I wasn't very successful because I'd end up slouching over and holding the pump flanges with my forearm while I tried to use my "free" arm to read or check email. Once, in desperation, I cut slits in an old bra that I had outgrown. Voila! A functonal but very inelegant hands-free pumping bra! Of course I couldn't really *wear* it outside the house because hello, I had two slits smack dab in the middle of my bra. It looked rather funny.
I've also tried a different brand of hands-free pumping bra, one of those huge contraptions that covers your entire torso like a gigantic Ace bandage. They work, but they certainly don't resemble a normal bra. And they are only for pumping--not for nursing.
I was excited to try out a BeliBea Nourish bra: it's a nursing bra AND a hands-free pumping bra (or both at the same time).
It looks like a regular nursing bra...(ignore my flat-chested mannequin!)
But when you unhook the clasp, you find a second layer inside. It's a hands-free pumping bra!
If you unhook both layers, it turns into a nursing bra!
The BeliBea also has removeable molded inserts.
My thoughts on the BeliBea
Great idea having the two sets of clasps. It solves the problem of how to have a pumping bra without having a big slit showing in the middle of each cup! Because it's actually designed like a normal bra, rather than a corset-like contraption, you could easily wear it night or day.
I don't like molded or padded bras, so I promptly took the pads out. I don't need any more cleavage thankyouverymuch! So another thumbs up for having removable pads.
I wish this bra were less expensive. It's a great idea: comfortable, functional, practical. But over my almost 9 years of nursing, I've never spent more than about $15 on a nursing bra. (Or a non-nursing bra for that matter.) Perhaps some day I will discover the joys of expensive underthings...
The BeliBea is very stretchy. It comes in just four sizes (S to XL) so each size accommodates several band and cup sizes. It's very comfortable, but also less supportive than the bras I'm used to wearing. Ever since I became pregnant with Zari, I have had to wear underwire. I'd say that this bra would be fine for everyday use if you're an A or B cup. Beyond that, it's not supportive enough for daytime use. (I'm currently between a C and a D.) It feels like my favorite sleep bras.
Right now, the BeliBea Nourish only comes in a pale nude color. It would be great to at least one darker tone (and perhaps a few basic colors down the road) for all those mamas who aren't of Scandinavian ancestry :)
More about BeliBea
- www.belibea.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/belibea
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/belibeabra
- The Nourish by BeliBea retails at $49.95. Gift certificates available to purchase here.
Does this bra hold the flanges on tight enough to maintain a good seal? It's on zulily today and I go back to work soon, so I am looking for something I will be able to wear instead of the ace bandage style bras!
ReplyDeleteTara, I don't have my pump out so I didn't test it while running the pump--I actually haven't used it since before we went to France. If I have a chance to hook everything up and see if it stays in place, I will update here.
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