FOR the past four years, I have mainly worn bras that would make Bridget Jones’ grandmothers proud: They are big, plain, white and have cups that can fit over the heads of small children – my bras, I mean, not the grandmas.

The reason for the lack of lace and frills, and general unsexiness of my undergarments has to do with the fact that I have been breastfeeding my children – Julian, now four years old, for a year; and Lucien, seven months and counting.

I wear nursing bras – they come with flaps that can be dropped easily with the twist of a clasp, to allow easy access for hungry babies.

Unfortunately, most nursing- bra designers, it seems, have something against luxe aesthetics or cute decorations. But, I’m not complaining, as these bras have proven to be the most comfortable I have ever worn in my life.

Blogger Jennifer Lance on the Eco Child’s Play website caused tongues to wag last month when she advised small- chested mums not to buy nursing bras and tops, as she felt they were a waste of money.

Instead, she suggested that a normal organic-cotton bra would do.

However, a normal bra is less convenient than a nursing model in certain situations. How else would you undo your bra with one hand under layers of winter clothing and a poncho for modesty, while trying to express milk discreetly in a public spot and while taking in tourist attractions during a holiday? It’s an art, I tell you.

For no-frills nursing bras, Marks & Spencer makes super reliable ones that are virtually indestructible in the wash (mine are still going strong). Meanwhile, Triumph’s mamabel post-natal bra line (prices from $32.90, available from OG) features European stretch lace and snap buckles. I dig the subtle polka-dot designs in soft colours like peach.

That said, the lactating woman unwilling to compromise on style needn’t despair. Here are some of Manic Mummy’s recommendations for mummy bras that strike the perfect balance between functionality and fashion.

BRAVADO DESIGNS
www.bravadodesigns.com

Founded by two mothers, Kathryn From and Shery Leeder, some 15 years ago, this brand has since become the favourite of celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba.

Their bras are made of the softest cotton (there’s even a bamboo collection), with a sturdy wide-banded construction to offer good support, and feature clasps that are slightly bigger than those found elsewhere, so that fastening and unfastening is a cinch. From US$37 (S$52) for the Original Nursing Bra.

PASSION SPICE
www.passionspice.com

Lactation experts recommend that nursing mothers avoid underwired cups, as these might press on milk ducts and cause blockage. Stitching or seams across the nipples are also a no-no, as they can irritate increasingly sensitive bits.
But if you’re happier with underwired bras that offer a nicer shape under clothes, you can find some good-looking options from this brand.

Its Elle design is a sexy balconette cut – a rarity, given that most nursing bras have rather conservative, full cups – and is available in a hot aqua shade. It’s on sale for US$18.90, discounted from US$27, the last time we checked, and international shipping costs a flat rate of US$19.95 by priority mail (six to 10 business days).

HOTMILK
www.hotmilklingerie.co.nz

New Zealand brand HOTMilk has some of the best-looking nursing bras around.
The latest collection is showcased in a series of images drawn from fairytales: A confidently big-bellied Little Red Riding Hood models a black-lace and purple-cotton design named Tamed By Her Sensuality; Rapunzel flaunts another with apricot floral print and gardenia lace; and Snow White poses in a crimson-lined nursing bra dubbed Awakened By Her Desire.

The website will direct Asian buyers to relevant online stockists, such as Bralicious in Hong Kong, which lists the Awakened By Her Desire bra for HK$430 (S$77).

MOMS IN MIND
www.momsinmind.com.sg/ dropcupbras.html

Local company Moms In Mind retails nursing bras that range from those with padded, seamless soft cups, to a design with multi-way straps and removeable underwire. Prices start from $20 for a basic nursing bra.

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