Underwire Nursing Bra

Can I Wear an Underwire Nursing Bra

Breastfeeding mums are given lots of advice when selecting a nursing bra. One piece of advice is not to wear an underwire nursing bra. Well read our Wearing an Underwire Nursing Bra Fact Sheet for more information to explain why it can be ok to wear an underwire breastfeeding bra. We have introduced an underwire nursing bra from Emma Jane Maternity, as we find that many women prefer the additional support.

The underwires used in this breastfeeding bra are made from titanium; a lighter metal than used in normal bras. These underwires will easily adjust to your changing body shape and will considerably reduce the risk of blocked milk ducts. The bra is made from tactel and is soft, yet supportive.

Each cup has a quick release clip mechanism, and the built in support ensures your breast remains supported while the cup is open. The straps and neckline have a delicate lace trim for a feminine touch.

The band size can be adjusted with 4 settings.

Maternity Wear Sale

Out with the old and in with the new. Although there maybe some snow across the UK at the moment, our suppliers are preparing to send out the Spring Maternity collections. So we are doing one big maternity wear sale with up to 70% off.

All the big woolly maternity jumpers need to be sold to make room for the colourful and bright spring maternity collections that are on their way.

Everyday Maternity Wear Sale

Maternity Hospital Bag

Packing your hospital bag is an exciting job for first time mums. If you're having your baby in hospital, have your bag packed in plenty of time (ideally by 37 weeks), so if labour starts early you'll be ready to go.

Here are some ideas from Everyday Maternity on what to prepare for your hospital bag.

Try not to take too much as you often only get a small cabinet by your bed. It can be useful to have two bags: one for labour and one for your hospital stay afterwards.

Labour Bag

* Your birth plan and maternity notes
* Socks and slippers – for wandering round in and keeping your feet warm
* Maternity nightdress - or old long t-shirt
* Dressing gown – to keep warm while you wait
* Prenatal Massage oil – for soothing back rubs
* Lip balm – gas and air can dry your lips
* Snacks and drinks – for you and also your birth partner, you don’t want them flagging!
* Watch with a second hand, to time contractions
* Camera
* Magazines, book or music player – not always needed, but just in case things take awhile
* TENS pain relief machine if you are planning to use one
* Prescription medications
* Water spray or a hand-held fan to keep you cool
* Small facial sponge, for dabbing and sucking on
* Drinking straws – easier than trying to drink from a cup
* Hair bands

Hospital Bag

For you…

* Nursing Nightdress – save your Nursing Pyjamas for when you get home, as the waistband of your PJs can be painful if you have had a C-Section
* Nursing bras - two or three
* Nursing pads to absorb leaks – disposable nursing pads or washable breast pads
* Lansinoh lanolin – for sore or cracked nipples
* Maternity pads/Night-time sanitary pads -- a couple of packs. Maternity pads are more breathable - normal pads have plastic backing which creates moisture and increases the risk of stitches not healing and infection
* Disposable panties – you may need to change your maternity pads frequently during the first few hours after the birth, so if you don’t want to use disposable pants, pack your old knickers
* Towel – dark colours are best
* Toiletries – toothbrush and paste, soap, shampoo, moisturiser
* Make-up – a touch of make-up will pep you up for your visitors
* Comfortable clothes for on the ward – loose and relaxed is best, you will still have your pregnancy tummy, and may well be sore. Take a look at the Maternity Leisure Wear section for some comfy clothes
* Breastfeeding Top – you may feel more comfortable with visitors arriving to wear normal clothes
* Feeding Pillow - helps bring baby to a comfortable feeding position
* Feminine Wipes – softer than toilet paper, as you may be sore and bruised
* Ear plugs and eye mask - in case you end up on a noisy, bright ward!
* Phone book, plus lots of change for the phone - you may not be able to use your mobile phone in the hospital building
* Biscuits and snacks
* Favourite tea bags
* Fruit juice/mineral water
* Pen & paper – jot down who has visited and what gifts they brought
* Change for the car park


For baby…

* 2 x Babygro and vests for baby – put at the top of the bag to ensure your partner can get at it
* Baby blanket
* Nappies/baby wipes/nappy sacks/nappy cream
* Hat and jacket
* Formula milk/steriliser – if not provided by the hospital
* Car seat
* Muslin squares – multi tasking item, mops up sick, keeps you clean while feeding.......


Check with your midwife for a full list as different hospitals will have their own requirements. Some will provide washable nappies during your stay and do not allow disposables to be used. Some prefer to provide formula milk themselves if you are not going to breastfeed.

Other Tips

Be wary of taking anything of value such as a cameras, camcorder or iPod as unfortunately items are stolen in hospitals should you be rushed off to theatre for an emergency C-Section you won’t be able to take anything in with you.

Let your partner know what is in each bag, just in-case you are in no state to remember.

Have some more baby clothes at home that your partner can bring in, should you be staying more than one night.

Stock up on basics, such as toilet paper, sanitary pads, nappies - you will only have eyes (time) for your baby when you get home, and won't want to be going out shopping.

Pregnancy Planner

Another great thing about attending the Baby Show in Manchester this weekend, was getting to see all the other exhibitors and the fascinating products and information that they had on offer.

A great resource was the NHS Choices website. NHS Choices has all the information you need to make decisions throughout your pregnancy. They have expert advice and real-life stories and their on-line Pregnancy Care Planner can help you every step of the way.

Take a look now for some great information.

Cuddledry Baby Towel

We have just spent the weekend at the Baby Show in Manchester with the ladies from Cuddledry Baby Towel. We had a brilliant three days, chatting to pregnant women and parents to be.

The towel is designed to make bathtime a fantastic experience for babies, toddlers and most importantly, parents.

The cuddledry towel is the answer to a calm bathtime. You stay dry, you can lift your baby from bathwater easily and naturally, he/she stays warm and tenderly wrapped so everyone is happy and calm.

New parents we swayed to buy the product as soon as we let them feel just how soft the product was, versus your normal cotton towels, that get a bit itchy after a few washes. So if you are looking for a great gift for pregnant parents this Christmas, then look no further.

Checkout out the Cuddledry Towels in our Organic Maternity and Nursing section at Everyday Maternity

Breastfeeding Tips

About Breastfeeding

At Everyday Maternity we look for new products to enhance pregnant women's and breastfeeding mum's experiences. We have recently added Lansinoh products to our range. Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby. However, as when learning any new skill, support and information are often needed, and welcomed. Lansinoh's aim is to provide support and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers.

Here are some tips from Lansinoh to help.

Find a comfortable position

Proper positioning of both mother and baby and in particular the attachment of baby to the breast is important, as this can help prevent sore nipples and insufficient milk supply. Most mothers get comfortable by either sitting up or lying in bed, or sitting in an armchair, sofa or rocking chair. Many mothers find creating a flat lap helps in the early days, either by elevating the feet or sitting on a pillow. Some mothers raise their babies to breast height, others use the natural nurturing approach of holding their babies diagonally across their bodies. The most common breastfeeding positions are across the lap and with the baby’s feet out behind the mother. Across lap-cradle hold – The baby’s head will rest in the crook of your elbow or on your forearm with her whole body facing you, and will be supported with the same arm beneath her back and your hand on the baby’s thigh or bottom. Cross-cradle hold – The baby is supported at breast height by the opposite arm to the breast being offered. Your elbow is on the baby's bottom with your forearm along his back. Your palm is on his upper back, fingers and thumb either side of the neck. Your forefinger supports the base of his head under the ear. Feet out behind - rugby hold or clutch position – The baby lies on his side between your side and flexed arm with his feet out behind you. The baby’s shoulders, neck and the base of his head are supported by your hand, allowing your opposite hand to hold the breast if needed. Regardless of the position, make sure that the baby’s head and body are facing the breast, and help her to come onto the breast chin-first, aiming the nipple to the roof of her mouth when the mouth is open wide. Your baby needs to take a good part of the areola tissue (darker in colour) into her wide, gaping mouth in order to be properly latched on. Proper positioning (where the nipple goes deep into the baby’s mouth and so is protected at the back of the mouth) can ease the pain of sore nipples and help ensure your baby is getting the proper amount of milk.

If Carlsberg made maternity t-shirts......

… it may look something like this! Fun Mum Maternity have managed to combine the classic flattery of black with a fun 'baby under construction' logo If you are looking for a gift for a pregnant friend then look no further, this extra-long super-stretchy top is just perfect for growing bumps ensuring that everything fits snugly right the way through a pregnancy.

Go on...treat a pregnant friend now - it will cheer them up. We also have some other great maternity gift ideas at Everyday Maternity