Support 411: Bra Edition

As you may have already figured out, the bump isn’t the only thing that’s getting bigger and heavier these days.

Ta-ta’s, the girls; whatever you call them, they need lift and support too.

The best way to get support is to get properly fit by a trained and certified bra fitter and get the right bra. The way we figure it, Oprah says that 85% of all American women are wearing the wrong size bra,  that means that 99.9% of pregnant and nursing women are wearing the wrong size. 

With weight pulling on your chest muscles, and milk filling you up to the brim, it can get uncomfortable really quickly if you’re not prepared.As you may have already figured out, the bump isn’t the only thing that’s getting bigger and heavier these days.

Ta-ta’s, the girls; whatever you call them, they need lift and support too.

Stretch marks, back pain and how clothes look on you are all impacted by getting into a good bra. Bras are important, and even more so when you're pregnant.

The best way to get support is to get properly fit by a trained and certified bra fitter and get the right bra. Oprah says that 85% of all American women are wearing the wrong size bra, which we figure means that 99.9% of pregnant and nursing women are wearing the wrong size!

With weight pulling on your chest muscles, and milk filling you up to the brim, it can get uncomfortable really quickly if you’re not prepared.

We've been fitting bras for a long time, because clothes look different when you have support-there's no way around it, you look much better with support.

We've got the bras for you.

Here are the bras you want and need:

B-D cup

The Buttercup

It's your favorite tee shirt bra, but better, because it is designed for a bump and nursing.

• clips down for easy access,
• straps can be converted to racer back
• buttery soft as its name suggests
• smooth elastic, not binding
• fully lined cup
• lower cut, but still full support
• wireless
• comes with a bra extender for that last month when the baby in you is maxing out your rib cage, while also fitting and allowing you to get the support you need after delivery. woohoo.

Every Body B-DD

Seamless! That in and of itself is already a winner, but you know it’s so much more than that. The Body Silk Seamless is perfect for the days when you want to just be comfy - all while keeping the girls in place securely.

• supportive
• clips down for easy feeding
• wireless
• ballet back is smoothing and minimizes back...well, you know, no other way to say it..minimizes back fat
• super comfy by all accounts
• band is the right amount of width to give support and also keep anything from digging into your rib cage or the bump as you grow.

Yoga Mama B-DD

Body Silk Seamless Yoga because there are times a mom needs a little OM, even if it's just the bra!

• same wonderful concept as the Body Silk Seamless
• Silver Breeze technology. What’s that mean? Sweat won’t make it immediately smelly and keeps it breathable during work out, and life
• straps convert to racer back or not

Every DD-H Cup

Basically this is the Buttercup's big sister. Once you've entered this part of the alphabet we've found that most of our mamas just want a wire. A wire just makes you feel better, and give a bra the structure that it needs to give the best support.

• clips down for easy access,
• straps can be converted to racer back
• buttery soft and smooth
• fully lined cup
• lower cut full support
• underwire
• comes with a bra extender for that last month when the baby in you is maxing out your rib cage, while allowing you to get the support you need after delivery. woohoo.

A word on underwires: Some lactation specialists will advise against wearing a wire.  Bravado wouldn't make it and we wouldn't carry it if it was known to be harmful.  Ideally you get to have one of us, trained and certified bra fitters, fit you properly.  See notes below on proper fit.

Every Body DD-H

At long last, the Body Silk Seamless got a Full Cup counterpart and our E-H clients are SO happy!  Great support, super comfy, no wires.  Just livin' the dream.

• supportive
• clips down for easy feeding
• wireless
• ballet back is smoothing and minimizes back...well, you know, no other way to say it..minimizes back fat
• super comfy by all accounts
• band is the right amount of width to give support and also keep anything from digging into your rib cage or the bump as you grow.

Every Body Loves This: A-G

Seriously.  Everyone loves this nursing take on the classic CK bralet.  Why?  it's comfy, it's cottony, and it actually gives support.  Yeah, a bralet with support, who knew it was possible?  Oh, the Bravado team, that's who.  They've been doing bras ever since we opened 23 years ago.  They know what they're doing.

Wearing a cup size above a D? Have no fear, my dear, this amazing bra also comes in Full Cup. All the same great benefits for sizes ranging from DD to G.

Both the Original add the Original Full Bust:

• perfect for packing in the hospital bag,
• perfect for wearing as a sleep bra
• perfect for the first few weeks home
• perfect for every day , with enough support that if the planets align and you can leave the house it's not obscene
• no clasps
• racer back design gives you the lift and support you’ll need as your size fluctuates between feedings
• cottony soft and cool
• sooooooooooooo comfy

The Best Nursing Cami (B-DD)

Yes.  The best.  So the moms have stated, which is why it is now is the only one we carry.  The moms spoke.  We listened.

• support like a "real bra"
• need a pj top? not feeling like wearing a sleep bra-yes
• yoga - yes
• for layering under everything-yes
• hospital bag fave, some have even told us that they labored in it (not the white, there will be blood)
• wireless support
• small clasp on the straps to convert to a racer back which give you some lift on the sides if you start to feel sore

A Word on Fit

We've said it before, Oprah says that 85% of all American women are wearing the wrong size bra.  Assuming that this is true (which we assume, because Oprah said it!) then 95% of all pregnant and nursing women are probably wearing the wrong bra size.  So, yeah, the odds are good that you are not wearing the right bra. If you can, visit and get properly fit by a trained and certified bra fitter. Not nearby, drop us a line, text us or give us a call. We all know the importance of a well-fitting bra and will help you get what you need to survive from pregnancy into nursing.

Why fit matters: 

1. You want to avoid stretch marks, mastitis, back pain
2. Clothes look better
3. A little lift goes a long way- looking droopy has made no one feel good ever.
4. Your body and spirit will thank you

Can't get to a Trained Certified Fit Specialist?

Home Fitting

Try your bras on when you get them-and pay attention to the following:

• in the first 4 months? you should be comfortable on a tighter hook in back
• 5-8 months?  middle hook is your goal comfort zone
• 9th month -go for the loosest hook, and if that feels tight, that's okay, you're about to have a baby, you may look pregnant after delivery, but your rib cage will be smaller
• after delivery? loosest hook (elastic breaks down and this will allow you to make it tighter as the elastic breaks down)
• look in the mirror-is the band riding up in back?  take the bra off, it's too big in the band and is not going to give you the support you deserve
•  if you are trying on an underwire bra, feel where the wire is hitting you-it should be back off the soft tissue of the bust-under your arm somewhere
• lean over and scoop your breast tissue up and towards the center.  this is particularly important with an underwire bra.  if you are spilling out of the center take the bra off, it is too small in the cup
• we strongly recommend getting 3 different bras before delivery, you'll end up with more, but this will help you figure out which ones work best for you

There are options that are both comfortable and cute, and get the job done right.

Now, getting that baby to nurse and sleep on schedule....

There is so very much that we cannot be prepared for in pregnancy and parenting- getting proper bra support is one place that you can actually take control of the situation.