Nursing Sports Bra vs Regular Sports Bra...
Which one is Right for You?
We’ve worked with hundreds and hundreds of pregnant people and new parents over the years who have told us just how hard it is to find a supportive workout bra for their ever changing breasts! Add trying to feed a baby to your workout and a supportive nursing sports bra is next to impossible to find. For years we recommended work around bras to our mamas who were struggling and had never found one really good solution. But that all changed when our friends at After9 created a high quality sports bra for mamas who wanted to be able to feed their babies before, during or after their workouts! So, we’ve asked After9 Owner & CEO, Olivia Glauberzon to help our members understand the differences between a nursing sports bra and a regular sports bra.
Your boobs when pregnant
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, women may begin experiencing heavy, sore or tingling breasts within one to two weeks of conceiving. Depending on where you are in your maternity journey, you may find that your breasts increase a full cup size or two during your pregnancy and possibly more so after birth, when you begin breastfeeding.
What is a nursing sports bra?
A “nursing bra” by definition is a bra equipped with features that enable you quicker access to your breasts with a mechanism such as a clip. This is enables you to pull down the top cup of your bra to access your nipples when breastfeeding; otherwise, you would end up having to yank up the bottom band of your bra, which can be incredibility painful. A nursing sports bra incorporates this clip and pull down flap with the structure and support to still keep your breasts secure during your workout.
Why Is a breastfeeding sports bra your “breast” friend?
Depending on where you are in your motherhood journey, you may not understand exactly what nursing bras are and why you can’t just keep living in your sports bra. Nursing sports bra vs. sports bra – which one is right for you? After all, a few weeks into pregnancy, you’re main priority is probably comfort and support for those ever so painful growing breasts.
Why can't you breastfeed in regular sports bras?
Well, it's like trying to get Mount Everest over your boob!
This is where an active new mom runs into trouble. Her favourite sports bras are not breastfeeding accessible, but are extremely supportive for working out. However, while working out with baby, she may find she needs to feed and thus, ends up yanking up her bottom band ouch. Alternatively, other new moms decide to forgo their sports bras and just wear their casual nursing bras for working out. While this is comfortable, the typical nursing bra designed for daily wear does not provide enough support to carry you through any high impact activity such as running, jumping jacks or plyometric moves.
The solution? A nursing sports bra or breastfeeding sports bra. It has the support you need to get back in shape with any activity you desire, combined with the accessible clips you need for breastfeeding.
What to look for in a nursing sports bra
If you’re just starting out on your maternity journey, it’s best you invest in a nursing sports bra that you can use after baby is born to breastfeed. Here are the features you want to consider in a bra that will take you from pregnancy, nursing and beyond:
Foam structure support – typically bras without a foam interior are designed for lower impact activities. Built in foam also provides protection against those leaky boobs, without requiring nursing pads or cups.
A long line and adjustable torso band. You may find with your growing belly and bust, that a sports bra that isn’t long line in design can dig in. Try and look for a bra that has a 1.5 inch sports band. Also make sure it’s adjustable. During your pregnancy, you want to look for a band that fits you on the middle or largest hook, this way you can pull it in as your torso comes back in.
Adjustable shoulder straps. As your boobs fill with milk, you’ll find one moment you’re a size C and then you’re moving on to a DD. Look for a bra where you have the ability to shorten the shoulder straps to accommodate your boobs as they shift in structure.
If we’ve convinced you that you NEED a nursing sports bra (and we really believe anyone who works out and is still nursing their babies, really does!), then send us a message and we’ll give you our discount code!
Finally, at Fitmama Strong, we truly love our After9 activewear and we personally own a number of our own leggings and sports bras that get lots of love in both in-person and live, online classes:)