Last week at my 6 week postpartum visit, my midwife declared me healed and ready to return to the world of physical things. I’ve done two short (but shockingly sweaty) yoga practices since that have reminded me: a) how effective yoga is at making you mindful of all of your aching parts; and b) how spectacular it feels to stretch things out, even just for 20 or so minutes.
And today, I officially got my EBR 2011 training party started with Day 1 of Couch to 5K. (Actually, I accidentally misread the chart and started with Day 7…oops.) It was shockingly doable – I mean, yes, in general my body is pretty tight all over, but it wasn’t a problem to run the 3-minute intervals. I was happily surprised!
In fact, the only uncomfortable part was the boob situation. I nursed Violet before I left, and I was thrilled that I fit into one of my typical sports bra tops, but I felt pretty bouncy out there. I’d be curious to hear from other nursing moms (or well endowed women in general) what running tops you recommend. At this point, I’m thinking I’ll wear two sports bras out on my next session. Thoughts?
I don’t need one of these myself, but the Ta Ta Tamer from lululemon comes highly recommended!
I am generally flat chested (always thought of a sports bra as a cute shirt to run in!). After my son was born, I decided to run a marathon to lose my baby weight. I was breastfeeding with huge boobs for me and the flopage was a serious issue (now I know people wear sports bras!). I found that any sports bra that clips in the back (like a real bra) to be far more supportive than the cute tankini looking ones. I bought several from real athletic stores but found the one at Gap body to be my favorite. Just make sure it is tight and gives you great support!! Congrats on the baby!
I strongly reco a bra that fastens in the back. The over the head ones just don’t seem to cut it unless you double up, and that’s really a pain.
If you’re not bigger than a D or E, I strongly reco Moving Comfort Fiona bra. It’s the bra I bought when I started running, and I’ve bought two more since. Back closure and velcro adjustable straps in the front which a) are genius because sometimes one shoulder is slopier than the other b) sometimes you need the girls a little higher and a little lower and c) makes nursing EASY! Seriously brilliant. And, once your supply events out, you can easily adjust to make up for what you might have lost in the area.
If you’re bigger than an E, lots of people reco the ENELL but I don’t think it’s easy to nurse in. It front fastens but it will take a while to get all those hooks on and off.
I’m doing Couch-to-5k, too (well, attempting- haven’t had time lately). I’m also a VERY well-endowed (36I) nursing mom. Before I got my new bra, I used a regular nursing bra with a sports bra on top. Now, I have an Elomi Engergise Underwired Sports Bra. It doesn’t look much like a sports bra, but it has amazing support and separation (boob sweat, eww!). It’s not very nursing friendly, though; if I do need to nurse in it, I pull one arm out of the strap and pull the cup down.
I ordered it from BreakoutBras.com and used their sizing guide (and UK sizing chart converter) to find the right size. It fits perfectly! I’d highly recommend ordering from them; their customer service is excellent. (I am in no way affiliated, just an extremely happy customer)
As a 34FF, I spent good money on a good bra. It always makes me sad to see gals at the gym who need one, but it feels creepy for me to offer that word unsolicited. But since you asked, I love Freya. You need to go to a store (any high end store or proper lingerie shop) and be fitted because these are UK sizes. You’ll likely need to get a different size once you’re done nursing. Here’s an example of one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Control-Underwire-Sports-Charcoal/dp/B003N13HDU
[...] completing Day 1 of Couch to 5K — my first running since delivering [...]
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Also wanted to share via Twitter, in addition to recommendations on wearing two bras, @sherigurock recommended the lululemon Tata Tamers and @mannlvmama recommended moving comfort bras.
Fiona by Moving Comfort because it’s quickly adjustable with velcro tabs depending on if you are in a pre or post nurse condition. It is also easy to nurse while wearing it. I was a 34D pre preg and grew to a 34G when my milk came in! ( I was like a circus show!) I nursed for a year and I still wear that bra , and my “baby” is 4.5 yo!
I loove the Anita brand, it provides my with really good support and clasps in the back. Now, having said that, I have to wear 2 as I’m an F cup and need a LOT of support.
Yay!! Let’s do this. I’m just starting from off the couch too, although I wish I had the excuse of a baby, I’ve just been lazy! But I’m soooo ready to start this party!
I totally agree with the Fiona from Moving Comfort! I know this question is a bit old now, but thought I would add my experience! Currently nursing a 13 month old and have completed a half marathon and multiple tris and a marathon relay (nursing in the middle!) with the Fiona. I LOVE that I can nurse him and go!! Happy Running!
My yoga session is really helping me out to relieve myself from the stress. To the question – I use Nike sports bra and I’m very satisfied by the model.
Now I found myself on this stage of life, breastfeeding. Nursing sports bra or just sports bra, I’m wearing it sometimes during my exercise sessions. But the idea of wearing two bras is a bit odd for me.
I find this thread very timely for me. I have been wanting to buy a support bra for quite a while but have been stalling because I didn’t know which one to get or even where to start looking.
Fiona from Moving Comfort!
Nike Sports Bra
lululemon Tata Tamers
Elomi Engergise Underwired Sports Bra.
I plan on checking them out!
Thanks for the info