Nursing wear

How do I wash the bra or underwear?

All of our bras and underwear should be machine or hand washed, cool water, regular detergent only. No bleach - no fabric softener. Hang to dry. These instructions will prolong the life of your items and protect them from shrinkage.

How many bras do I need?

Life is always hectic when a baby makes an appearance. Nursing bras need to be washed very frequently due to leaking milk, and hung to dry due to their delicate nature. Therefore, you should purchase 2-3 nursing bras to ensure you always have a clean one on hand.

Which Bravado bra should I buy, and when?

When you first have your baby, the best bra to buy is The Original Nursing Bra. It will give you great support, and is really comfortable to wear many moms say they literally wear it 24/7. Youll need 2 or 3 of these, so one is always clean and ready to wear. Once you establish your breastfeeding routine you may want to transition into a bra that offers more structure: The Lifestyle Microfiber Nursing Bra. It will work beautifully with your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and feel much like a regular bra; while still giving you the benefits of a nursing bra for breastfeeding or pumping. This bra is especially wonderful for moms who go back to work. Then, you can wear The Original Nursing Bra to sleep in, or when you just want something super-comfy to put on.

For fuller-breasted women, The Supreme Nursing Bra is what you will want as soon as you start breastfeeding to be comfortably supported all day long. Then at nighttime, youll love The Original Nursing Bra in double plus style for support and cozy comfort while you sleep.

What does it mean "When my milk comes in?"

About 36 - 48 hours after you give birth, your breasts will feel much fuller and heavier. Since birth, the baby has been taking in the rich, nutrient filled colustrum - a much needed immunity system booster. Now your breast milk is changing in volume and composition and it may take a few days for you and the baby to adjust. If your breasts become hard and latching the baby on is difficult, try to soften the breasts prior to feeding with hot/warm cloths or a hot shower and hand express a few drops of milk.

Why do I need a breast pad?

During the early stage of nursing (and sometimes for a longer period), many women need to absorb milk that leaks from their breasts between feedings. Tucking a breast pad in your bra ensures that your clothes stay dry.

What is a plugged milk duct?

A plugged milk duct is characterized by a tender or painful lump in a localized area in your breast. Sometimes the skin over the area may be red. Plugged ducts are most common during the early weeks of nursing when you and your baby are working on establishing the supply and demand cycle of your breast milk. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a plugged duct

• incomplete drainage of your breast at a feeding - i.e. switching the baby to nurse on the other breast before she signals that she's finished on the first breast
• very tight bras or underwire bras that continuously press on a certain area of the breast, which can restrict the milk flow and cause irritation
• skipping a feeding or going for a long time at night without nursing
• not drinking enough liquids or being overly fatigued

How can I relieve a plugged duct?

• If your bra feels too tight, or the underwire is pressing into your breast - remove your bra!
• Try applying heat to your breast for 15-20 minutes before nursing.
• Nurse frequently - at least every 2 hours. Always begin nursing on the affected breast.
• Try to point the baby's nose toward the affected area on the breast while nursing. This can lead to some very "interesting" nursing positions - i.e. the baby lying on the bed while you lower your breast into her mouth from above. Just make sure to point her nose towards the plugged duct. This assures good drainage from that area and works beautifully!

What is mastitis?

Quite simply, mastitis is a breast infection. It is accompanied by flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, achiness and headache. The infection may follow a plugged milk duct. Other causes can be a tight bra, infrequent changing of wet breast pads, stress and extreme fatigue. The following treatment should begin promptly.

It is important to continue nursing and to increase the frequency of feedings until the symptoms subside. There is no possibility of passing the illness on to your baby as only the breast tissue is infected - not your breast milk. Get plenty of rest. Increase your fluids. Tylenol is fine to take for the fever. If you are not feeling better after 24 hours, call your doctor. Antibiotics will probably be prescribed.

Should I wear underwire bras while nursing?

It is very important to wear a well-fitting bra while nursing. The size and shape of your breasts change all day (and night) as you and your baby establish a nursing routine. It is the "rigid" nature of the underwire that can cause a problem - (see plugged milk ducts and mastitis above) - by not allowing your breasts to fill up without causing pressure on some milk ducts. Most lactation consultants (breastfeeding counselors) do not recommend wearing an underwire bra while nursing - especially at night.

Much of the above information was adapted with thanks from "The Nursing Mother's Companion", by Kathleen Huggins.