Nursing bra

Votre guide définitif pour le confort et le soutien

Bonjour, mamans 23 Mai Paris ! Aujourd'hui, nous allons nous plonger dans un sujet essentiel pour toutes les mamans qui allaitent : les soutien-gorge d'allaitement ! Nous savons que pendant cette belle période, votre corps subit de nombreux changements, et trouver le soutien-gorge adapté n'est pas seulement une question de confort, mais aussi de santé et de praticité. Chez 23 Mai Paris, nous voulons vous accompagner à chaque étape, c'est pourquoi nous avons préparé ce guide complet pour vous aider à choisir les meilleurs compagnons pour votre poitrine. C'est parti !

Why is a nursing bra a must-have, not a luxury?

You may be asking yourself: "Do I really need a special bra? Can't I just make do with the ones I already have?" The answer is simple: yes, you really do! Here's why:

Unrivalled comfort:

Your breasts will be more sensitive, fuller and heavier than usual, especially during the first few weeks and when your milk is "rising". Nursing bras are designed in soft, stretchy, breathable fabrics that adapt to these changes without constricting. Many are made without awkward seams or with flat seams to avoid chafing.

Essential support :

The extra weight requires good support to avoid back and neck pain, and to maintain the shape of the chest over the long term. Wide straps and firm but comfortable support bands are essential.

Quick and easy access for breastfeeding:

And therein lies the magic! They feature cups that can be easily detached or lowered with just one hand (very handy when you've got a hungry baby in the other!). So you can nurse your baby discreetly and comfortably, wherever you are.

Breast health:

An unsuitable bra (too tight, with underwires that press where they shouldn't) can contribute to problems such as blocked ducts or mastitis. Well-designed nursing bras help prevent these complications.

Space for nursing pads:

Milk leaks are common, and nursing bras usually offer enough space and coverage to discreetly place nursing pads.

The perfect time: when to start buying nursing bras?

It's a very common question. Here are a few tips:

• During pregnancy (third trimester): By the end of pregnancy, your breasts will have grown considerably. Buy one or two comfortable, underwire-free nursing bras at this stage, which will serve you well for the last few months and the first few days after delivery. Look for models with good stretch so that they can adapt to initial fluctuations.
• Immediately after delivery / first few weeks: Once your milk has come in (usually between the 3rd and 5th day after giving birth), you'll have a clearer idea of the size you'll need. Your breasts may seem very swollen and even change size between feeds. This is the ideal time to invest in a few extra bras in a more stable size, even if they will continue to change slightly.
• Throughout breastfeeding: As breastfeeding settles in and your baby grows, you may need to adjust the size again. It's a dynamic process!

Advice 23 Mai Paris : Don't buy all your nursing bras before giving birth. Start with one or two and adjust them according to your real needs.

Key features: what to look for in the ideal nursing bra?

Not all nursing bras are the same. Here is a list of essential features:

1. Easy opening mechanism:
• Clips or staples: they must be easy to open and close with just one hand. Check that the system is intuitive and safe.
• Fold-down cup: make sure the cup folds down completely, leaving the breast well exposed for the baby to grasp, but that the rest of the bra continues to offer good support.
2. Suitable fabric :
• Breathable: cotton, bamboo or blends with microfiber are excellent options, as they let the skin breathe and help prevent moisture, which can promote irritation or fungal infections.
• Elastic: the Lycra or Spandex in the blend allows the bra to adapt to changes in breast size throughout the day and while you breastfeed.
• Soft: the skin of your breasts and nipples will be more sensitive. Avoid rough or lacy fabrics, which can irritate.
3. Support without sacrificing comfort:
• First weeks/months: we strongly recommend wearing bras without underwiring. Rigid underwires can compress the milk ducts and increase the risk of obstruction or mastitis, especially when breast size varies greatly.
• Established breastfeeding: if you then prefer an underwired bra for added support or shape, look for models specially designed for breastfeeding, with soft underwires that don't compress breast tissue. Make sure the underwire completely surrounds the breast without resting on it.
• Wide, adjustable shoulder straps: they distribute weight more evenly and don't dig into the shoulders.
• Firm bottom band: it should fit snugly around the contour, but not too tightly, to provide optimum support. Choose bands with several rows of staples to adjust the contour.
• Without underwiring (or with special flexible underwiring).

The right size: the best-kept secret!

Choosing the right size is essential. A bra that's too small will be too tight, and one that's too big won't offer any support.

• Chest circumference: measure just below your breasts, around your torso. The tape should be snug but not too tight, and parallel to the ground. To this measurement in centimeters, we generally add a few centimeters or use a manufacturer's conversion chart to obtain the chest size (e.g. 32, 34, 36, etc.).
• Cup: measure the most prominent part of your breasts, with a bra that won't crush them (ideally one without padding). The tape should be loose.
• Calculate the cup size: the difference between the cup measurement and the bust measurement will give you the cup size (A, B, C, D...). Each brand may have its own guide, so check it out!
• Try before you buy (if possible):
• The band should be firm but comfortable. You should be able to get two fingers underneath.
• The chest should fill the cup without spilling over the top or sides, and without leaving any gaps.
• The straps must not fall or prick.
• Move around, raise your arms. Does the bra stay in place?

Types of nursing bra for every moment and every need:

You don't need the same type of bra for sleeping as for working. There's a whole range!

1. Rest or night bra:
• Features: very soft, without complicated fastenings (sometimes cross-over in front or simple top-type design), in cotton or high-stretch fabric. They offer light support.
• Use: ideal for staying at home and sleeping, especially if you need to use nursing pads at night.
• Découvrez des options confortables dans notre collection de pyjamas d'allaitement qui comprend souvent des tops de repos.
2. Everyday bra:
• Features: good support, preformed or slightly structured cups (without being rigid), comfortable to wear under clothes. Many are t-shirt-style (T-shirt Bra), with no seams around the cups.
• Use: for everyday life, on the way to work, for casual outings.
• Notre principale collection de vêtements d'allaitement se combine parfaitement avec ces soutien-gorge.
3. Nursing sports bra :
• Features: better fit and support for physical activities. Moisture-control technical fabrics. Easy access for breastfeeding before or after exercise.
• Use: for active moms who don't want to give up sport.
4. Nursing bra (hands-free) :
• Features: designed to hold breast pump nipples, leaving your hands free. Some are a band that fits over the nursing bra, others are a full bra.
• Use: a blessing if you need to express milk regularly!
5. Pretty" or special occasion bras:
• Features: with lace details, more varied colors, but without forgetting breastfeeding functionality.
• Use: because being a breastfeeding mom doesn't mean giving up on feeling beautiful and feminine.

How many nursing bras do I need?

We recommend at least 3 to 5 nursing bras:

• One carried.
• One being washed.
• Ready to use.
• An extra pair to alternate between or in case of "accidents" (milk leaks).

This means you'll always have a clean, dry one to hand.

Care and maintenance of your nursing bras :

To make them last longer and stay in good condition:

• Read the label: follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Hand wash or delicate cycle: use cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
• Use a lingerie bag: if you machine-wash them, this will protect the staples and fabric.
• Close the staples: to prevent them from catching on other garments.
• Don't use too much fabric softener: it can alter elasticity.
• Air-dry: avoid tumble-drying, as the heat can damage the elastic fibers and deform the cups. Hang by the center band, not the straps.

Common mistakes when choosing and using nursing bras :

• Buying definitive sizes too early: your breast size will change.
• Prioritize aesthetics over functionality (at least initially): comfort and support are essential.
• Choosing the wrong size: this can lead to discomfort and breast health problems.
• Use rigid-frame bras too early: risk of blocked ducts.
• Not having enough to alternate: hygiene is important!

Nursing bras and your emotional well-being

Se sentir à l'aise et bien soutenue peut avoir un impact positif sur votre bien-être pendant l'allaitement. Un bon soutien-gorge vous apporte de la sécurité et vous permet de vous concentrer sur le plaisir de créer ce lien spécial avec votre bébé. Et n'oubliez pas, vous trouverez d'autres articles sur le bien-être maternel dans nos blogs précédents.

Chez 23 Mai Paris, nous nous engageons à vous accompagner dans cette merveilleuse aventure. Nous vous invitons à découvrir notre sélection rigoureuse de vêtements et accessoires d'allaitement, où fonctionnalité, confort et style vont de pair. Chaque t-shirt d'allaitement, robes d'allaitement ou sweat-shirts d'allaitement est conçu pour vous faciliter la vie au quotidien.

We hope you find this guide useful, moms. Choosing the right nursing bra is an investment in your comfort and the success of your breastfeeding.

Do you have any other advice on nursing bras? What was your experience? Share it in the comments! We love building this 23 Mai Paris community together.

Big kisses!

 

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you:

T-shirts d'allaitement
T-shirts d'allaitement imprimés
T-shirts d'allaitement personnalisés
T-shirts d’allaitement basiques
Hauts d’allaitement personnalisables
Pulls d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
Pulls d'allaitement maille
Débardeurs d'allaitement
Robes d'allaitement
Pyjamas d'allaitement
vêtements d'allaitement  
Vêtements de maternité et d'allaitement
Vêtements d'allaitement à ouverture sur le côté
Vêtements d'allaitement grande taille
Vêtements d'allaitement d'été
Vêtements d'allaitement chauds
Vêtements d'allaitement brodés
Vêtements d'allaitement d'hiver
Vêtements d'allaitement confortables
Vêtements d'allaitement en coton
Vêtements de grossesse et d'allaitement
Vêtements d'allaitement originaux
Vêtements d'allaitement pas chers
Vêtements d'allaitement personnalisés
Vêtements d'allaitement en soldes
Vêtements d'allaitement à manches courtes
Vêtements d'allaitement à petit prix
Vêtements d'allaitement à zip
Vêtements d'allaitement abordables
Vêtements d'allaitement amples
Vêtements d'allaitement beiges
Vêtements d'allaitement blanc
Vêtements d'allaitement bleu
Vêtements d'allaitement discrets
Vêtements d'allaitement doux
Vêtements d'allaitement en promotion
Vêtements d'allaitement gris
Vêtements d'allaitement Imprimés
Vêtements d'allaitement jaunes
Vêtements d'allaitement leopard
Vêtements d'allaitement noir
Vêtements d'allaitement rose
Vêtements d’allaitement sobres
Vêtements d'allaitement tendances
Vêtements d'allaitement unis
Vêtements de sport pour l'allaitement
T-shirt allaitement imprimé
T-shirt allaitement personnalisé
T-shirt allaitement coloris uni
T-shirt allaitement manches longues
T-shirt allaitement blanc
T-shirt allaitement bleu
T-shirt allaitement noir
T-shirt allaitement gris
T-shirt allaitement camel
T-shirt allaitement léopard
T-shirt allaitement brodés
T-shirt allaitement coton
T-shirt allaitement zip
T-shirt allaitement été
T-shirt allaitement hiver
T-shirt grossesse allaitement
T-shirt allaitement milk
T-shirt allaitement coeur
T-shirt allaitement pas cher
T-shirt allaitement ouverture coté
T-shirt allaitement discret
T-shirt allaitement confortable
T-shirt allaitement originaux
T-shirt d'Allaitement avec col en V
T-shirts d'allaitement jaune
T-shirts d'allaitement marron
T-shirts d'allaitement multicolore
T-shirts d'allaitement rose
T-shirts d'allaitement rouge
T-shirts d'allaitement unis
Pyjamas d'allaitement
Pyjamas d'allaitement 2 pièces
Pyjamas d'allaitement en promotion
Pyjamas d'allaitement en soldes
Pyjamas d'allaitement leopard
Pyjamas de maternité
Chemises de nuit d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement à ouverture sur le côté
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement en promotion
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement pas chers
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement verts
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement roses
Sweat-shirts de grossesse
Sweat Shirts d'allaitement blancs
Pulls allaitement zip
Pulls allaitement maille
Pulls allaitement laine
Pulls allaitement grossesse
Pulls allaitement chaud
Pulls allaitement pas cher
Pulls allaitement hiver
Pulls d'allaitement ouverture coté
Pulls d'allaitement discret
Robes d’allaitement en maille
Robes d’allaitement chaudes
Robes d’allaitement d’hiver
Robes d’allaitement beiges
Robes d’allaitement longues
Robes d’allaitement courtes
Robes d'allaitement festives
Robes d'allaitement d'été
Robes d'allaitement de vacances
Robes d'allaitement en promotion
Robes d'allaitement noires
Robes d'allaitement pas cher
Robes d'allaitement pour mariage
Robes de grossesse
Robes pull allaitement

 

If you are only a pregnant mom, here are our maternity clothes:

Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Cheap maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity jeans
Colored maternity jeans
Black maternity jeans
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Cheap maternity jeans
Comfortable maternity jeans
Maternity pants
Black maternity pants
Gray maternity pants
Colored maternity pants
Blue maternity pants
Jeans for pregnant women
Gray maternity jeans
Blue maternity jeans
Black jeans for pregnant women
Cheap jeans for pregnant women
Comfortable maternity jeans