I tell you what, as a first-time breastfeeder, this new skill isn’t for the faint of heart.
Between the management of latching and milk flow (did I just have a letdown?), the nursing bra you wear is the key to making you feel supported… in more ways than one. I’ve tried a few bras to see what works best for me and to be honest, I’ve found it quite a challenge.
Dealing with a new set of ta-tas that have grown from a C to a DD is one thing, but then there’s the leaking that happens some (most) of the time. Not to mention the stress of nursing in public on those first few occasions and making sure you and your baby have easy access to the nip.
On top of that, there's a certain element of wanting to look and feel good for yourself. I've been looking to Triumph as the bra experts to bolster me up while I take care of a tiny human called Rex. They have a range of maternity bras with drop-down cups for supportive feeds, and also have two sets of hook and eyes that help adjust with your body from pregnancy through to postpartum.
Here's the three maternity bras I tried, and alright, yes: they've pretty much got me sold at this point.
Amour Maternity Lace Bra, $64.95.
Rex and I were 'hot mum walking' today while I was wearing this bra in Nude Pink, size 12DD. We met some girlfriends and their babies down at the park — must get those steps in — stopping halfway for a sweet treat and a coffee whilst Rex had a quick milk stop as well.
The thing I love about this bra is that it has easy-to-undo magnetic clips, so when Rex started squealing in hunger, it took me legitimately 0.25 seconds to whip the nip out and get him latched. Rex has a really great habit of falling asleep on the boob, which means I also have a great habit of forgetting to do my bra back up in apprehension of waking him up, only realising when a slight breeze hits.
The magnetic clips are a lifesaver for me, all I have to do is guide the clip back up to its partner and the magnets click into place, doing itself back up! My verdict: the bra was super comfy, supportive and easy to wear, perfect for under most of my outfits. Big tick from me!
Gorgeous Padded Maternity Bra, $59.95.
The day I wore this brand, we had Baby Sensory and Mother’s Group — and I wore this Triumph number in Blusher Beige, size 12DD. My first impression of this bra was 'wow, soft'; the second impression was 'wow, the booberellas look great!'.
I can tell that this bra is going to be great for everyday wear. Think of it as your new fave OG T-shirt bra but make it breastfeeding friendly. This bra is wire-free so super comfortable when worn all day, and also has the magnetic clips so I was quickly a fan.
Rex was pooped after Baby Sensory which we love because it meant that he snoozed happily in his pram for quite a few hours. My bosoms didn't love it as much as he slept through a feed while I was at coffee with the other mums. I'm sure most breastfeeding women can relate to the fear you have when out in public, your baby is sound asleep with no indication of rousing and your boobs start to leak.
I’m a big fan of 'don't wake the baby' so I didn't. and just let my letdown 'let down'. Whilst this bra doesn’t claim to be leakproof, I had a significant amount of milk leakage but was none the wiser without a single wet patch coming through the bra. Another big tick from me for this bra.
Lace Maternity Wirefree Bra, $69.95.
My favourite thing about being on mat leave is going for lunch with my other mummy mat leave friends, so this was on the agenda for today — wearing the Lace Maternity Wire Free Bra in black, size 12DD.
Going out to a 'nice place' for a gal's (and babies) lunch knowing that at some point my bra is going to be on show during feeding, this bra hit the sweet spot. It has all the support and comfort but with a little lace detail that I love.
When feeding time came, the easy undo hook had me feeling like Houdini — I was able to flick it off and do it back up one handed. This bra is particularly great for the big busted girlies with its wide straps, cotton lined cups and 3 hook and eye clasps for additional support. It's also available in sizes up to an H cup!
The verdict.
These three Triumph bras have easily become part of my regular rotation for everyday wear, and truly the hardest working maternity bras every pregnant and breastfeeding woman should own.
Each style has the support you need when breastfeeding but also make your life so much easier with the magnetic and hook mechanisms. When wearing them, I felt so supported and comfortable but also loved the shape that they gave me. When your body is changing daily postpartum and on loan to a baby for a while, the least you can do is get yourself an affordable bra that supports you, looks great and feels even better.
Shop Triumph's collection of maternity bras and nursing bras online or find a store.
Feature Image: Supplied.