Non-Toxic Kids Pregnancy and New Mom Series: Maternity and Nursing Bras (comfort, cuteness, no wire!)

Last weekend I had the distinct joy of going to a coffee shop by myself and working on my teacher book (which is due in April!). No one was clinging to my feet, eating my food, or making loud noises. I don't expect the stars to align, and for this to happen again anytime soon.

While happily participaing in regular adult life, over hearing philosophical discussion beyond Green Eggs and Ham, I ran into a friend. She shared that she was pregnant, and I was of course thrilled. She also asked for advice and tips about a more natural pregnancy, birth and new parenthood. So here begins a new series for her and for any pregnant or new mom trying to raise their child more naturally and with limited exposures to toxic chemicals from everyday products (and also some tips from a two time mom on comfort). I'm no expert, just a parent of two little girls trying to do the best that I can.

Right away, I thought about bras. You know if you are currently pregnant, that your size has changed completely. All your old bras just don't fit anymore. You may like this size increase, or not, but bras are expensive! You could seriously break the bank trying to buy different bras for different parts of pregnancy, and nursing a newborn and then a toddler. It is a moving target(or, ah- two), literally everyday.

And then there is the idea of milk production. I'd heard that it wasn't a great idea to wear underwire bras during pregnancy (mostly for comfort) and during nursing (because the wire could impede milk flow and lead to plugged duct or mastitis). So, you need a handful of bras that:

1. have no wire
2. are beyond comfortable
3. change with your body
4. help with ease of nursing
5. leave room for a nursing pad

So without further ado, my picks for the best pregnancy and nursing bras are:

Bravado Designs Original Nursing Bra-

I literally lived in these during my first pregnancy and for the first year or so of nursing. They are cotton, super comfortable, and come in many colors and designs so you don't have to feel frumpy. They are comfortable for anytime, even sleeping. There is room for the changing sizes that nursing brings, and for nursing pads. The bras did show some serious wear after awhile, but they are literally all I wore for over a year (and I rotated through 4 or 5 bras).

Bravado has different styles for different sizes and needs. They also carry cute and totally functional nursing top.

Blue Canoe Organics: Gathered Bra:

If I could dress in all Blue Canoe clothes, I would. They are stylish, simple and beautiful. But this isn't about clothes! Blue Canoe's Gathered Bra is simple and soooo comfortable. It is stretchy to accommodate changing sizes due to nursing, and is easy to wear while nursing your baby.

Readers, what are your picks for maternity and nursing bras?