Why are nursing bras so awful?

by Jennifer Jordan (Subscribe to Jennifer Jordan's posts) Aug 27th 2008 11:01AM

Categories: Newborns, Just For Moms, Babies, Pregnancy & Birth, Life & Style, Mommy Musts, Mealtime

I love being pregnant, and I love having kids. I love breastfeeding. But I hate, and hate is really not a strong word compared to how I actually feel, nursing bras. They're all terrible. First of all, they're gigantic. Breasts become fuller with milk, of course, so they get bigger...and bigger, and bigger and bigger until they feel like they're going to burst. Hence, once needs a giant bra for the giant breasts. I can get behind that--it's rational and makes sense.

What I don't understand is why they have to be so hideously ugly and not actually provide the support required to tote around said enormous breasts. And while I may be funny, I'm also being dead serious. I have three or four (I think I banished one it was so awful) nursing bras from various manufacturers that were clearly designed with someone who either has never had breasts swollen with milk or who never wanted to look even remotely attractive without her shirt on. Those with underwires are uncomfortable. Those without lack any real support.

There's also the issue of the bras never quite managing to hold onto the breastpads placed in them to keep them from getting covered with milk leakage. I have had, however, quite a bit of success with Lily Pads, which are technically designed to be worn under things with which one can wear no bra or at night when one doesn't want to wear a bra to bed. Some women have reverted to wearing regular bras in larger sizes or just going braless all together.

What about you? Do you hate nursing bras, or have you found one that answers your prayers? Do you have a trick for making them more comfortable, or at least more tolerable?

Source

Comments (12)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Michelle 8-27-2008 @ 11:44AM

My boobs have really ballooned in this pregnancy - from a 34B to 36E at last measurement! I'm due in 2 weeks and have gone through lots of bras. I totally agree on nursing bras. I bought a couple and I hate them. No support, totally thin (I have to put the pads in, otherwise my nipples would be poking through shirts.) Also, since I like having cleavage for a change, and it is summer, I'd like something lower cut that doesn't show through all my shirts! Why do they have to be so BIG? I'm not wearing super low cut stuff, but these bras even stick out through simple T-shirts.

I'd love ideas of where to get better nursing bras.

cml3720 8-27-2008 @ 11:22AM

I have rather large breasts to begin with, so I had an awful time finding any bra that would fit my "bowling balls", much less look attractive & serve their intended purpose. I did, however, have good luck with bras manufactured by Norvell. I'm not sure that they were initially designed to be used as nursing bras, but they work wonderfully. They have no underwire, yet offer a great deal of support. The clasp to drop the cup can be a bit tempermental at first, but easy to maneuver once you get the hang of it. I had a friend who sells the bras & trying one was the best nursing decision I made. The best part, is that I still (my youngest is 3) wear the bras every day!

Christy 8-27-2008 @ 4:51PM

I've found a brand that isn't too bad... Anita. Had to buy them online, but I've worn them for a couple months now and I'm due November 13. They're stretchy cups, so I'm hoping that they'll survive engorgement!!

Alexandra 8-27-2008 @ 11:48AM

I feel your pain! I had better luck with the playtex steel girder nursing bra than any others, but they are VERY hard to find. In general, I found that just hauling up the cup on a regular bra was fine and I got very adeppt at it, even in a classy restaurant!

In general, I think nursing bras are overrated and we moms can deal with the issue in our own ways without making some uninspired bra designer richer.

Cheryl 8-27-2008 @ 12:21PM

I had horrible luck with Lily Pads. Sure, they worked fine...for almost two weeks. Then they stopped sticking, and became unusable, expensive pieces of silicone.

Carrie 8-27-2008 @ 1:07PM

I agree that a lot of nursing bras are downright bugly, but there are a lot of newer styles that are really cute - hot even! A couple of companies like Passion Spice are making really comfy attractive nursing bras: http://www.SexyNursingBra.com

Karen 8-27-2008 @ 1:41PM

While nursing #3, I found bras made by Melinda G in a local maternity shop. They are my absolute favorite, although didn't seem to have too many options for extended sizes.

Julie 8-27-2008 @ 2:48PM

Bravado, Bravado, Bravado!!! A Canadian company with a great assortment to choose from. Definitely check them out! http://www.bravadodesigns.com/

Amy 8-28-2008 @ 3:17PM

Bravado Nursing Bra TANK TOP!!! Great support, oh, so comfortable and it allows you to keep your stomach covered when you're pulling up your shirt.

Julie 8-29-2008 @ 9:39AM

Bella Materna makes some nursing bras that are actually pretty, comfortable, and functional. :-)

candace 9-03-2008 @ 5:47AM

Agreed on Bella Materna! I have never had a nursing bra look so sleek and function so well. They also use a great quick drying fabric so I stay drier and I can rinse them in the sink and they are dry by morning! www.bellamaterna.com

liz 10-28-2008 @ 9:50AM

I also always struggled with finding a decent nursing bra that actually gave me some support. I always felt that it was a struggle to nurse because of my bust size. However a little while ago I found this website Lingeriexperts.com that will actually will take any regular bra whether it be a T-shirt bra or minimizer and convert it into a nursing bra. They do a great job and now I don't have to compromise on anything because I am a nursing mom.

How To Submit Photos:
If you'd like your children (any age will do!) featured on ParentDish, upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. Be sure to read our main Flickr page for more information.