Although it is a beautiful and a natural experience, I understand that there are joys and challenges as an expecting mother who plans on breastfeeding. I’ve attended an informative breastfeeding class that answered many of my questions, but I’m still filled with wonder, and a little bit of worry, about the process. It’s impossible to feel absolutely 
prepared for a delicate, completely dependent newborn, but I’ve found a high quality, comfortable, and stylish nursing bra that will alleviate some of my clothing concerns at least. The Original Nursing Bra by Bravado Designs has been recommended by Lactation Consultants for over 18 years. After trying out the bra, I’ve noticed several key design features that will be helpful during pregnancy and while nursing.
The Original Nursing Bra is a soft cotton fabric that has a sports-back design. There are no
hooks in the back, which made it comfortable for sleeping and all-day use. The cups unclip at the shoulder and drop down and away from my body so it will provide full breast access; 
and most importantly, there is a Bra Conversation Kit attached to my bra so it can be easily converted to a regular bra once my nursing journey is complete.
Finding practical products that will be useful before, during, and after pregnancy is extremely difficult, but finding clothing that has continued use is pretty much impossible. The Original Nursing Bra is a great find that will offer me continued support.
Bucket List Publications 
Looks like you are getting ready for the biggest adventure of your life 🙂
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Growing up in a family with three brothers and two sisters, the youngest at 9 years old, I’ve always been surrounded by children. There is nothing more important to me than having my own family and I will do everything i can to make it the most amazing experience of my life and hopefully her life as well. Breast feeding is a little intimidating to me because it it the only aspect of being around children that I’ve yet to experience. I feel helpless in preparing properly for it and nervous that I will not know what to do. So… I attended a nursing class and I may even go back a second time for review. I started looking into the best products to support my journey and I already have some excellent finds like Bravado Designs. I’m learning quickly that I can’t control everything when it comes to being pregnant and having a child, but I can at least be prepared and knowledgeable. (That’s the crazy teacher lady in me 😉 )
Thank you for your support and encouragement!
I’ll be back to check out your blog again soon. I love reading the adventures of others and experiencing new adventures in their eyes. It keeps me motivated.
Happy Holidays,
Lesley
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Hang on, are you a teacher too???
Well, I want to thank you too, for your support and encouragement! I never thought people would be interested in Belgium and Brussels (and the rest of the Europe) 🙂 And thanks for following my blog 🙂
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I taught high school English for eight years in Canada. Now that I’m living in the US, I’m on a Dependent Visa under my husband so I can’t work until we have Green Cards. I’ll return to work when my little girl is old enough for school. 🙂
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Breast feeding is wonderful but can be difficult. But you are a mother and it is the most natural experience in the world. Once you get the hang of it you will be amazed and very proud of what you have achieved. I was not prepared for the pain but nipple sheilds help for the first few painful draws until the flow comes in and were a life saver for me, that and a dummy because my newborns reflex to suck was too much for me. Good luck dear. x
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I attended a breast feeding class and I’d like to return in a few days to pick up a couple of things like nipple shields, just in case.
Thanks for the heads up 🙂
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I totally agree with thesweetkitten… You are in fact about to experience the biggest adventure of your life. I think it’s great that you are preparing yourself, educating yourself and already looking into things that will make the process of breastfeeding easier. It is quite normal to worry but please believe me when I tell you as it is from experience… Many things can’t be found in a book or a seminar, they just come to you. I breastfed my 3 children. I found it to be one of the most unbelievable experiences ever. I was able to produce something that could feed my baby, help him/her grow! As I read through your many adventures and feel like I am experiencing so many wonderful things through your wonderful writing I feel like I can’t wait reading what is yet to come.
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Thank you! It brings tears of joy to me eyes to know that other mothers are equally passionate about the gifts that they can give their children in the way of breast feeding. I’m honored that I’ve been given such an opportunity and I will make it work. Reading and preparing is a little bit about me; it’s about feeling comfortable with the process and knowing that it’s ok if it doesn’t go smoothly right away. Attending a class showed me that others sometimes do experience difficultly but that doesn’t make it impossible.
I may be returning to you for advice at some point so I’m glad to read your continued support.
Enjoy your lovely family; you’re obviously a great mother 🙂
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So, when you’re jumping out of a plane, your baby will be attached for the first year, right? And then they’ll get their own parachute and specialized goggles.
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Although my days of flying are not over, they may take a back-seat for awhile.
That being said, I do have a airplane flight lesson booked for this weekend and a helicopter lesson in two weeks 😉
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Lesley, I’m sure you’ve read all the nutritional benefits to the baby that nursing provides so I won’t go into that. I just know not only was it a lot easier than having to prepare a bottle (which I also did with my last baby when I was 40) but nuring gave me a tremendous sense of empowerment. I was in awe of my body—not only had it produced this little miracle of life, but it could provide the needed nourishment. I also got a perverse sense of power when nursing (discreetly) in a less than secluded setting. You will learn that when your baby needs to eat, as long as you are not flashing the world, to give a damn to anyone’s squirminess about what you are doing. I think you will enjoy THAT adventure!!
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“I was in awe of my body—not only had it produced this little miracle of life, but it could provide the needed nourishment.” Every day I feel in awe of what I’m doing right now. As I type, a beautiful, constantly-growing baby is inside of me. It truly is a miracle. Knowing that I can provide for her and nurture her on my own is a true blessing!
You are an inspiration and, I’m certain, a great role model for your children.
The adventure has already begun and I’ve never been happier in my life.
Happy Holidays,
Lesley
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Great post on many levels, the immature in society need to get over the fact that Breastfeeding is a natural act of love between mother and child.
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I guess every mother feels differently about breastfeeding and now that I’m pregnant, I can understand a little bit better. I will be cautious when feeding in public, but never ashamed. I’m blessed with the ability to provide for my daughter and create a bond like no other. I’ll cherish that and remember it when she’s hungry, regardless of where we are.
🙂
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Good for you about deciding to nurse but also that you are putting forth the effort to find clothes that can continued to be used later. Great eco-friendly, money saving decisions. ~~Bliss
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That’s my favorite part of Bravado Designs! The bras and the nursing tanks can be wore long after pregnancy. I still wear clothes that I owned during high school! I want something that will last and not make me look like I’m still pregnant afterwords. I’m looking forward to trying more of their clothing.
I love your idea for vintage home decor and vintage accessories. It’s obviously right up my alley.
Good luck and keep the posts coming.
Lesley
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Congratulations on your pregnancy and expected little one! Nursing is certainly an amazing journey and in my opinion the best way to go, not only for the matchless nutrition for your baby, but also for the bonding you get with him (or her). Great job being prepared, a good bra certainly does make a difference, although I can almost guarantee you won’t want to wear it after you’re done nursing…lol.. after a year of somewhat ugly (but very practical) bras you will be ready to go back to your “cute” ones! At least that was how I felt 🙂 Here’s another tip- a great pajama that also has the easy acess flap or clip- it makes such a difference those first months when they nurse every 2 hours or so. Mine was so comfortable that I didn’t mind being in it a big part of the day 😉
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I always liked my sports bras even before I was pregnant. Sure, I do like to feel “sexy” sometimes and it may take a little more than a sports bra to pull that off, but during my active days like hiking, coaching, camping, etc., a sports bra has always been my go-to friend.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.
Keep the great food posts coming! I’m always on the look-out for new recipes especially ones with chicken. 🙂
Lesley
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A comfortable bra does make a difference.
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It is so comfortable that I slept with it on again last night. Now that my body is changing, I like the additional support 🙂
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Nursing is great. Wherever you go, you have the meal you need for the little one. No schlepping, and for adventurers that is important. While the bra you recommended is good, I preferred bras that unsnapped in the middle. Easier to do while holding a tiny baby and less conspicuous than reaching all the way up under the shirt. The conversion thing – well, after you use that bra for a year or two, you will want a new pretty one. it will get pretty stretched out.
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I’m looking for a few nice nursing tanks as well so I will not need to reach up under my shirt; I can just undo both at the same time 🙂
Do you think that works?
Lesley
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It’s good that you are doing so much research and preparing yourself as best you can. It’s normal to be nervous. I nursed both of my kids and although it was tiring (especially in the beginning), it was the best experience and one that I look back on with a great deal of gratitude and sentimentality. My only advice is that if you encounter any problems at all in the beginning, get a lactation consultant right away. I had to do that with my first, and it made all the difference in the world I doubt if I would have been able to continue nursing if it hadn’t been for her help – and that was including all of the reading and research I’d done on my own!
Best of luck! So exciting!!
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I’d been considering a lactation consultant since I attended a nursing class a few weeks ago. Maybe I’ll look up a few numbers today so I will be prepared if needed.
Thanks for the support,
Lesley
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I like nursing tanks a lot, especially where I live (cold cold New England. 🙂
I just hit my sixth year of combined nursing experience (moooo) and my biggest advice for any expecting mama is to have resources ready and available just in case you do need them– friends who have nursed, LLL leader contact info, an LC number. I also think it’s helpful to go to groups with mamas nursing before the baby is born.
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Lesley,
Having some experience at this subject, I would recommend that you also look for a good night-gown designed for nursing. They are a bit hard to find, but you can find sewing patterns for this. They have little folds and openings in the front that can simply be stitched up when you are done nursing. This was one of the best gifts I got from a friend when my son was born.
And don’t worry too much. I think we under estimate the fact that babies usually know what they are doing even if we are a little unsure ourselves.
Karie
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Agreeing about the nightgown. And I found the La Leche League to be a wonderful source of support and info. I went back to work when my baby was 5 weeks old so I also invested in a pump with a nice travel case.
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Good luck nursing. I have a Bravado design bra and I love it. I am not sure if I would buy it ahead of time though, because I changed size (upwards) after giving birth. I have nursed two children (had some trouble starting with my older one, but then he went on charmingly), but at the post-partum doula training I took recently I learned something new – the breast crawl, the baby’s ability to find breast naturally after birth (if you give them skin to skin contact and time). But that ability is there also afterwords, so can be used to get the best latch on without trying to C-cup or all these other things I had to do to my breast to latch my son on. It is pretty amazing. There are videos on youtube (search breast crawl). I wrote a little piece on my site about it http://karinadoula.wordpress.com/how-to-breastfeed/ , but it seems like you already have all the info you need and most importantly – you have the right attitude.
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I agree with everyone when they say.. you are embarking on something special and perfect.. congrats! I also plan on breastfeeding when I become pregnant so I completely enjoyed reading this post
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Congratulations your little one is lucky to be born into such an adventurous family life! She will have so many great childhood memories and your travels will become so much more when you have your daughter to share them with. Travel with your children is amazing. Such an eye opening experience. And Bravado Nursing Bras ROCK! They are awesome. Someone else commented on Nursing Tanks and they also ROCK! especially when you are nursing on a snowshoe hike in the cold!!
enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and the most exciting new journey that you are beginning to embark on! Trust your mothering instincts and you will be amazing.
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Hey Lesley. I have two daughters. I breastfed both for about 8 months each. I had a similiar bra and they still are one of my most comfortable bra’s to wear! And no I am not pregnant or breastfeeding anymore bit still wear them from time to time. Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and saves you loads of money and hassle too! I hate cleaning and sterilising…You will be a great mother. All it requires is natural motherly instinct and passion…you were born with it! Enjoy every second!
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I hope it is a Bra Conversion Kit not a “Bra Conversation Kit” 🙂 because I assure you that you will get more than enough conversation out of breastfeeding without your bra helping you out. Everyone will have an opinion. How long, how often, how much. I understand your apprehension and worry. I’d suggest getting in touch with your local La Leche League leader. LLL can be a lifesaver in the very beginning and if you have already been to a meeting as an expectant mother it is so much easier to walk in with a question abotu your boobs when it is not a stranger. 🙂 Wishing you all the luck in the world!!
Breastfeeding, once you get it down is a lifesaver. You are always ready to walk out the door, with food on tap. 🙂 That alone is worth it.
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FYI – I wouldn’t invest in too many nursing bras before you actually start. You may be surprised to find how much you go up in cup or bra sizes as you start nursing and your milk supply gets established. With both my kids I have ended up having to get new bras after they were born because of all the changes your body goes through. I too thought I would love the Bravado sports bra type, but I ended up hating the way it fit once my chest grew to “nursing size”. I only wore it once and ended up finding the cheap Target nursing bras to be much more comfortable than the expensive bras I bought when first pregnant!
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A great book that was really helpful for me during breastfeeding was The Nursing Mother’s Companion.
http://www.amazon.com/Nursing-Mothers-Companion-6th-Anniversary/dp/1558327207/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
It really helped explain a lot about milk supply, pumping, how to store pumped milk, etc. I definitely was not one who wanted to stay inside, but like you did not want to feed in public all the time. I was a fan of pumping. Yes,it can be a pain, but it did allow me to do a lot of things out and about. Pumped milk is good for about 5 hours at room temp. Me and the hubby could have an occasional date night or I could take my son out wherever and not worry about finding privacy to breastfeed.
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I’ve added your recommendation to my registry. Thanks for a great suggestion 🙂
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And yes, like the other comments suggest, I wouldn’t buy too many nursing bras beforehand. My cup size dramatically changed. And now that I am no longer breastfeeding, they have changed again. I feel like I have bras of all sizes in my drawer!
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I love the Bravado bras and tanks. They’re the only nursing bras I bought after Harry was born. I went to a great store nearby and tried on a bunch of different styles. I didn’t end up buying the ones I thought I’d like, so trying them on was key for me. If you haven’t already gotten a tank I would highly recommend it. As you get the hang of nursing and feel more comfortable nursing in public the tank will come in handy so that when you pull up your shirt your tummy won’t be hanging out. I would also recommend an Udder Cover if you want to be modest in public (or at home with visitors) when nursing.
Oh and also, nursing can be tough, but like Kelly said having “food on tap” is great. You can read about my mixed emotions and experience. http://tolondonwithlove.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/feed-em-and-weep/
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Hey lesley, I noticed that you had visited my blog and even liked one of my blog. Thanks for visiting.
I visited your blog and its great delight to read your blogs :-)The Little Nursing Bra that Could” – Bravado Designs!My sister like these types of Bras ,My sister Nasrin she is 9 month pregenant,.
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That looks like a great nursing bra. I’ll be honest and admit to not using them unless I leave the house. I picked up a few nursing tanks at Thyme Maternity and use those around the house. A lot of the maternity tops there can be used for nursing afterwards and they usually carry a number of actual nursing tops that give you a little more coverage if you’re worried about it.
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