Carriwell product review

As a midwife and breastfeeding counselor for many years, I know that finding a good nursing bra can be quite a task. And I have seen countless examples of unfortunate mistakes that either didn't fit the size, didn't have an optimal fit, weren't comfortable to wear or were simply difficult to use smartly, and therefore ended up at the bottom of the drawer. A waste of both time and money, which happens because it's so difficult to know in advance what you really need and will like after giving birth.

The good news is that Carriwell offers a number of great products for those of you who are about to breastfeed or are already breastfeeding, and I highly recommend them all – for several different reasons.

A nursing bra differs from other bras in that it can be buttoned down or pushed aside, so you can breastfeed easily and comfortably and as discreetly as you want without having to take the bra off completely first.

But besides the fact that the bra must be able to be buttoned down or pushed aside, there are also a number of other features that are essential for a good nursing bra.

Size

As an expectant or new mother, it can be difficult to know what size nursing bra you need. There is a lot of development in the mammary gland tissue during pregnancy and after birth, which means that most people will experience larger breasts, and some even several sizes larger. In addition, there are the days when the milk comes in, and for most people the breasts will be large, hard and tense from both breast milk and fluid retention, until the milk production regulates itself more to the baby's real needs again within 1-2 weeks after birth.

Breasts change throughout the day

In addition, the breasts will also be different just before and just after a feeding. Just as they can become extra milky and large if the baby suddenly takes a long nap. There can also be a difference in the size of the breasts during the day, because milk production is generally highest early in the day and lowest in the evening. Therefore, many mothers also experience that the breasts are more tense late at night and in the morning and forenoon compared to the evening hours, when they can seem more soft and “empty”.

A nursing bra that adapts to the size of the breasts

Carriwell has taken all of this into account with their nursing bras that are designed to expand up to 2 cup sizes – and can contract back to their original size when the breast no longer adjusts the size up. This means that you can actually buy the same size bra that you usually wear – or the size your breasts are right now, if they have already become larger than usual. Because the same bra gives your breasts the optimal support without tightening, both when the breasts are full of milk and tense, but also after breastfeeding, when they are softer. The same applies if your breasts, by nature, are not the same size (as is the case for many women).

All Carriwell nursing bras come with an included bra extender that allows you to extend the circumference of the bra by 5 centimeters if you need it or need it. Use size guide to find the right size for you.

Support and comfort

Good support is essential

A good nursing bra should be able to support the breast optimally. Good support feels comfortable, makes the breast feel less heavy, and reduces discomfort and tension in the neck and shoulders.

Conversely, it is also important that the bra is not too tight and that there are no tight straps or seams that can pinch the glandular tissue in the breast. If the bra is too tight, it can lead to a risk of decreased milk production. And tight straps or similar can pinch the glandular tissue and milk ducts inside the breast and cause milk nodules and mastitis.

So it's all about finding the right balance. And here Carriwell is again at the forefront with their soft, elastic and breathable bras, which, as mentioned, are self-adjusting in terms of being able to expand in size. The bras are seamless, so there is nothing that irritates, tightens or scratches uncomfortably.

Carriwell also offers their special gel support, which is a brilliant alternative to a classic underwire bra. The gel support is both optimally supportive and soft and malleable at the same time. I actually think you'll end up being so much of a fan that you'll continue to use it even after your breastfeeding period...

Bra at night

Even if you don't usually sleep in a bra, there's a good chance you'll be happy with a nursing bra that's also suitable for nighttime use. It's nice for nursing breasts to be well supported at night, and the sleeping bra also gives you the opportunity to keep track of any milk that might leak from your breasts because you can insert a nursing pad into it.

Once again, Carriwell has a great idea for a super comfortable sleeping and nursing bra that is soft and supportive at the same time and is super easy to push to the side when you are breastfeeding lying down.

Enjoy!

As a breastfeeding counselor with many years of experience in helping future and new families get a good start to breastfeeding, I can highly recommend Carriwell's products, which are designed and manufactured to the highest degree to support new mothers in giving them as comfortable and convenient breastfeeding as possible, with consideration for the major changes that occur in the body during this period of life.

I wish you a lot of fun shopping for nursing bras and all the best with your breastfeeding journey.

This article was written by Midwife Camilla from BabyAkademiet.dk