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Mothers of New Babies and Toddlers

Equipment

Clothing for new mothers

Your clothes should be comfortable and loose during the first few weeks after childbirth. Wear clothing that fits with the activity you are doing and with the weather.

 

Choosing a good nursing bra


All women who are breastfeeding need to have a support bra that fits well.  Because your breast size may change during the first 6 weeks, it may be hard to get an accurate fit. Just be aware that breastfeeding is easier and more comfortable with the right nursing bra.

 

Try different bra styles to learn what you prefer. Choose one that has wide shoulder straps and fits you when your breasts are full of milk. Your bra needs to have room to insert a nursing pad for each breast. It is worth having a good supply of nursing pads to protect you from embarrassing leaks between feedings.

 

In the first few weeks after childbirth, wear your nursing bra with nursing pads in it when you do chores or light physical activity. In fact, until you are in a routine of being active again, this is a good practice to continue. Why? Because it is common for new breastfeeding mothers to    have milk “let down” or spilling from full breasts during physical activity, especially high impact activities.

 

You will notice many changes in breast size between feedings for the period between 6 weeks and 3 months. Use nursing pads after breastfeeding to take up space in your bra.  As your breasts begin to fill again with milk, you can remove the nursing pads to make more room.

You may want to buy a nursing tank with a built-in bra.  This makes sleeping more comfortable and provides easy access for late night feedings.

 

Once this is under control, a breastfeeding mother should wear a compression or encapsulated bra during exercise. This will help to support and protect your breasts. The bra you use for exercise should feel tight enough to provide a real feeling of support, but not so tight that the breasts feel uncomfortable or painful. Look for bras that have wide shoulder straps, higher backs, and seamless cups.

 

Give your body support!

 

In the past, breastfeeding women have found more support using two bras during physical activities. However we encourage you NOT to wear two bras because they cause pressure points around the fasteners and straps, stop all ventilation, increase friction on the breasts, and increase skin irritation.

 

Support your stomach muscles with either dance tights or special underwear that offers support, like a post-natal support girdle.

 

For tips on finding the right bra or underwear during and after pregnancy and while breastfeeding, visit these websites:

 

Maternity Bras

 

Nursing Bras

 

Sport Bras

 

General