I have been a nursing mother for the better part of the last 5 1/2 years. I have a 5 1/2 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and now an almost 1 year old. I have owned countless nursing bras in this time. My first ones were okay. They were supportive, but not always easiest to use. Since then, I’ve gone through – hideous but functional, hideous but comfortable, pretty but painful, so-so and so-so, and several more.
This time around – with my youngest – I was introduced to a store called Breakout Bras. They have a different way of sizing for your bra. When I read through their directions I recalled an old Oprah episode that talked about how most women chose a bra that had too big of a band and too small of a cup. With that in the back of my mind, I went to the mirror and measured myself. To my surprise my band size was 4″ smaller than I was buying and my cup was 3 cup sizes larger! I was a little skeptical, but I double and triple checked my measurements (using the mirror to make sure the tape stayed level) and sure enough it was right on. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference this sizing has made! I feel so wonderful in my clothes now and the bras always fit!
With my new sizing in mind, I set out looking for the right nursing bra. I had heard wonderful things about Bravado, but had never had the chance to try them. I saw that they had a new bra out called the Bravado Bliss and was quite curious. I loved the look and LOVED that it had an actual cup. So many in the larger sizes are just a flimsy material and I don’t find them supportive at all.
What really had me wavering was that it is not an underwire. I have never in my life worn a bra that was supportive and pain free without an underwire. I have tried a couple but they always have these stays in the side that flex and dig into you. So awful! I contacted Bravado and they were gracious enough to help me out with a review.
When the Bliss arrived I was so excited! I tried it on right away and was blown away by it’s fit. Not only was the new sizing perfect, but the bra was so comfortable! The bliss is a silky soft material and beautiful in the Chai color that I chose (a neutral but shimmery!). Gentle foam cups that have NO stays! Though there is no underwire, it does have Bravado’s proprietary Flexi-Fit support channel. This is a firm, but flexible underwire shaped channel. You get the benefit of the shape and support without the issues of underwires. Another fun bonus with the Bliss is that they have what they call double-cup sizing. As a breastfeeding mother, this is very helpful as size can change from one feeding to the next.
I have had the opportunity to wear this bra for a couple of months and I must say that I am in sheer and utter love with it. It fits wonderfully, is comfortable, supportive and pretty! I have washed it several times (by hand in my sink then laid to dry overnight). It holds up beautifully and looks the same today as the first day I got it.
I was a complete skeptic of all things underwire. Thanks to Bravado and the Bliss, no more! Well, at least not when it’s from Bravado. I have to admit, I love it as much, if not more than any underwire I’ve ever worn, and I’ll never have to worry about a wire poking through and ruining my favorite bra! Now if they would just make their fabulous nursing tanks in my size.
I would like to mention that the Bravado Breastfeeding Information Council has just released a White Paper on the US Health Care Reform that helps employers comply to the new legislation and implement a Breastfeeding Policy in their workplace. I’ve seen several nursing mothers mention the new legislation and wonder how/when it will help them successfully breastfeed when returning to work. This is a wonderful resource to help get your company on board! You can check it out at http://www.breastfeedinginformation.org/white-paper.
Happy shopping! You will love your new Bravado Bra. Be sure to measure yourself too! It really will make all of the difference. If you have any questions, please ask! I’m happy to help in any way that I can.
Have you tried a Bravado bra? The Bliss? I’d love to hear what you think!
