If you’re an L- or XL-sized Mum like me, you’d probably understand how DIFFICULT it is to shop for breastfeeding bra or tops in “petite-sized” places like Malaysia. What more when you’re pregnant and later, breastfeeding when you’ve got to “upsize”!
When I breastfed my boy more than 3 years ago, I had no breastfeeding bra or tops because:
- Only S, M and L-sized breastfeeding tops available - designed for super skinny ladies like Zhang Ziyi, Sheila Majid, QiQi, Audrey Hepburn. How about the Gong Lis, Salomas and the Marilyn Monroes? We need clothes too.
- Ugly designed nursing tops - I’m already in the “auntie” age but that doesn’t mean I wanna look like one!
- Terrible fabric – Because I’m a busy work-at-home, travelling Mum, I am very particular about fabric. I tend to look for clothes which can stand the test of time, wrinkle-free and easy to coordinate. It’s even better if they have Spandex/Lycra, which is great for that post-natal flab! Of course, breathable material is a must in our hot,hot, hot weather
- Expensive. Although I *have* spent nearly RM200 for a top, I don’t think I should because I’ve been lucky enough to get nice tops from between RM35-50. Should nursing tops be more expensive than that? Hmm…
This time around, I discovered online shopping. First, I found the “nursing system chart” at Mothersenvogue really helpful in selecting breastfeeding tops:
Reviewing it, I find that I prefer breastfeeding tops with the “hem-lift” and “neckline” access.
1. The “hem-lift” access is really useful for mums who want discreet breastfeeding because the extra layer of cloth covers your boob and baby’s head well.
I have two breastfeeding tops with the “hem lift” access.
Note that the “hem lift” may not work with an older baby who does not like to be hidden under a layer of cloth!
In any case, I like the fact that my breastfeeding tops come with double layers.
Plus, they don’t look like a nursing top, which means I can continue wearing them even after I stop breastfeeding 
2. When my baby became bigger (and cheekier!), I usually end up breastfeeding in a private room that I could wear breastfeeding tops with the “neckline” access.
Nursing tops with the “neckline” access usually come in a V-neck style, which are also the most flattering for fuller figures. Plus, I find that tops with the “neckline” access hold their shapes better in the long run. 
I actually wanted to get this “Bonita Flutter Sleeve Top” for Chinese New Year but then the L and XL-sizes were out of stock!
Retailing at SGD60.90, I’m still tempted to buy it especially since I can still continue to wear it even after breastfeeding.
Don’t the prints look good? I hope it’ll go on sale
For the record, here’s my experience with the other styles:
3. I’d actually bought 2 breastfeeding tops with the “empire access” i.e. the Juliet and the Sophia from MaternityExchange.
I felt that I’d look pretty and cool in them because I tend to perspire more when I am breastfeeding…
However, the Juliet (left, SGD50.90, size M) turned out to be too sexy (esp if you’re a 36D and above) even though it fit well.
Also, I found the band a bit too tight to lift up. I must have put on a bit of weight then.
The same goes for the Sophia, although the material has more give probably because it’s made of organic bamboo. Luckily, the lovely lady at MaternityExchange allowed me to return the Juliet.
I wanted to hang on to the Sophia (bottom, SGD39.90, size M) because I love the colour (plum red) and also, I “may” fit into it when I lose more weight later. However, I find that even though I’ve lost weight, the boob size doesn’t change much, which means I’m better off with a size L. 
4. Breastfeeding tops with “vertical seams” don’t work for me because I am always super-conscious of the fact that the nursing slits would open up if I stretched my arms wide or the baby may go exploring if the nursing top plays “peek-a-boo” with him/her LOL
5. Finally, I’m too shy to wear breastfeeding tops with the “drop cup” style, which is what Bravado’s Essential Maternity/Nursing Tank is like. Although I *loved* the soft, comfy and stretchy material, I had to let it go because I know I wouldn’t get much use out of it – a shrug or a cardigan feels too fussy for me.
How about you? What type of breastfeeding tops do you like?
Anyway, do try on tops with different types of access to see which one you’re comfortable with before you buy. Happy shopping!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Last time, I bought a few from maternalove.com singapore based online shop. I like the soft spandex lycra material, very cooling and stylish.
Linda – I’ve browsed that shop too. Spandex/Lycra’s great, isn’t it?
I love the nursing tank tops from Spring Maternity, Singapore — S$39.90 each and fit well under my usual clothes.
leopard style so pretty go for it
I didn’t have any nursing wear with Yiu Yiu but bought few tops this time round. End up hardly wore them too so it was a waste of $$$ for me.