Leading Lady Review + Discount Code!

As World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7, 2012) has come to an end, I thought that this would be the perfect time to share with all of my readers about one very important aspect of breastfeeding - a good nursing bra!  I was able to breastfeed little man for 6 months - 6 difficult months that involved nursing, pumping and supplementing. I wasn't prepared for all of the things that went into breastfeeding and I had a hard time justifying spending money on a lot of good nursing bras and clothes. Looking back, I can see the great benefit to investing in bras and clothes that make nursing a seamless and easy experience. I only bought one "good" bra and the rest were cheap in price and I learned that it wasn't worth it! I was frustrated with how the clips worked and they were so very awkward to use! Now as I am looking ahead to nursing baby #2, I see the value in having the right tools. One of those tools that I truly see the value in is a good, comfortable, supportive nursing bra! 

I have been needing new bras since becoming pregnant and I also want to prepare for baby #2 (even though we still have until November for his arrival!). With little man, I waited until he was born to get the bras I needed. My size didn't change much, so I wish that I had invested in some nursing bras that I could use right away, rather than trying to make it to a store to snag some bras off the shelf with newborn in tow! This time around, I am getting ready earlier! When I started to look for new bras, I was having a hard time finding well made bras in stores that fit me. I have always been on the smaller side and there aren't that many companies that make many varieties of smaller nursing bras. As I was looking around and trying to decide what to do, Leading Lady contacted me about reviewing one of their nursing bras! Perfect timing!

 

Leading Lady is a premiere intimate apparel company dedicated to creating comfortably functional, remarkably affordable, stylish and easy-to-wear bras, camis and sleepwear. A family owned and operated business, Leading Lady has been expertly tailoring nursing and full figure bras for top brands and retailers across North America for more than 70 years. Leading Lady’s comprehensive line of nursing and full figure intimates– including sexy stretch lace wire-free and underwire bras, supportiveand seamless sport and yoga bras, and cozy sleep and leisure bras – can be purchased directly on LeadingLady.com. --from Leading Lady

I chose to review their Molded Seamless Wirefree Nursing Bra. While I am not nursing, yet, I still have been able to put this bra to the test. I have been wearing it, in between washings, and I love the fit! The bra so comfortable to wear! I can wear it all day and into the evening and I hardly notice that it is there. I also really like that it is lightly lined and has a molded shape. This gives it a natural and flattering look under my tops. I have practiced using the clips and have found that they are easy to undo and re-clip one handed! Definitely a plus! One thing that I really like is that the bra seems to have a bit of stretch or give to it. It fits me nicely right now, but I also feel that if I do "grow" once baby arrives and my milk comes in, that the bra will be able to accommodate some growth and remain comfy. The overall fit is comfortable, supportive and I think that it will be an excellent bra to use on my breastfeeding journey with baby #2!

One thing that I was nervous about was ordering a bra online without trying it on first. Leading Lady is a very informative website and they have a great fit calculator that helped me be sure of my correct size. I was also able to talk with Erin at Leading Lady about her recommendations for my size. It was so nice to have some personal recommendations from someone who had tried all of the bras that I was asking about! I really appreciate having her help and it made me feel like I was really choosing the right bra for my body. I was so happy that the bra fit me so well when it arrived and the quality is great too! I have been very pleased with my bra from Leading Lady and I am already looking forward to using them as a place to shop from for more nursing bras! Another thing that I also really like is that they have a really nice variety of bras in my size! So often, when I find my size of bras, my only option is nude, black or white. On the Leading Lady site, they have pretty lace bras as well as organic options! Yay!

Leading Lady is proud to celebrate“Leading Ladies” everywhere through its products, programs and philanthropic activities. Leading Lady is dedicated to arming new moms with the support – physically, intellectually and emotionally – they need to nurture their babies through breastfeeding and committed to supporting avariety of organizations and issues relevant to women across the country. --from Leading Lady

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Leading Lady has offered my readers a wonderful discount code: LLBLOG9390 to use for a 15% off site-wide discount! Thank you Leading Lady! If you are looking for some new nursing bras, I definitely recommend taking a look to see the variety of styles that Leading Lady offers. The code cannot be combined with any other offer and expires August 30. Happy Shopping!

I thought that I would leave you with some fun, interesting and useful facts about breastfeeding and nursing bras from Leading Lady. Whether you are currently breastfeeding, plan to, or have nursed your babies, read on!

Did you know…

1)     As early as your second trimester, your breasts are capable of producing milk. This is why many women feel their breasts are heavier and larger during pregnancy.

2)     You can wear nursing bras during pregnancy. By the third trimester you should shop for nursing bras to be prepared for the baby. But don’t be shy about wearing your new bras during pregnancy since they should be comfortable and support your current size.Look for stretchy leisure styles with give-and-take. Nursing camis are also a great choice once the baby arrives because they allow easy nursing access while still covering your post-bump belly.

3)     Studies show that moms who breastfeed within the first hour of giving birth are more likely to have long-term success. So bring your nursing bras to the hospital because you will need them right away! If you experience any difficulty, ask to see the hospital’s lactation consultant. And hang in there – you are giving your baby a wonderful gift!

4)     Your milk levels will stabilize about 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. You should re-measure yourself for nursing bras around this time, and you may be able to transition into more structured styles

5)     Your bra size may continue to fluctuate somewhat throughout the course of breastfeeding. Bra styles with 4 hook-and-eye closures in back and adjustable straps allow for these common differentiations.

6)     You should not be afraid to try underwire nursing bras if that is the style you find most supportive. Just as you would with all other bras, you should ensure a proper fit. A proper fitting bra will allow your breasts to sit upright and centered on your chest, and the straps will remain in place while you are moving.

7)     Your breasts will need constant support while breastfeeding, and you will likely want to sleep in a bra while nursing. Sleep bras, leisure bras, nursing camis or a nursing chemise made of soft, stretchable fabrics will keep you supported day and night, and make night time feedings easier.

8)     Nursing bras can be cute and sexy too! You (and your partner) will be pleased to know that nursing bras are not all plain and matronly. From lace cup to lace trim, your nursing bras can be just as flirty as your regular bras!

9)     Accessibility is one of the most important factors in a nursing bra. There are a variety of closure styles including cup clasps and hook-and-eye front closures. Play around with which style best suits your needs.

10)You should replace your nursing bras about every six months or when they have lost their shape and support.

For more information about finding just the right nursing bra fit, breastfeeding tips & advice from Leading Lady’s lactation consultant, a downloadable breastfeeding handbook and our nursing blog, visit Leading Lady.com. 

*Thank you to Leading Lady for providing me with the above mentioned bra for review in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. Thank you again to Leading Lady for providing me with a bra for review and a discount code for my readers!*