It's hard to recommend bras to other moms because not all moms (and not all boobs) are created equal. Some moms like underwire; others hate it. Some moms want padding to "enhance"; others want to minimize. Some prefer the snug fit of sports bras; others don't like wearing bras at all. It's really a very personal thing.
So I will "qualify" the coming review by saying that you should always read the "specs" of bras before selecting one when you shop online.
Without further ado, I'd like to "introduce" you to Melinda G, a company that specializes in "comfy bras, beautiful bras...for beautiful nursing moms and their beautiful babies."
Melinda G was kind enough to send me several bras to review and share with you.
My favorite style is the Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra (Style #2115 - see left). The cups are seamless and supportive - and there are no wires to "pinch" or "poke" or "smoosh."
I also like the Glorious Contour Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra (Style #2160). The bra is similar to the #2115 style, except that it has "deep cleavage" and "subtle enhancement" - not exactly something I need right now, but I do appreciate the soft support.
Both bras are soft, supportive, and simple to use.
Melinda G bras are available in sizes 32-42, B-F - depending on the style of your choosing - and retail between $30-$45. You can find Melinda G nursing bras and sleepwear at a variety of brick-and-mortar baby specialty shops...or online through your favorite nursingwear distributor.
YOUR TURN: What company/brand makes your favorite nursing bra? What "qualities" do you look for in a nursing bra when you go nursing bra shopping?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Melinda G nursing bra of her choice. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, April 21 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
*UPDATE* The winner is #57 Tobster. Congratulations!
Im a 38G and it seems so hard to be able to find a nursing bra that will fit and not break the bank! But after much research this is the bra that everyone keeps talking about. Im due in april so im gonna give it a go and try it out!
Thanks for the Melinda G reviews. I have been hearing a lot of great things and I am glad to find a nursing bra that sounds like the right fit for me (32F)!
I don't remember the name, but I had one from Target that was pretty good.
Medela makes good nursing bras. Adequate support is very important in a nursing bra.
I like the Japanese Weekend. Saw them online, bought one and haven't regretted it for a second.
There's nothing like a nice fitting nursing bra.
I'm currently nursing twins.. I love the Glorious™ Contour Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra. It looks super comfortable and comes in good sizes!
I went bra shopping today and loved the Melinda G Glorious T-Shirt Soft Cup style but they didn't have my size. I have been looking online to see where I can order one. I also liked the Bravado Bodysilk. The biggest thing I look for in a nursing bra is comfort!
I haven't found a nursing bra that I actually like. I hate even regular bra shopping, so nursing bra shopping is just torture as far as I am concerned. The main thing I look for is comfort, but I don't want to sacrifice support either. Price is also a factor when I am shopping.
I made the mistake of not buying special nursing bras the first time around and ruined half of my expensive bras with leaking stains! ugh. These are really cute. I especially like the front snap one for smaller women.
I really need a new nursing bra that fits better. I think it is essential to find one that opens easily with one hand.
I'm expecting my first in just a few weeks. Checking out all the nursing bras has been so confusing that I haven't even purchased one yet. All I want is a comfortable bra that does the job. I would really like to win this bra and check it out. It sounds like it could be my favorite. Thanks for the contest.
I'm willing to try any and all nursing bras. It's hard to find a good one!
I've been really happy with my bravado nursing bra, but that could just be because it's the only one that fits well.
I need some nursing bras as I am expecting, thanks
I am expecting baby #1 in August and really want to try nursing, but am having a hard time finding a good nursing bra and knowing what size to get! I think these bras look to be very good quality and I'd love to try one! Thanks for the opportunity!
it's hard finding a good nursing bra -- most places I've been only carry one or two options. And I don't know if everyone has this problem, but I have a hard time undoing the clasps when I have a wriggly, hungry baby in my arms!
I'd love a new nursing bra. This would be great!
I could definitely use another nursing bra. I wouldn't say that I have a favorite brand; however, there are a few features that I do look for when shopping. I like the full coverage padded bra. I prefer not to wear an underwire, but I need to be sure that I have good support! I prefer that my nursing bras are cotton and I usually stay away from lace or anything that might be scratchy on my baby's skin or face. As I was looking through the styles offered by Melinda G, I really like styles 1950 or 2160! Thanks for the very timely and useful giveaway! This would be a much appreciated win!
I don't have a favorite yet. The best one I've found is a lace one with underwire but the bad part is that it can't be worn under anything even remotely clingy (I hate lace bumps!!).
I look for support without too much squeezing and comfort but also some cleavage because there are those that show when you wear anything cut lower than a t-shirt.
Haven't found a perfect brand yet, but what I look for is incredible support and comfort!
I look for comfort and price. I have about 3 target $15 ones that I wear always. These ones look great and I would love to win one!
I have a couple nursing bras from motherhood maternity. Personally I need the underwire and comfort is key! I'd love to try these though! Thanks for the chance!
I would love to try the Tee-Shirt Underwire Nursing Bra by Melinda G! It looks like a really great product.
Unfortunately, I've only used cheap-o nursing bras since we couldn't afford a better one. But the Gillian O'Malley (I think that's the name?) ones from Target aren't too bad. I'm sure they aren't as great as the one pictured is either, though!
Thanks for the opportunity :)
annasmama0702@gmail.com
I look for larger sizes (as in E) but they are hard to find for a decent price!
This looks so comfy and with a new baby due in July this would be nice to have.
I saw some great ones at Target the last time we went shopping there. We are expecting our first baby in the summer and these Melinda Gs look very comfy!
Hee,hee! You know I would love to win this b/c once this baby comes I'm going to be living in nursing bras again! I love extended nursing and plan on doing it again this tme around. =) Thanks for the info.
I didn't know anything about them but thanks to your blog I learned a lot! I'd like to get one for my sister in law, so thanks for the chance :)
I have a few nursing bras from Target that work fine. It was inexpensive, had no wires and came in basic colors. Good deal!
My best friend is due with her first baby (a girl!) in August and she could really use a nursing bra. I dont have a favorite brand but being comfortable is #1 on my list of requirements for a nursing bra.
ferriza2[at]yahoo[dot]com
I am in desperate need of a new nursing bra. I bought one from Motherhood and I hate it. I need a really good one. I like the Style #2100
Tee-Shirt Underwire Nursing Bra
Right now I use a Bravado nursing bra & I love it. I am rather large chested, so for me having that support is essential. They aren't cheap - $50 - but they do occasionally have sales online. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a size 38 DD(while breastfeeding) and support is the most essential thing when it comes to a nursing bra. I own three Bravado Double Plus Nursing Bras and have used them for a year now. I really like them, but would love to win one of these:)
Now here is something that I am really looking for!!! I could do with out the nursing shirts as long as I had some nursing bras! This is something that I really want this time around and I plan on getting if we can afford them when the baby comes!!
My nursing bras are in such sad shape, I really need new ones but I am so overwhelmed by all the options!
I bought my nursing bras from Kohl's. They do the job but are not lined. In the future, I would look for bras that are padded for discreetness.
I find that nursing bras are harder to find a comfortable one then regular bras. I think because you need them to do so much more. But I found one at motherhood that actually came in my huge size and didnt have giant straps, like the only bras that came in my size when I had my first baby, my husband used to call them my breast armor, they looked like a fortress.
Nursing bras are so comfortable! I had to make myself put them away after I finished nursing! I'm due in June and would love a new one! Thanks!
Thanks for the tips on this great store! I bought a medela nursing bra and one from gap body, and sadly, they have not withstood the test of time! They were not cheap, so I am hesitant to invest a lot more money in something that will fall apart after a year, so your recommendations are helpful!
I am just getting ready for my first little one in a few weeks, so I have picked up a few different bras. I got a medela sleep bra and some from WalMart. I can't remember the brand off-hand, but I was impressed with them, and they were only $13. I know you get what you pay for, but I figured even if they don't hold up too well, I can get another one for $13! :) Thanks!
Bravado silk skin bra that has removable pads. Neat.
Thank you for the review and link. I refuse to wear under wire bra's hate the with a passion. But a comfortable nursing bra with good support is hard to find. I buy a bunch when I find one I like.
with my first baby I just used the common, cheapy bras found at Babies R Us, and Motherhood Maternity. I can't say they were great - and being totally overwhelmed with the whole nursing experience, I didn't even THINK to shop around for something that would make me feel cuter and more comfortable. This time, I am DEFINITELY going to check out other (yes, even expensive! its worth it!) bras and tanks.
I have a few nursing bras from Amon Maternity. I love that it has no wires & is easy to unclasp!
Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra sounds AMAZING! I've been nursing now for 3 months and only own one Target brand nursing bra. I like it fine, and I honestly don't know why I don't have more. Probably because I got this bra when I was nursing my first born and she could only nurse for a few weeks. I guess I just figure that it's not a long term purchase. One year is not long enough. But I'd LOVE to win one! Then I could wear the other one while I wash this one! What a wonderful concept ;)
great giveaway!
I've been looking for a new nursing bra once my little one arrives any day now. I've heard Nordstrom's is a good place to start because they will size you. But I would be interested in trying Melinda G!
Would love a nice sized nursing bra. Not as easy to find as you would think. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
I like Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Camisole ...
I'm having a baby this summer.I guess it'd be very useful and it's easy to use...
thanks for the chance...
i need a large bra, and they are hard to find. especially ones that are comfy.
sign me up
I didn't have a nursing bra the whole two years that I breastfed my first daughter. I couldn't find one that was my size, but I was determined to find one for my second. I heard about Bravado! nursing bras, and got two of them. I've been very pleased with them. I could definitely use another, though!
I have had a really hard time finding nursing bras I like. I was huge right after I gave birth and when my milk came in, so the bra I got to make it through the first two weeks is way too big. I have about 4 different sizes and styles, but my current favorite is one I found at Kohl's.
Right now I am using two different styles of Medela sleeping bras all day long. They are super comfy and soft. My only complaint is that they aren't as supportive as daytime bras, so things like running after your two-year old can be a bit painful sometimes. They are also pretty thin, so when I do have a tiny bit of leaking it shows on my shirt. If you have a more supportive daytime bra, a little bit of leaking won't necessarily show through.
i found nursing type bras to be annoying myself, fumbling with the little snaps and stuffing back in proper.even wearing them i would just lift up the bottom and voila. but my daughter needs some so id give this to her. she actually prefers them. to each their own i guess.
comfort is key, ones that dont give painful rub marks on your sides are best.
nothing like a nice fitting nursing bra. mverno@roadrunner.com
I wish I had a favorite nursing bra. Sigh. I mostly wear my pregnancy bras right now, and just deal with the "access" issues. Thing is, none of the nursing bras I got were lined enough, and I don't need the nursing pads so much now, and I just don't do visible nipple bumps! So when I have to go out, I reach for a non- nursing bra. They also have better support for me.
I think my main problem was just grabbing whatever I could find at Target and WalMart...
The HOTmilk bras that I mentioned can be seen here:
http://www.breastmates.co.nz/hotmilk.htm
best regards to you and your lovely family
Franny
Have you seen the new Hotmilk ones? (http://www.breastmates.co.nz/hotmilk.htm) they are very pretty, lacey, colourful, aswell as being very supportive and comfortable with soft comfy linings etc. They sure do make a change from the drab old ones!
i have never been pregnant but know that target has some awesome collections. how i know? well both my sister in laws have shopped there for nursing bras. thats how!
This would be sooo great! I am such a cheap shopper and bought 2 nursing bras from H&M. They're fine, and actually kind of cute (the fabric), but I can't say they are the most comfortable. I haven't been able to breakdown and buy myself a nicer expensive one, or one that's 'built for comfort' yet sacrifices all femininity.
these look great- the nursing bras I had before well lets just say tossed - buy new each time
I've got a couple of nursing bras from Target and they are ok, they will do in a pinch. My favorite is a soft cup bra from Japanese weekend maternity. I also really like a good nursing tank top.
I ended up getting a few different styles of nursing bras but the one I wore all the time was a sleep nursing bra from Motherhood Maternity. Now that I look back - it probably did nothing for me as far as shape... but it was so comfy! I could sleep in it and never take it off!
My favorite place to shop for nursing bras is http://www.birthandbaby.com/. It’s really a lifesaver for larger-chested women (me and my FF/E cup can’t just go shopping at any ol’ store down the street, you know?)
My current favorite is an Emma Jane brand (which it looks like Birth and Baby isn’t currently carrying) seen here:
http://www.emma-jane.com/nursing428.htm
It’s got good support, but spares me the annoyance of underwire and really stiff fabric. The design just seems more flattering than other bras I’ve tried, as well.
My runner up is Bravado’s Lifestyle Microfiber bra:
http://www.birthandbabyorders.com/index.php?p=1178
It’s super comfy and easy to use, but doesn’t offer as much support and does tend to make me look a little more uni-boobish. If you know what I mean. ;)
As for the contest - I'm always up for trying a new bra, and I'll be nursing for at least another year, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!
I love this bra by motherhood - http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=974110122&MasterCategory_Id=MC13.
I bought it because a friend recommended it for hands-free pumping - it's $15 versus the $30-40 you'd pay for a hands-free bra, plus you can actually use it for nursing. I was skeptical about how high the front goes, until I realized you can wear it under any shirt and it just looks like layering a tank top.
It also *really* covers your ta-tas when nursing in public, so you don't have as many "oops" moments when baby decides to throw the blanket ;)
My favorite bra is the Bravado Skin Silk bra. It has removable pads for some coverage, but I've taken them out since I"m at the newborn leaky stage and need a bit of extra room. They are sized S M and L but melt into the skin just as advertised. Very comfy.
I haven't yet started shopping for nursing bras, but I'd love to hear thoughts from other women about what to look for (and what to avoid!)
I have yet to find a nursing bra that I really like. I find myself wearing the "sleep bras" that I picked up at Motherhood Maternity the most often - because they are basically supportive, they are soft, they have no wires... that said, both of the bras you reviewed sound awesome to me! I'd probably go for the T-shirt bra, just because that little bit of "enhancement" helps hide my pokey outey nipples, which makes me feel more comfortable.
(I can't believe I just said "pokey, outey nipples" in a blog comment... :) oh well!)
I'm sending some subliminal messages to the random picker to pick my number for this one -- can you believe I just got my nursing bras at Goodwill for my first baby? I still use the same ones and they are kinda nasty/falling apart -- BUT I'm too cheap to buy something online that might not fit well and I can't find anything locally....but these look fabulous -- and I love that they have such big sizes (not that I myself need that big) BUT I have friends who have complained about having to spend $70+ to get nursing bras specially made because they are so large chested! I spent a lot of time looking at Melinda's bras & I think the one that you tried out does look the best although I do like the one that looks like a sports bra but isn't.
autumn398 (at) yahoo.com
My favorite nursing bra is the Medela nursing sleep bra. It doesn't have a lot of support but it is so comfortable for sleeping and around the house.
I visited the half-dozen or so stores in my town that carry nursing bras and was extremely frustrated to find NO underwire,soft-cup bras (only thin, stretchy fabric ones). For me, the soft foam cup is a must for modesty's sake. I finally ordered one online from Motherhood maternity, and I've been very pleased with it.
A good nursing bra is essential for success in breast feeding. I would love to win this for my best friend who is due in June and a first time mom!