This is my first post back since welcoming our second child into the world, so it only makes sense it should be related to motherhood. Breastfeeding has become my new main job for the time being, and thankfully, I am a little more prepared in terms of breastfeeding this time than I was with my first baby.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I didn’t realize the importance of breastfeeding bras and why you need a nursing bra. I tried to make do with the bras I already had, which didn’t work because a) the sizing was off, and b) they were uncomfortable and difficult to work when I had a baby who needed feeding every hour or two. The other major issue is that many conventional bras have a regular underwire, which is not recommended to wear while breastfeeding, plus they are often just plain uncomfortable especially with engorgement. Underwires put pressure on the milk ducts and tissues, which can potentially block the milk flow and lead to plugged ducts. Since I already know how terrible plugged ducts are and how quickly they can turn into the dreaded mastitis, this is not something to mess with.
I remember running out at one week postpartum and picking up a couple cheap nursing bras, which in the end fell apart quickly and were not comfortable at all. This time around, I decided ahead of time I wouldn’t be making the same mistake twice, so I sought out good quality, highly recommended bras. Since feeding your baby is a full-time job at first, it’s important to have something comfortable that also works well when you’re out and about. Enter Cake Maternity Lingerie. I’ve found it difficult to shop for nursing bras due to the fact that many lines only start at a large C cup and go up from there. It can be tricky to find anything smaller for women who aren’t as… errmmm, well-endowed. This is one of the things I love about Cake – some of their bras even start at A cup sizing and go up from there. They accommodate women of all sizes. Plus, their bras are not only perfect for breastfeeding moms, but they also look nice! One of the company’s main goals is to create bras that are feminine, stylish, comfortable, functional AND fit correctly, which can be difficult to find in the world of maternity/nursing bras and clothes. Cake also has a line of underwire bras, which are different from regular underwire bras, as they are purposefully shaped to sit under and around the breast tissue, with a correctly shaped, bendy wire that isn’t harsh against the skin or breast tissue. However, they don’t recommend wearing these bras until at least one month postpartum once your milk supply has been established and everything is settled. I love all the options Cake has in terms of bras, from nighttime to daytime with a huge assortment for all shapes and sizes.
I was so excited to receive my beautiful package from Cake Maternity Lingerie, which arrived exactly one day before my little girl was born. Perfect timing! How beautiful is this package?
I chose one of their top-sellers – the Mousse Contour Nursing Bra – in the fig colour. It also arrived with matching panties, which are just as nice as the bra. So far, I LOVE this bra. It is not only the most comfortable nursing bra I’ve tried on, but it’s also beautiful and barely feels like I’m wearing anything other than my regular pre-breastfeeding bras. It is the perfect every-day nursing bra. I find it is best suited for under tops that are not too low-cut as it does come up a bit higher on the sides. I would definitely recommend this bra to anyone and actually plan on buying one in another colour as well.
Cake Maternity also sent me a set of Cupcake nursing pads and reusable liners. Since I’m all about being as environmentally-friendly as possible, I love reusable nursing pads. Not only are they a great eco option, they also feel so much better against the skin when compared to disposable pads. The liners are super absorbent as well and made of a hemp-cotton fleece material. You can insert up to 2 liners in each pad, but I have only ever found I needed to use one. I’ve tried a few different brands of reusable nursing pads and these are hands down the best ones yet. They are definitely a new item on my list of must-haves for new moms. When it comes to nursing pads, most women find they need them, at least at the very start. I ended up wearing disposable pads the first few days with my first baby, and once I switched to reusable, there was no comparison. What I really like about these Cupcake pads in particular is that they seem to really absorb the moisture and wick it away from the skin. Plus, the material is so soft and comfortable and also very breathable. I really do love them.
And, thanks to Cake Maternity, I am giving away a set of these amazing nursing pads and liners. These would also make a great gift for any new or expecting moms.
Check out the giveaway entry below for your chance to win a set of these amazing pads and liners. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents 18+.
[…] allows you to conveniently breastfeed makes all the difference. I learned the first time around how important it is to have a good quality nursing bra. I’d recommend one or two good nighttime ones, and a couple of good daytime ones. Since every […]