Underwire Nursing Bras

The advantages and disadvantages of underwire nursing bras

In your quest for the perfect nursing bra, you have probably heard a lot about underwire nursing bras. While some people rave about them, others recommend avoiding them, leaving you absolutely confused.

To help eliminate any confusion, here is a closer look at some of the disadvantages and advantages that come with underwire nursing bras. In the end, your decision should be based on what will ultimately make your breastfeeding experience comfortable and positive.

The disadvantages
Here are some disadvantages of underwire nursing bras to consider before you decide.

• Underwire nursing bras should not be slept in. Just like traditional underwire bras, it is recommended that women avoid sleeping in a nursing bra that has an underwire. This is an important factor for new moms to consider since many women prefer having some sort of support throughout the night.
• Wearing them could lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis. If the underwire puts too much pressure on the breast, or more specifically, a milk duct, it could cause blocked ducts or mastitis. It's important to note, that this can be avoided by only selecting underwire nursing bras that fit properly.

The advantages
While there are many women that prefer softcup nursing bras, there are just as many women that enjoy underwire nursing bras.

• Superior support: Underwire nursing bras provide undoubtedly the most support compared to any of the other types available. This is especially important for women with larger breasts.
• Familiarity: The option of an underwire nursing bra is very attractive to women who wore bras with underwires prior to pregnancy simply because that's what they are familiar with and prefer.

How to decide?
Now that you have more information on underwire nursing bras, you can make an informed decision. Besides carefully considering each aspect and speaking to your doctor or a lactation consultant, the best way to decide is simply to try several underwire nursing bras on and compare them to softcups.