Name: The Stages of Breastfeeding Bundle
Brand: Bodily
SKU: 40556401786977
Price: 158.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Stages of Breastfeeding 101

Did you know that many of the most common breastfeeding issues are linked to the bras we wear?

It is true! Wearing a bra that you like shouldn't expose you to features that can negatively impact milk supply, or potentially increase risk of clogged ducts and mastitis. That's why we created a system for selecting bras that makes it easy to optimize for breast health (check out The Stages of Breastfeeding for choosing a nursing bra that's right for you), and designed all of our bras together with a lactation consultant.

Stage 1 Optimized Nursing Bra:

When to wear it: From pregnancy through all stages of nursing, and beyond

Fit notes: This is our super-stretchy bra with light support and no padding — and that’s by design.

Guidance from our IBCLC: In the first three months of breastfeeding (Stage 1), your bra should stretch to accommodate the growing and often engorged milk-producing areas of your breasts. This is especially true in Stage 1 when engorgement is common. Restrictive support can increase the risk of common breastfeeding ailments that are often linked to the early cessation of breastfeeding.

This is why our bras don't have firm or shaping padding either (though we did include slits if padding is desired). Our Non-Slip Breast Pads can be used to increase coverage.

Stage 2 Optimized Nursing Bra:

When to wear it: The So Easy Bra 2.0 is perfect to wear all the way through pregnancy, all-day in Stages 2 and 3, and beyond. It can be worn in short windows during Stage 1 as well, but be mindful to refer to our guides to optimize breast health during this 0-3 month postpartum window when the risks of complications are highest.

No matter what stage you are in, if you are lactating you should always go back to a Stage 1 bra or no bra at night as it is optimal for breast health. In addition to resetting your breasts after a full day in a Stage 2 bra, the overnight period is typically when breasts are most full in Stage 2.

IBCLC Guidance: Stage 2 Bras reintroduce support while still prioritizing stretch and are designed to combine both comfort and functionality. These bras are meant to complement your Stage 1 bras for when you want to reintroduce a little bit more support and wear a bra that feels like a non-nursing bra.

Stage 3 Optimized Nursing Bra:

When to wear it: In maternity, through Stages 1 and 2 as long as you’re pumping and nursing regularly when engorged, and all day long in Stage 3 and beyond.

No matter what stage you are in, if you are lactating you should always go back to a Stage 1 bra or no bra at night as it is optimal for breast health.

Fit notes: This is our super-soft moderately supportive bra for nursing, pumping, and doing anything. (For additional support, you can convert the straps to racer-back.)

IBCLC Guidance: At the 6-month mark of breastfeeding, you can welcome back more supportive features as you are less likely to have issues such as clogged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement that are often caused by constriction. However, the risks are not gone entirely, which is why the Do Anything Bra has no acute points of constriction.

Bras Optimized for Every Stage