Wearing a maternity sports bra while breastfeeding allows a mother to be comfortable, well supported and easily accessible to her child, but as with most things baby-related, the choices are numerous. Which sports bra should you choose and why? Here are my top 6 breast feeding sports bras, taking into account comfort, style, and price.
Introduction
First comes pregnancy, baby, then comes breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can be both challenging and rewarding and with it comes a multitude of questions, concerns, debates, and frustrations. Many of these can be stressful because of others’ opinions. But one question this article is going to help you answer is less controversial and instead focuses on comfort and convenience: is it okay to wear a sports bra while breastfeeding? Let’s take a look at the benefits and the top 6 bras!
Is it OK to wear a sports bra when breastfeeding?
Yes, it is okay to wear a sports bra while breastfeeding. In fact, it can be much more comfortable for both mother and baby than wearing a normal bra. Sports bras can also be a bit more versatile in regards to breast size; this can be very beneficial because breast size changes as milk production comes in, stabilizes, and then decreases.
What features should I look for in a breast feeding sports bra?
Depending on your body, your workout requirements and your personal preferences, there are several features you should look for in a breastfeeding sports bra:
- Comfort
- Support
- Coverage
- Zippers or clips to easily access breasts to nurse your baby
- Padding or space to insert nursing pads
- Underwire-free
- Adjustable straps
- Price
- Material (moisture wicking/stretchy)
What are the benefits of buying a breast feeding sports bra?
An important benefit of buying nursing sports bras is that it means you’re thinking of your own health as well as your baby’s. Exercising, whether it be running, walking, lifting, or any other form, is a great way to keep not only your body but also your mind healthy. Other benefits have to do with the bra itself. Many of the breast feeding sports bras are marketed as everyday bras that can be worn whether you’re exercising or not, so wearing one means you are covered, supported, and breast feeding is made easy, whether you’re exercising, running errands, staying at home or staying active just through daily life!
The main benefits of the maternity sports bras are the support they provide, the adjustability, ease of access for breastfeeding, the coverage and convenience, as well as the materials used and of course how comfortable they are.
What are the Top 6 Breast Feeding Sports Bras?
Just like with all things baby, choosing the right breastfeeding sports bra can be daunting. Here’s a list to help you narrow down your search.
1. Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Bra
- Moisture-wicking material
- Stretchy
- Supportive
- Adjustable straps
- Wire-free
- Drop-down cups
- Comfortable
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Affordable
2. Cake Maternity Zest Sports Bra
- High-impact sports bra
- Moulded cups
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Moisture-wicking material
- Mesh panels
- Padded straps
- Drop-down cups
- Available in a variety of sizes
3. Lorna Jane Maternity Nursing Bra
- High-impact sports bra
- Adjustable straps
- Extendable bra clasp
- Moisture-wicking material
- Comfortable
- Removable padding
- Drop-down cups
- Slightly more affordable than Cake Maternity Zest
4. Love and Fit Athena 3 Nursing Sports Bra
- Medium impact support
- Comfortable, silky straps
- Adjustable straps
- Adjustable back clasp
- Extra coverage on top and sides
- Removable cups
- Drop-down cups
- Converts to racerback or standard back
5. Hotmilk – This brand made several lists for a variety of bras, two of which are sports bras:
a. Activate Sports Nursing Bra
i. High-impact optimal support
ii. Designed for large breasts
iii. Flexiwire
iv. Doesn’t ride up when exercising
v. Wide straps
vi. Moisture-wicking material
vii. Mesh panels
viii. Drop-down cups
b. Vitality Grey Yoga Nursing Bra
i. Low impact support
ii. Seamless
iii. Promotes skin on skin nursing
iv. Racerback
6. Ollie Gray the Anywhere Bra
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Amazing construction
- Antimicrobial and Moisture-wicking materials
- Available in seven patterns
- Fits cups A to DD
- Great as a pumping bra
- Non-removable padding
FAQs about Breast Feeding Sports Bras:
There are many pros to owning a breastfeeding sports bra. They are comfortable, easy to nurse your baby in, can be used as everyday bras or solely for exercise, and can adjust with your changing shape.
Can sports bras cause clogged milk ducts?
Sports bras can cause clogged milk ducts, but so can other clothing if it is too tight. Clogged ducts want to be avoided for several reasons: milk production is depleted, breasts are sore and painful to the touch, and if condition worsens can lead to Mastitis, which is when those clogged ducts become infected. Sports bras if too tight, can cause an issue, especially those with underwire. Underwire presses on mammary glands, which can affect milk production, leading back to clogged ducts, and no mum wants that. This is why many nursing sports bras are specially designed without underwire.
Do tight sports bras affect milk supply?
Yes, tight bras can affect your milk supply. If your bra is constricting, it can slow or block milk production. This can lead to decreased supply, clogged ducts, mastitis, a crying baby, and a stressed mum. Make sure your sports bra fits correctly and is comfortable as well as supportive.
How many breastfeeding bras do I need?
How many breastfeeding bras you need really depends on…you. How often do you want to do laundry? Do you want a bra for different occasions? There are nursing bras, breastfeeding sports bras, pumping bras, and sleeping bras. These probably aren’t the only ones out there either. If you’re a minimalist and would prefer a low supply, start with two so that you have a backup if your favorite breastfeeding bra is dirty, frayed, or no longer fits. Then you can work out whether you want to add to your supply!
Are breast feeding sports bras worth it?
Yes, most definitely. If you like comfort while also being supported as you stay active, versatility with what you wear, and easy access for baby then a breastfeeding sports bra is the way to go.
Summary – Breast Feeding Sports Bras
Breastfeeding can be hard. There can be pain, helping your baby figure out how to latch, to finding ways to increase your milk supply if necessary. There are many unknowns, but one of them doesn’t have to be whether you should invest in a breastfeeding sports bra or not. Whether you’re on the go or primarily stay at home, whether you enjoy dressing up or wearing athleisure all the time, whether you’re using it to stay fit or as an everyday bra, a breastfeeding sports bra can adjust with your changing body and is an investment you probably won’t regret!
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