What makes the perfect nursing bra?

It is estimated that 75% of women (non pregnant) wear the wrong size bra and that this percentage in pregnancy and nursing women is even higher!

As early as 6 weeks into pregnancy; your breasts will start to become larger in preparation for nursing and from around 12 weeks, your rib cage will expand increasing your chest band size.

On average, most women will increase one or two cup sizes and at least 1 chest band size.

Flexibility and adjustability are therefore key elements in maternity and nursing bra design.

Support and comfort

Support and comfort go hand in hand. The primary areas of support are construction of the cup, shoulder straps and chest band. Wide shoulder straps and chest bands should have minimum elasticity and the cups should be flexible and non-rigid i.e. allowing breast to "grow" yet still maintain support.

Under wire bras are not recommended by many lactation specialists as these can lead to breast infections and in some cases mastitis.

Flexibility function & convenience.

"Breast size can vary as much as 2 cup sizes between nursing's."

The bras ability to adjust in both cup size and chest band is imperative for a comfortable and functional nursing bra. All adjustable Carriwell bras come with free bra extenders for maximum chest width adjustability and the unique elasticity in the cup area perfectly accommodates changing breast sizes.

One-handed nursing is most important for nursing moms i.e. the ability to lower the bra cup with one hand whilst holding baby. Maximizing skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby during nursing is extremely important, this is best achieved through a drop cup nursing bra which allows maximum breast exposure, when the outer layer is dropped down, without compromising support.

Carriwell bras discreetly hold nursing breast pads, whether silk, cotton or wool. Holding breasts pads in place is an important psychological issue which leads to confidence and self-assurance.

Design, style and quality

Breast milk leakage is an unfortunate reality of nursing and the quality, wash and durability of nursing bras is very important. All white Carriwell bras can be washed at 60 degrees and colours are recommended to be washed at 40 degrees.

It is also important that the bras maintain their shape and size throughout their life cycle, especially with regular washing.

The combination of soft lace and micro fibre promotes air circulation/breathability and results in a comfortable and cool bra.

Our seamless range is Oekotex certified confirming our commitment to the environment.

By focusing on these import issues reviewed above, Carriwell continues to create and develop nursing bras that focus on comfort, flexibility, support, style, design and the importance of skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby.