Good Nursing Bra

Have you tried Motherhood Maternity? There is one at Orland Park Mall. The first one's I had were too thin from Target and at Motherhood they are built like regular bras, just with the nursing access. Affordable too, I purchased two of the same style and they were $18 each, but they also had cheaper ones as well. Hope that helps!
J. B., Mokena

I really liked "Bravado" brand.

I had the same problem until I discovered sleeping bras. I don't mean the medela one--it's ok. I mean the comfy ones you can buy in nude or black or white at motherhood maternity in the mall. They're kind of a wrap looking style bra. I either wear one of those under clothes or I wear a nursing tank under my shirts--those have a built in bra. There are no other comfy ones, not really. Also, if you wear the sleeping bra instead of a tank under your shirt and want to cover your belly and midriff while nursing, they make something called a belly sock now. Here's a link: http://www.evalillian.com/nursing-coverage-bellysock-prod...

By the way, Tina's Closet in Lisle IS awsome...

I had good luck with any of the bras from Motherhood Maternity.

The bras I found to work best were the Medela. The clasps were esy to use and they gave great support.

Hands down these were the best investments I made when I was nursing. The Bravado Bra Tank $47 at Belly Dance. I had to buy every color because it was way too convenient to nurse in them without exposing your back etc. Just where a cardigan over for the winter. You can still where it even after nursing. There are alot of look alikes but I found that the snap latch system on this bra is what separates it from the cheaper version. One hand use. MY ultimate favority bra was the Bella Materna Ruched Clip Bra $54 at Belly Dance. They are in Bucktown and have a website it you don't live nearby. The material is the most comfortablea and I still use it after! You feel like you don't have a tight sports bra or cheap bra on. I LOVED these two!

I too like the nursing tanks but find them hard to fit my chest size, but I just had my second child and recently found the gillian o'malley nursing bras from Target are really nice. the fabric is nice and there's no underwire so they're really comfy. hope this helps :)

I had good luck at Nordstrom; while their selection wasn't big, what they do have is really good and the quality is great. Also, they have an excellent return policy: if you aren't happy with the bra you buy, even after it's been worn, you can return it (I don't know of any other store that will take back lingerie after it's been worn). I bought a Bravado and couple of Elle McPherson nursing bras there, and they are very comfortable and pretty. Regardless of where you end up buying your bras, you really should avoid underwire (ask anyone who's had problems caused by underwire, or ask a lactation consultant...).
I hope you find something you really like - good luck!

Mimi maternity has some great nursing bras. They are also very helpful in terms of finding the right size and a bra with enough support. They aren't pretty, but no nursing bras really are.

I am a nursing mom, and after my daughter was about 3 or 4 months I switched back to a normal bra for the daytime. (I'm a huge fan of the foamy-type Barely There underwire bras to support my motherly DD's.) When I nurse my daughter I just lower the strap off of my shoulder & move the bra just enough so she can get to what she needs. For nighttime nuring sessions, I like nursing tanks.

Hi T.,
I am a sahm of five kids and nursed them all. I went to target after spending so much money on ones from maternity stores and just tried on all of them. I did find two there that I really like and have been wearing for about 5 years now. One was a sports bra, nursing, and the other an underwire for when I was going out and wanted to look a little nicer. I sports bra is a uniboob bra but very comfortable and nice to have to sleep in and wear around the house. The great part is they were about $15 and lasted about 2 years on avereage.
Good luck!
W.

I am now nursing my second son and have been using my Bravado nursing bras that I used with my first son. I love them. Hated all the bras at the Motherhood stores. It's so comfy and I wear it day and night. Easy to open and close with one hand. Yes, it's thin so you do have to pay attention to what your wearing but for me I try not to wear anything too tight anyway until I lose this baby weight. LOL! Hope you find something that works for you.

Be careful with a sports bra. They are intended to be tight and that can clog your ducts or even decrease your milk supply. It's one of the ways women increase binding when they aren't going to nurse. As far as a good nursing bra, try a specialty shop where you can be fitted for a nursing bra. It depends on your size what bra will be best. I nursed for 13 months and got away with Motherhood brands just because I'm smaller. Honestly though I started wearing regular bras at some point and just pulling it down or lifting it up. It's fairly inconvenient if they don't have underwire. Hope that helps!

Have you seen the nursing bras available from La Leche League? They have a whole line of intimate apparel at www.llli.org. Click on the store to see pictures, prices and to order. These just came out and are really cute. Also very functional. I wish these were available when I was nursing my babies!

Go to Expressiva - the web site. They have two versions. Very good.

I've resorted to nursing tanks (eg. Glamourmom). They're comfortable & keep everything in place. They're also great for keeping the belly covered when nursing in public.

For sleep bras, I like the ones at Motherhood Maternity. They're affordable and comfy.

Good luck finding what works for you.

I had a horrible time finding a soft cup nursing bra that was supportive as well as comfortable, esp being a bigger size 36H or 36I depending on the style.
I found a website that has a huge variety of styles and easy returns if you don't like what you receive. good luck!
www.barenecessities.com
I found the anita bras to be nice.

T.,
I have 6 month old twins and was elated when I finally found a comfortable nursing bra!! I really like the Bestform Sports Nursing Bra Style B388. The bra is affordable and so comfortable. I have included a link to Walmart.com. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5026122
I hope that this helps!

GOOD LUCK. I hate all of mine too. I wish VS would come out with something - but i guess nursing isn't in their business plan. I have one from Target that is OK. I go for bras that breathe good, otherwise you can get thrush really easy. I just use a disposable pad that i change out often. (Also nobody makes any good pads these days). I swear, we should team up and go into business! I also found a nice padded one at Motherhood (they also have a sports bra that i hear is good). None of them are the epitomy of comfort. I need the wires, yet at night they poke if I turn over. The sports bras are good for night... but I can't say I like any of the ones I've found either.

I lv the Medela nursing bra that's like a sports bra (no hooks).
http://medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/intimate-appare...

They have it at Macy's in the maternity section, but i know you can get it from my lactation consultant in Naperville: Janet T. ###-###-#### (www.lactinv.com). She can order whatever size you need (color comes in nude, black and white).

Also, if you're interested, I run a weekly breastfeeding support grp in south Naperville that meets Mondays and Janet comes almost every week (to offer professional advice). I've got the details in this link. You can bring your older kids; we meet in a toddler room that has toys at a church (not a religiously-affiliated group). Feel free to email me offline if you hv any questions (oh, and it's not a business, its free and I just volunteer my time to do this).
Jen S.
http://www.mamasource.com/business/8288988875477483521

I really like the Bravado nursing tank. It seemed a bit thicker than other ones I have tried and very comfortable.

I like the Bravado nursing bras. You can try them on at Belly Dance Maternity in Bucktown (and can buy them online for cheaper at www.breakoutbras.com - I suggest trying them on to get the right size first, though). I wore mine 24/7 for about 8 months straight (and then still during the day until he was about 13 months and had cut back on nursing) when I had my son.

I found what I feel is the best nursing bra in the world. I am a little more top heavy so I needed a really sturdy bra especially when my son was younger and I was still sleeping in them...but still more accessible than a sports bra because pulling it up wasn't comfortable. I got mine through www.babycenter.com On the left side is a tab for store and then click on breastfeeding. Then click on nursing bras on the left. The bra is on page 2 and is the 2nd one. It's called The Supreme Nursing bra. Not only does it have hooks on the straps but one in the middle to hold everything in. I was able to sleep in it, put pads in it, and go everywhere without worrying. I still wear it now and then on the weekends because it still fits. It's a little pricey but I tried the cheaper ones and this was so worth the money. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Gap makes a good one that is only $30. I also wear Anita bras that I got at Majamas in Oak Park that were $41 and I've been wearing them for 2 years now and just needed new ones due to a different size more than anything, they held up great. You can try Gap.com, sometimes they are really clearanced.

I love the nursing tanks from Target. They're excellent to wear around the house, especially when you're nursing every 2 hours like we are. Then you're not constantly taking your shirt on and off.

Definitely go to Transitions into Parenting at 640 S. Washington #100 in Naperville. I think you have to call first because they are open weird hours: ###-###-####. I got some Medela bras there, and they are a little more expensive, but definitely worth it. They have a nighttime nursing bra, too, that is kind of like a sports bra, but has the hooks to open. I still wear it at night now, even though we've weaned, for the support! (I did also find a good one at Target, too.)

Not sure where you're located, of course, but I've always had good luck with the bra shop in Berwyn (Cermak and Oak Park Avenues). They will measure and make suggestions.

I am a La Leche League leader & I LOVE the new line of bras. Very comfortable.

http://www.mothersboutique.com/lllipaconubr.html

No underwires since they can cause plugged ducts, unless you are professionaly fitted to make sure the wire are properly placed under the breast tissue

I would suggest going to a professional bra fitter first before making a purchase since she can help you to get the correct size.

yes, there is a store in Oak Park called Majama's. They sell all sorts of nursing bras and just really comfy bras/shirts for nursing moms. Majama's sells stuff at Nordstrom's too if that is easier for you. I don't know if Majama's has a website, but maybe on Nordstrom's website?

I went to a lactation nurse in St. Charles and she fit me and helped me order one that really fit. I am large chested so this was really important. Anyway she is great. Just call and make an appt. You can bring your kids with you, it's a small place and there isn't much for them to get into.

As for making your own baby food. I bought a book on this and I'm drawing a total blank on the name...Oh Super Baby Food. It's very easy! Good luck

Carol Chamblin, RN, APN, IBCLC
Breast ‘N Baby Lactation Services, Inc.
525 Tyler Rd., Ste. L-2
St. Charles, IL 60174
###-###-####

I went to Tina's Closet they custom fit you and they have great support even with no wire try to call ahead they have funky hours people come from all over the country to be fitted by her and her staff she's in downtown lisle Main st and ogden ave. the price is like any good bra $30 and up they also carry the medela overnight bras they are really comfortable and im not nursing anymore but i still wear them sometimes Good Luck

I always used the bra's from the Motherhood stores. I found some thicker ones that were just like my Victoria's Secret bra's.

I bought all my nursing bras from Target and I am quite happy with them. I have one that is from Motherhood. It was more expensive looked cuter but is not as comfy or as easy to snap. Target also has great nursing tank tops that provide nice support for bed time.

I have nursing bras made by Medela. I really like their comfort bra, and you can get it just about anywhere. I've seen it online at Gap and a friend of mine just registered (?!?) for some at Babies R Us. I also have nursing tank tops from Glamourmom.com, and I've been really happy with those, as well. It's been nice to have another layer in this recent weather. I've been wearing all of my nursing bras for almost a year now, and they've all held up really well. Good luck with nursing!

Motherhood Maternity has great bras!

Target-I love their nursing bras. They also have a nursing tank that is nice. They wash well and are very supportive. I have recommended to a few friends and they also agree that they are their favorites.

Try the nursing bra offered online at Title nine. My friends and I swore by them while we were nursing. http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?...

Bravado bras are very comfortable. The only ones I used. You can get them online or you can go try them on at Pea in the Pod in downtown Highland Park.
Hope that helps,
J. R.

My vote goes to BRAVADO bra. BUT --- you need to make sure you get the + or ++ size. I've tried the regular one and it's kind of thin (thicker than most though). The + & ++ sizes are made with a thicker support along the sides I think. Anyway, they feel like a sports bra but have the convenience of fold down cups. You can try one used by searching on the trading posts of www.mothering.com/discussions or www.diaperswappers.com/forum as well as ebay if you don't want to spend a lot on something you're not sure about. Their tank rocks too though it's a bit pricey. I think Expressiva nursing wear is having a sale on Bravado right now.

Since I am a pretty large-chested woman, I've always gone to Tina's Closet in Lisle to get fitted, it makes a big difference. So naturally I went there to get my maternity and nursing bras. One for the morning and one for night. Although they are thin, I wear breast pads with them, since I pump at work, and all is well!

My favorites are http://breakoutbras.stores.yahoo.net/senusobyfafr.html

and then there is a really inexpensive one they used to sell at walmart...not sure if they still have it, it is all cotton and has wide straps and it kind of styled like a sports bra...has gel in the straps and has the plastic clips...easy to fasten. Tag on it says bestform...and I THINK style #B358. It's pretty faded cause I like it so much LOL. I think it was all of 12.00. Those Bravado bras that are supposed to be so good, I didn't like at all. The elastic kept rolling up on me and was so uncomfortable. Plus the snaps are impossible to reattach one handed.

there was a medela bra that i loved (actually supported the weight of the nursing boobs!). got it in 3 colors at be by baby in the city (corner of lincoln, roscoe & paulina--amazing resource for nursing stuff and more natural parenting). i also remember that some of the lactation consultants i'd met would do house calls and measuremtns for bras.

also, i've seen a lot of people recommending underwire bras, but they are a bad idea because the wire can cut into your milk ducts and hurt your supply, or worse, cause blockages and infection.

I would agree that I LOVE the Bestform (B388) bra from Wal-Mart! I also had a hard time finding one that was comfortable with no underwires that wasn't padded in the cup. This one is awesome! It's got padded shoulders and easy to work clasps (one-handed clasps are a necessity!) and it's not padded in the cup. Oh yeah, and it's only like $12! I wear mine all the time!

I also would recommend Tina's Closet on Main St. in Lisle if you're anywhere near there. Tina, the owner, will often fit you herself and she will make alterations to make sure the bra fits perfectly. I don't know how nursing moms buy bras off the shelf because our sizes change so much. It really does a world of good to get yourself fitted and into a great feeling/fitting bra. Tina's bras run from @$35 on up but it is definitely worth it. She also keeps your information in her computer and can look up what size and style you bought the last time. I absolutely won't go anywhere else for my bras and even though I'm done nursing I continue to go there for my everyday bras. I teach a childbirth class and recommend Tina's to all my students.

I used nursing sportsbras from Target and they were great - and nice and thick so I could put pads in them and they didn't show as much (plus they were less expensive). I had gotten some expensive sleep bras that cross over from Macy's as well - they were thicker and super comfy. Good luck! Also, congrats on starting with Shaklee - my grandma has been selling it since the beginning it seems - great products! I plan to buy the entire "green" cleaning line of products as soon as we move into our new house with our 7 month old!

I actually found that a nursing tank top/bra worked absolutely wonderful for me. I liked them because I could wear a shirt over it. Then when it was time to nurse (especially in public or in front of visitors) I could lift my top shirt up without flashing anyone. Then after I got baby positioned with the blanket over me, I could just unsnap and go! I actually also had a maternity tank with a built in bra that I used, and still use even after I've been finished breast feeding.
http://www.glamourmom.com/
OR
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4891083
OR
http://www.amazon.com/Too-Cool-Tank-Top-Nursing/dp/B0008E...
Good luck! :)

I always had good luck with the Playtex nursing bras. I never had a problem with them and they were comfortable for me.

It is hard to find a maternity bra that fits just right and it comfy I agree. I would suggest find a local maternity store and ask them to give you some pointers as to what to look for.