If you're considering buying nursing tops, you will probably be comparing styles and pricing to work out which staple items to buy with your maternity paycheck.
Good breastfeeding clothing should last well beyond your breastfeeding journey despite the repeated use and multiple trips through the laundry! Here's our 4 top tips of what to look for when choosing your nursing wear.
1) Nursing access
Most nursing tops are equipped with a pull aside neckline or pull up section that starts under the bust or drop down clip cups on camisoles. I would be wary of zipper access and instead look for very stretchy access that will lift past your breasts and won't press against your breast and risk causing blocked ducts. Not every nursing top has access that's practical or stretchy. Here's a few of our tops demonstrating good nursing access.
2) Nursing access - the 'hole'
The best nursing tops have well placed nursing access underneath the lift up/pull aside panel. Ours our great because they offer plenty of space for access to the breast, are cut to fit larger nursing breast so they don't press and can be accessed single handled - simply lift up or aside and latch baby. You should be looking for cut away holes or large peep holes. Small peep holes can lead to blocked ducts if your breast is pressing against them. Some tops have fiddly overlapping panels that require two hands to separate or access somewhere under the armpits - so take a closer look and think about where you feed from. This size peep hole is ideal - large enough, cut full enough full milk filled breasts and look where the nipple would be for feeding....
3) Modesty panel
A modesty panel on a nursing top offers a section of fabric that remains against your upper chest when accessing the breastfeeding holes. This offers a level discretion and modesty as it covers up the top of your cleavage. The majority of our tops are made this way allowing self conscious mums to breastfeed without worry of exposure.
4) Stretchy material
You're looking for a top which has at least 2% elastane content in the material composition so that it returns to it's original shape after use. Why elastane? The stretch will allow you to pull aside the nursing access without stretching the fabric irreversibly allowing it to bounce back to it's original state without looked stretched or baggy, meaning you can get the longest use out of your nursing tops. The elastane will also prevent the clothing from becoming misshapen with repeated washing. Where there's a lot of breastfeeding going on, there's a lot of pulling and tugging of the top to gain access to boobies! Good quality tops with elastane like ours will last you through this baby and the next making them well worth the pennies.
We've got it covered. Pop over to our Pinterest boards where we have lots of ideas for coordinating and styling your nursing wear. Here's one for creating the perfect outfit for attending a wedding or christening whilst still breastfeeding- blushingly sweet, vintage style inspiration for breastfeeding & pregnant mums featuring subtle pink shades that will complement your natural glow.
We're starting a campaign which aims to inspire & empower more women to breastfeed with confidence! Supported by a monthly GIVEAWAY and Breastfeeding Cards, we want to encourage more mums to #BreastfeedWithEase #NurseInStyle
Are nursing tops important? We discuss the benefits and best buys for mums expecting to breastfeed. Nursingwear to help mums breastfeed confidently.
