If you're a first-time mom, you might be questioning the necessity of a nursing bra. While some consider buying larger regular bras due to budget constraints or style preferences, it's essential to understand why nursing bras are a game-changer in your breastfeeding journey.
Still debating? Just ask any experienced breastfeeding mother, and she'll tell you that a nursing bra is an indispensable part of her life. Here's why:
Reasons to Invest in a Nursing Bra
1. Easy Access for Breastfeeding
Especially crucial during frequent nursing sessions, nursing bras provide convenient access to your breasts. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that an average infant nurses 8 to 12 times daily1. Nursing bras save you time and stress by allowing one-breast exposure, an invaluable feature when nursing in public settings.
2. Enhanced Comfort and Safety
Considering your body's postpartum changes, your pre-pregnancy bras may no longer fit well. Tight bras can lead to plugged milk ducts, warns pediatrician Ann Witt2. Nursing bras are designed with wider bands and more room, offering the comfort your hard-working breasts deserve.
3. Leak Protection
Breast leaks, especially in the early days, are common. Nursing bras accommodate nursing pads, providing a flexible solution for unexpected leaks.
4. Support for Changing Breasts
While skipping a bra during frequent feeds might seem tempting, proper support is vital for comfort and aesthetics. Changing breasts require adequate support, both for comfort and appearance.
Experiment with various nursing bra types to find your preference. The significance of nursing bras is so profound that Parents magazine hails the right bra as a key to a successful breastfeeding experience.
Dr. Sears, a renowned pediatrician and author, suggests having a minimum of three nursing bras in your collection.
Nursing bras are a valuable investment, especially if extended breastfeeding is in your plan. A comfortable bra granting easy breast access, even during wriggles from a hungry infant or active toddler, is undoubtedly worth its cost.
1 American Academy of Pediatrics. (1997). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Retrieved on April 18, 2012 from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/6/1035.full#sec-4
2 WebMD. (2012). Breastfeeding: 11 Things That Can Help. Retrieved on April 18, 2012 from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/breastfeeding-items-that-may-help
3 Parents Magazine; Jennifer Richards (2012). 14 Things You Didn’t Know About Breastfeeding. Retrieved on April 18, 2012 from http://www.parents.com/baby/breastfeeding/problems/breastfeeding-soothing-solutions/
4 Ask Dr. Sears. (2012). Choosing the Right Nursing Bra. Retrieved on April 18, 2012 from http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/helpful-products/choosing-right-nursing-bra