A nursing bra is a brassiere that provides additional support for milk-filled breasts, and permits comfortable breastfeeding without the need to remove the bra. This is accomplished by special bra cups that can be opened to expose the nipple while the cup still supports the breast. Nursing bras can have different designs, including softcup designs and underwire designs.
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History
The first US patent for a bra was granted in 1913 to Mary Phelps Jacob.[1] Her invention is the most widely recognized as the predecessor to the modern bra and consequently the nursing bra. The first nursing bras entered the market in 1927 when William Rosenthal, the president of Maidenform, took out brassier design patents including nursing, full figured and the first seamed uplift bra.[2]
Maidenform began to lead the way in the bra industry with their ad campaign, "I dreamed I..." in 1949 which emphasized that women could be whatever they wanted.[3] Most importantly, different bras were designed for different types of activities. Thus, if you were pregnant you could purchase a maternity bra, if you were breastfeeding you could purchase a nursing bra. Maidenform's innovations included adjustable straps, maternity bras, nursing bras and standardized cup sizes. Many bra manufacturers have since built on Maidenform's designs, aiming to improve fashionable and functionality of nursing bras.
Innovations, patents and disputes
After World War II, the brassiere market increased exponentially along with the post war baby boom and the zip-up nursing bra was invented. Nursing bras saw little innovation for some time and the market was dominated by larger lingerie companies who would simply add a clip.
Today the nursing bra industry is very segmented with various players including traditional brassier players such as Wonderbra but more specifically is seing specialty brands take charge in the market with increased quality, innovations in design and added expertise.
Several nursing bra patents are pending, or have been granted for various innovations and improvements. Bravado Designs was the innovator in the market by introducing a multi-band/multi-cup sizing system. This innovation was significant as pregnant women in the past had troubles with their nursing bras, specifically the comfort of their bras, as women's breasts can fluctuate three cup sizes within an hour while nursing. Other innovations included: Mary Sanchez received a patent in 1991[4] for the one-handed fastening method and variable adjustment of cup size. More recently, a 2005 patent[5] was granted to Line Rothman for the nursing bra tank designed for Glamourmom, which features added coverage of a mother's mid-section, although this patent has not been upheld in court.[6]
Size fluctuations
After about the third day after giving birth, the mother’s milk “comes in” and at that point changes in the breast happen very quickly. The breasts swell significantly and can feel achy, lumpy and heavy (which is referred to as engorgement). This swelling typically amounts to an increase of one or more cup sizes from her 3rd trimester. In addition, her cup size will vary depending on whether she has just nursed her baby or if she is full. Also, each breast could be different in size from the other depending on which side the baby tends to feed on. These fluctuations settle down after 10-12 weeks of nursing. At this point the rib band size will decrease and go back to the pre-pregnancy size. This is the size the mother will stay at until she finishes breastfeeding.
Importance of fit
Because of all of these size changes, a bra that accommodates this fluctuation is incredibly important, particularly during the first 2 months of breastfeeding. In addition to being important for comfort, an ill-fitting bra or a bra that does not grow or shrink with mom could result in infection if it is compressing a milk gland, for example. When a milk gland becomes compressed, it could clog and possibly result in an infection called mastitis. Extremely painful, mastitis is difficult for mom not just physically but emotionally. A well-fitting nursing bra provides support to the breasts and helps to maintain breast shape by limiting the stretching of supportive tissue.[7]
Types of nursing bras
Traditionally, nursing bras are made with flaps of fabric over the cup which can be unclasped and pulled down to access the breast. Even with the flap pulled down, the cup of the bra supports the breast. No-flap versions made of stretchable fabric which can pulled to the side at feeding time are also available.
Underwire versions of nursing bras can constrict the breast if not properly fitted and cause either blocked ducts or mastitis. The best nursing bras are stretchy, absorbent, and don't bind the breasts in any way that could interfere with milk flow. Women are recommended to wear a bra that is 100 percent cotton or a cotton-Lycra blend or other stretchy synthetic.[8]
References
- ^ US1,115,674 (1914-11-03) Mary P. Jacob, Brassiere.
- ^ "Maidenform Company History". Maidenform. http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Maidenform-Inc-Company-History.html. Retrieved 2009-04-27. "Maidenform, Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of brassieres and other articles of women's intimate apparel"
- ^ "The Maidenform I Dream Collection List". http://www.oldcatalogs.com/collection.html. Retrieved 2009-04-27. "The "I dreamed" series, based on our current knowledge, began in September 1949 with the "I dreamed I went shopping" theme"
- ^ US5,024,628 (1991-06-18) Mary M. Sanchez, Maternity and nursing brassiere with strap variations.
- ^ US6,855,029 (2005-02-15) Line Rothman, Stretchable nursing tank top with invisible breast support.
- ^ "Ostrolenk Successfully Defends Sears and Kmart in Patent Infringement Suit" (PDF). AFGS Newsletter (Ostrolenk). 03 2008. http://www.ostrolenk.com/clientfiles/OFGS%20Newsletter%20FM08.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
- ^ "Choosing a Nursing Bra". Grey Bruce Health Unit. http://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Family/Breastfeeding/NursingBra.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-27. "A nursing bra traditionally has a flap on the cup that is opened for breastfeeding. A well-fitting bra provides support to the breasts and helps to maintain breast shape by limiting the stretching of supportive tissue."
- ^ "Nursing bras". Consumer Reports. 04 2007. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/care-and-dressing/nursing-bras/nursing-bras-4-07/overview/0704_nursing-bras_ov.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-27. "If you decide to breast-feed, you won't necessarily need baby bottles, a bottle sterilizer, or formula. But you will need a nursing bra. It will be your key piece of equipment to get the job done quickly and easily"
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