Simply put, this is a great bra. I have to admit, I haven't tried dozens of them, because after a couple early misses, my lactation consultant turned me on to this one, and I have never looked back.

I started of with some $15 bras from Target, thinking a bra is a bra, right? But here's the thing…especially for moms with newborns, I can't imagine who thinks is was a clever idea to design nursing bras with a big seam that runs right down the center of sore and sensitive nipples! The "seamless" part of the Medela bra is where the brilliance lies.

Also, the fabric is soft, stretchy and comfortable, and works well with a nursing pad or without because the cup has some flexibility. While the plastic clip closures took a few days to get the hang of after using hook and eye closures, I think it is so much easier once I got used to it.

The Medela Seamless also does a good job at not creating pressure points on the breast which can lead to plugged ducts. I had big problems with this with my earlier, cheaper bras, and one case of mastitis I had was directly resulting from a badly designed bra.

The bra is well-structured with a fabric under-frame that goes all the way around, not just on the bottom and outside like some cheaper bras. The cup is thin enough to be comfortable, but thick enough to absorb a bit of milk and to smooth out protruding nursing nipples. Sometimes they seem a bit "bunchy" under tighter shirts when you first put them on fresh from the wash, but if you pull them a little bit taught with your hands, the wrinkles disappear and stay out the rest of the day. You also may want to smooth the inner fabric on the bottom for a more comfortable fit as it can curl up a little bit.

The best part is the durability. I used these for about 16 months with my first daughter, and then pulled them right back out with my second and haven't even been tempted to buy new ones. I own three, so that I always have one at the ready. I wash them with my regular clothes, at regular temperature and put them in the dryer, and have never had a problem. They clean up well, and don't look gross or stained because the cup has multiple layers. I do wash them in a lingerie bag to keep that straps from getting tangled and stretched on other clothes, and to keep the hooks on the back closure from getting mangled.

They do come in white, nude and black in many sizes, although I only own white, and that's always been fine. The pattern is cute, not super sexy, but not ugly and matronly either. The price tag can be a bit high… I see them online from about $35-$40 (I think I bought mine for $36 about 5 years ago at a nursing boutique), so it might be more at a local retailer. Even if you buy them online, I strongly recommend getting sized (if you are still pregnant, do it in your eighth month) at a boutique specializing in bras if there is one near you, as nursing bras are often not returnable due to health codes.

I have absolutely no reservation about recommending this wonderful bra. I generally rely on Medela as a go-to company for quality products, and this bra is no exception.






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