cycle. From experiences of lactating mothers, a rigid underwire in a bra puts some pressure on the breasts, which can lead to blocked milk ducts which can be very, very painful.
In short, choosing to wear a nursing bra or a regular bra during the entire breastfeeding adventure is entirely up to you. What is important is to make sure it fits comfortably. Different nursing bras offer different price points and you can choose whether to pick either an expensive label or a more affordable line.
A bra brand called Coobie, acknowledged in the US as the most comfortable bra ever, is now in the Philippines and is offering its nursing line to the local online market. It’s seamless, wireless, made of ultra soft, brushed nylon and spandex blend with molded and flexible removable pads.
Each Coobie bra has a unique ribbing and ruching design for a more shapely silhouette and never squashes the breasts. The wide straps and racerback style are designed for a relaxed fit and to keep as much weight off your shoulders to make breastfeeding a breeze for you and your baby.
It has a wide, soft, inner comfort band that helps keep it in place and keep the pressure off your ribs. Even after breastfeeding, Coobie nursing bras are one of the brand’s most comfortable and supportive bra you can continue to wear.
It conveniently comes in two sizes—the regular bra for sizes 32A to 36D and the full bra for sizes 38A to 42D.
Check CoobiePhilippines on Facebook and @coobie.ph on Instagram to find out how to get a pair or two.