I 37+3 FTM am feeling a bit overwhelmed on what I need postpartum - I’m currently trying to do some online shopping for bras and underwear and need some advice on what I should be looking for and what I can get away with as I don’t have a lot of money to spend.
From what I’ve read, nursing bras aren’t 100% necessary, but are extremely helpful and make things a lot easier —
I’m thinking I would purchase three, will this be enough? I don’t want to buy too many and they end up not fitting as my boobs fluctuate in size.
I see a lot of different styles, clip down, cross over, some leak proof some with nursing pads etc. Which option worked best for you? I was potentially going to get three different styles from different brands so I can see what I like best.
Is it also possible to just buy stretchy, comfortable bralettes and use these with nursing pads? I really hate wearing bras and wonder if this will be more comfortable? For context pre pregnancy my boobs were quite small, I think I wore a 30B, I can still fit in my everyday bra, thought it gets uncomfortable after a bit as my boobs are just a lot more full now.
I also need some advice on underwear. I understand I will be bleeding for some time, what is your experience like with this? Is it best to start with disposable underwear and then move on to pads, or period underwear? How long do you recommend wearing disposable underwear before changing over to another option?
I’m afraid I will not feel good about myself in disposable ones, but understand it’s probably the easiest option at first.
Do you recommend buying specific postpartum underwear? Majority of my underwear cuts are thongs or brazilian, which I can see probably won’t be the best option pad support, but I do also have some (men’s) boxer briefs/jocks and a couple pairs of period underwear, would these work just as well as any postpartum underwear?
I had see a lot that people were wearing belly binders to give support to their core and help their organs with moving back into place, but after doing some research, I feel like postpartum compression clothing is the better option. I had initially thought buying a pack of high waisted postpartum compression underwear, but after the initial stage of having to wear them I don’t think I would continue as I don’t think I would like wearing them - I thought buying a pair of high waisted postpartum biker shorts might be a better option, and save me on buying multiple pairs of underwear, while still being able to be wore under comfy bottoms. What are your thoughts and experiences?
These are some of the bras I’ve been considering —
https://www.bfreeaustralia.com.au/products/leakproof-nursing-bra-pack?variant=41883565097130
https://mumma-milla.com/products/nursing-bra-night?
https://au.momanda.cc/products/cotton-lace-trim-nursing-bralette?
https://au.momanda.cc/products/inbarely-crossover-racerback-nursing-bra?variant=52603523531059