Bravado Nursing Bra - Lounging Yes!, Jogging No!
Written: Aug 21 '04 (Updated Apr 06 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Super comfortable, great fit, nice shape
Cons: Couldn't use this one for jogging but I am not going jogging anytime soon anyway
The Bottom Line: A great nursing bra with lots of nice features.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Bravado Maternity/Nursing Bras |
I am nursing my third child and decided to treat myself to a variety of nursing bras to find the ones I liked best. My hands down favorite was the Bravado nursing bra for overall comfort and style.
THE STYLE
Let's face it. The shift from regular bras to nursing bras can be a shock. You switch from being able to choose from lots of sexy options to being limited to white or beige matronly bras with all kinds of snaps and supports. It really takes all the fun out of having the largest breasts you will ever have.
To some degree, the Bravado is not too different from a lot of other nursing bras. However, at least instead of the matronly white bra with lots of hooks, the Bravado looks more like a job bra. Instead of just a band that runs under your breasts, this bra has a full racer-style back and fits almost like a halter top. Since I usually opt for minimal underwear, I initially thought all the extra fabric on the Bravado would be uncomfortable but I find this bra to be extremely comfortable and I don't notice at all the extra fabric in the back. If anything, it keeps everything in place and stable instead of a typical bra band that can ride up.
Probably the reason the Bravado is so comfortable is that the fabric is a soft, breathable, sort-of-stretchy cotton. It doesn't dig into you or move around at all. As a result, I don't really notice the halter top style in the back but feel that it provides a lot more support in the front at the time when you need it the most. The Bravado definitely had the nicest fabric of the other bras I purchased.
Unlike other nursing bras, there are no hooks in the back of the Bravado. You have to slip it over your head and wiggle into it. For this reason, it is important to get a good fit because the bra is not adjustable, but it is stretchy enough to be forgiving.
The Bravado comes in a range of sizes for both bands and cups. If possible, try it on at a local store before buying - but keep in mind that your cup requirements will change while you are nursing. You will need something for the first few days when you are engorged and then something to carry you through the rest of nursing that is forgiving as your shape and size changes through the day. I thought the Bravado was better than the other bras I bought in staying with me as my size requirements changed. I used it in the hospital after I delivered and most days after that and found it gave good, consistent support and comfort.
Another nice design feature of the Bravado is that the seams on the cups are off to the side so the seams are invisible under shirts. The cups also give a nice shape rather than the bullet boob shape of some other nursing bras.
NURSING WITH THE BRAVADO
The Bravado is a little different than other standard nursing bras in that it has one snap on each bra strap to open and close the cup for nursing instead of the multiple hook closures. I find that I can manage the snap with one hand but others may find this difficult. Because there are not multiple closures, it is a little more difficult to adjust this bra. Instead of opting for a higher or lower hook, you have to lengthen or shorten the bra straps. This takes more effort but I didin't find it to be a problem since I didn't need constant refitting.
Another nice feature of the Bravado is that the cups move away completely for nursing. This makes it nicer to curl up with your baby for more skin to skin contact.
MY OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
I thought this bra was great for everyday wear. It was also comfortable enough to sleep in. This dual feature is nice because in the first exhausting month when you may not be sure whether it is day or night. At least, with the Bravado, you can wear it comfortably for a nap and then throw on a shirt to take the baby out.
This is not a jogging bra but I found it worked well for everyday use. I found it more supportive than other reviewers.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I really like the Bravado nursing bra and definitely recommend it to anyone nursing. Because it can be worn day and night, it works especially well in those first few weeks and months when you are exhausted and taking naps on and off. It might be necessary to get other bras that are more supportive for exercise or other active endeavors, but this is a great everyday bra for comfort and ease in nursing. I highly recommend at least one for your nursing wardrobe.
NEW BABY? HERE ARE SOME BABY PRODUCTS I HAVE REVIEWED:
STROLLERS: Maclauren Techno Stroller; Graco MetroLite LE Stroller; Cosco Eddie Bauer Lightweight Stroller
GEAR: Skip Hop Diaper Bag; Evenflo Snugli Baby Carrier; Infantino EuroRider Baby Carrier.
SLEEPING: Pali Sabrina Crib; Sozo USA bedding.
SOOTHING: MAM pacifiers; MAM pacifier keeper.
NURSING: Lansinoh lanolin; Lansinoh nursing pads.
FEEDING: Avent Feeding Bottles; Take & Toss Infant Spoons; Nuby Sipper Gripper Cup; Dora the Exporer Insulated Straw Cups; Playtex Sipster Spill-Proof Cup; Take & Toss Bowls.
BATHING: The First Years Bath Tub/Bath Seat Combo; California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash.
BABY BOTTOMS: Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment; Desitin Creamy; Balmex; California Baby Diaper Rash Cream; Weleda Diaper Care; Huggies Supreme Diapers; Playskool Cottony Cloth Wipes.
POTTY TRAINING: Graco Training Rewards Soft Seat Potty and Stepstool; Elmo’s Potty Time DVD; Huggies Clean Team Flushable Wipes; Huggies Clean Team Foaming Soap.
BABY SKIN: Mustela Hydra-Stick for lips and cheeks; Burt’s Bees Apricot Baby Oil.
TOYS: Tiny Love Symphony In Motion Mobile; Soft Teething Beads; Sassy Teething Wing Butterfly; Lamaze Clutch Cube;
Lamaze Freddie the Firefly.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS: Baby’s Here Birth Announcements.
Recommended:
Yes
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modernmarvel
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