I’ve mentioned this before, but breastfeeding did NOT work out with my first child. The pressure I felt to just keep trying despite all of our struggles left me feeling a little traumatized to be completely honest. So I went into this pregnancy not sure whether I would breastfeed or not. In hindsight, formula feeding Isabel worked out great for us and I wish I had’ve just done it earlier, to take the stress off of her and myself. Anyway…
To my surprise, breastfeeding just worked out this time! Of course, life threw us a curve ball and now we are combination feeding our new little one, but breastfeeding is still going well. As a side note, if anyone tells you you can’t bottle AND breastfeed… they’re lying. It can work. Every baby is different. This was something I was warned of over and over during my experience with my first baby. I wish I hadn’t listened.
Anyway, since breastfeeding has worked out this time, it has opened up a whole new real of bra-needs for me. So, I decided to hack my favourite pattern, the Jasmine Bra, into a Nursing Bra.
The process is pretty simple, but does require some specialized pattern pieces and notions. The Mama expansion pack includes Side Sling pattern pieces for both the standard and large cup Jasmine Bras and instructions on how to add nursing clips. I purchase my nursing clips from Bra-makers Supply. Just a note, they only stock them in 3/4″, so make sure you also buy 3/4″ strap elastic.
This expansion also shows you how to sew the front neckline with stretch lace trim, and includes tips on how to maintain a sharp v-neckline.
My favourite thing about the Jasmine Bra is how it can carry you through so many stages of life… from day to day, to pregnancy and through nursing. It’s got you covered!
I’m in the process of finishing up an update for my Anna Bra pattern. It will also include instructions for a nursing bra variation. The Anna Bra will have more variations and a slightly better strap attachment, but this is a great way to take a pattern you may already own (and hopefully love!) and adapt it for breastfeeding.