Thursday, January 31, 2013

Essential Nursing Gear - A Bravado Design Review

Before James was born, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. So before he was born, I went out and purchased what I thought were 'essential' nursing attire. What no one tells you is that nursing bras, tanks etc are EXPENSIVE, just like maternity clothes. UGH! Chris and I were young -ish when we had James and money was tight. So I purchased a couple of sleep bras and a couple of 'going out' nursing bras. No nursing tops or anything as they were SO over priced.

I lived in my nursing bras even after I had stopped nursing James as I found them somewhat comfortable. But after 3 years of use, it was time to purchase new stuff for when Graham arrived.

I had heard of Bravado Nursing Bras when Jimmy was little, but thought again "WAY over priced for us" so again, I went out and purchased some slightly less expensive bras - and guess what - I HATE THEM! Like the older ones, the cups bunch and Graham gets mad when he has issues latching on.

So I finally bit the bullet and ordered a couple of Bravado Design Bras.

I AM IN LOVE!



About Bravado Designs:

It all began with a leopard-print bra and two breastfeeding moms...
That first leopard-print bra, which was worn for 48 hours straight, is now called the Original Nursing Bra—and it’s still our bestseller, more than 20 years later!
From humble beginnings developed around a kitchen table, Bravado quickly built a strong reputation as having comfortable, stylish and quality nursing bras. Lactation consultants, midwives, childbirth educators and others in the health care community quickly started recommending our products to new moms, and they still do to this day.
Now Bravado Designs' products are worn and loved by moms worldwide, including by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, BeyoncĂ© Knowles, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba. Although many things have changed since our early days, one thing never will: our commitment to bolster and enhance the self-esteem of pregnant and nursing women.
We test-wear our products on literally hundreds of pregnant and nursing moms every year to make our bras perfect, right down to the finest detail. We use real moms as models because we don't think we need models to make breastfeeding beautiful. We're a green company, and we donate products in our own community—not because it's the trendy thing to do but because it's the right thing. Because we not only want to be the brand on your bra but also the company you're proud to wear and tell your friends about.

My first purchase was the Original Nursing Bra in Leopard. I needed something that I could just lounge around in. While at home I didn't want to be wearing foam cups, but also didn't want to be wearing my sleep bras all the time.



'The Original Nursing Bra has been recommended by Lactation Consultants for over 20 years. This cotton nursing bra adapts to your changing shape making it perfect for pregnancy right through to nursing. Moms love to live and sleep in the Original Nursing Bra 24/7 - especially in the early stages when comfort is the key in your journey to breastfeeding success.'

This award winning bra is made of soft breathable cotton, that promotes healthy breast tissue. It really does adapt to your changing shape. I can sleep in this, lounge around and it even has enough support that I can go out in public wearing it.


 
The sizing is super simple and I would say true to size. I am a 36D in other bras so that's what I ordered and it fits great! Not too tight, but not to lose either. It offers full access to your breast, and clips on and off just like any other nursing bra. I highly recommend at least one of these bras for any nursing mom. They wash great and keep their shape.


The next item up for review is the Rebecca Minkoff Essential Nursing Tank. I was very lucky to have received this in a promotional campaign that Bravado was doing #DesignedforGood. I had been drooling over these tanks as, they are kind of like a 2 in 1 deal. They have a built in bra and it's a tank. You can also wear this tank while pregnant! Yes, the material will slightly stretch to accommodate your growing bump, but once it's washed, it retains its shape!

The price is great - at 45.99 CND but that's not the best part. With every purchase of a Rebecca Minkoff Essential Tank 20% of all sales go to the Jessica Seinfeld Foundation, Baby Buggy ®. Also, every tank that is purchased, Bravado will donate one to a mother in need. How great is that??

I love this tank. The material is very soft and comfortable. The two tone makes for an interesting piece. (You can get other tanks in solid colors from Bravado) You can dress this up or down. I usually wear my tank with a cardie and a pair of dark jeans, but you could wear it with sweats or yoga pants too. Like I said before, it's very soft, easy to nurse in and comes in two great color choices. Indy - which is what I have (Black and White with a cream trim) or Luca! A blue front and black back with a white trim. Both are super gorgeous! A great addition to any nursing moms wardrobe.

The last 'Essential' that any new nursing mom (or veteran Mom) needs in her wardrobe is the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. This was one item I really REALLY wanted, but at the time could fork the money out for. At $50.00 CDN, it packs a hefty price, but is SO worth the money.


The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra melts onto your body and gives you comfort unlike anything you've experienced from a nursing bra before - wear it while nursing or as a maternity bra. A mom and celebrity favorite, everyone loves this seamless nursing bra that molds to your shape.
 
I honestly wish that I could go back in time and NOT buy anything BUT these. They are the most comfortable nursing bra ever! They do have foam cups, but you are able to take them out if you want. Both James and Graham had difficulties nursing with foam cups, but with this bra, Graham has no issues whatsoever. The fabric is like butter - SO soft and stretchy. I can wear this ALL day and it never gets uncomfortable.



I purchased the Dark Plum color (pictured above) and was very excited to get it. The color is slightly different then shown. The picture shows more of a royal purple, but the color is more plum (red undertones) regardless - I love the color. They have a new Season Color coming out in February called Orchid Pink! Can't wait to get one of those as well!! I love that they have a wide selection of colors. Black, white, nude, ice pink and then the seasonal colors. So there is something for everyone.

If you are only wanting to purchase one bra from Bravado, I highly recommend The Body Silk Seamless bra. Well worth every penny. It's a great everyday bra. I love mine and will most likely continue to wear it even after I am done nursing Graham. It washes very well, holds it shape and just an all around wonderful bra.

Bravado Designs also offers other bras and panties. They have their Sublime Nursing Bra, Allure Under wire bra and some really cute panties!

Connect with Bravado Designs


Want a chance to win??

Right now - till February 15th - Bravado Designs is giving a Bra away every day! Show Us the Love is their newest campaign - http://www.bravadodesigns.com/shop/show-us-the-love Enter daily for your chance to win! I have won and I cannot wait to receive my new bra! Tweet it, Instagram it, Pin it!! There are many ways to win!! Be sure to check it out!!


Much love
xoxo

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Please note that I purchased my own Body Silk Seamless Bra as well as my Original Nursing Bra myself. The Rebecca Minkoff Tank was sent to me not for review purposes but  for a campaign Bravado was running in the month of December. All opinions are strictly my own and may differ from others. NO monetary compensation was exchanged for this review. I wanted to write a review and so I did. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

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