Guest post from Cake Maternity!
Everyone knows bras aren’t one size fits all, but did you know they’re not one style suits all too? You wouldn’t take a sports car offroading, go jogging in high heels or wear jeans to a wedding (at least we hope)! The same goes for bras, but even more so for maternity and nursing bras.
There’s different maternity and nursing bras for all kinds of activities and lifestyles. From sleeping to running, and t-shirt to date night, we’ve got you covered at Cake Maternity.
Why Is A Good Nursing Bra Important?
As nursing bra specialists, you might be surprised to hear us say you don’t have to have a nursing bra in order to breastfeed. All you really need is a boob and a baby!
If you want to get the most out of your day (less time adjusting your bra) and you care about your breast health, a comfortable and supportive nursing bra will be your breast friend.
Why Can’t I wear A Regular Bra
You can wear a regular bra to breastfeed, however if you’re experiencing any of the following you’re going to either be downright uncomfortable, or negatively affecting your breast health.
- Size fluctuations
- Lactation
- Nipple irritation
- Heavy bust
- Skin sensitivity
- Leaking
A regular bra is made for regular boobs, AKA those that aren’t changing size multiple times a day, lactating, heavy, sensitive and that need to be regularly exposed for feeds. Regular bra straps are generally thinner and stretchier, so they’re no match for your heavy, breastfeeding boobs. Similarly everyday underwires are narrow and hard, which can cause compression and restriction on your sensitive breasts. Here at Cake, our flexi-wire styles feature a much wider “smile” and are super malleable in order to move with you.
What Should I look For In A Good Nursing Bra And Why?
First and foremost, a good nursing bra should have simple and easy breastfeeding access, be that nursing clips or pull aside cups. Some other features you should look for include:
- A double lined back wing for durability and longevity – so you can breastfeed for longer and wear your bra 24/7.
- Wide straps with not much stretch for added support – because your boobs are heavier.
- Lower cup support – to keep your nipples facing forwards instead of south.
- Cotton lined cups for breathability – as your body temperature is higher when breastfeeding.
- Inverted cup seams to avoid nipple irritation – because your nipples are irritated enough.
- Flexible wires that move and flex with you – to avoid any encroachment on your breast tissue.
- Top cup stretch to allow for fluctuations. This ensures you’re supported and comfortable at your emptiest and your fullest.
- Soft folded edge side slings or A-frame slings to keep your breast in the right position during feeds.
Different Types Of Nursing Bras
Seamless
A good seamless nursing bra will be double layered and have moulded cups for breast capacity and separation. Seamless bras are usually for the smaller bust, but Cake has engineered a fuller bust seamless bra collection called Sugar Candy, which offers support, lift and separation for up to a K cup (US).
Sports
Can nursing mamas exercise? Of course they can! From yoga to high impact, we’ve got you covered. Flexi-wire & Wire-free
When you’re wearing an everyday bra (non-nursing), the support usually comes from the underwire. Nursing bras are created differently and their support comes from all
other components in the bra. So, whether you prefer wires or not, rest assured, you’ll be supported just the same.
Flexi-wire & Wire-free
From moulded foam cups to 3D spacer cups, wire-free to flexi-wire, and structured to seamless – you can still keep on wearing your favourite tees with a variety of different nursing bras which provide a perfectly smooth profile.
Sleep
Some babies don’t sleep all the way through the night until they are 12 months old. To keep you comfortable and leak free – there’s many sleeping bras for you.
There are so many new and amazing inventions out there to make the transition of having your newborn much easier, fulfilling and enjoyable. From pushchairs to baths, diapers to rompers, and maternity to nursing bras. Each Cake bra has been specifically crafted with you and your baby in mind, using durable and sustainable materials. They’re beautiful too, so it’s a win win!
Katie is the proud mum of two beautiful girls and has been responsible for all the designs, style and fit at Cake Maternity for over a decade now.
Katie is a nursing bra specialist and a fit, pattern and grading technician. She is passionate about breastfeeding and the many benefits it offers to both mum, bub and the environment.
She is determined to make the breastfeeding journey a comfortable, supportive and beautiful one for all mums, understanding that it doesn’t always come easy to everyone. That’s why she has made it her mission to empower women as they mindfully navigate the world of motherhood and help make breastfeeding easier, through experience-driven innovation.
