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A new baby means massive changes for a family. Out with long showers and full nights of sleep. In with newborn snuggles, diaper changes and — for moms who are nursing or pumping — breastfeeding.
Canadian apparel brandEmbracehas created a lineup of maternity and nursing essentials to support women in their postpartum journeys. In a world of bulky, scratchy and decidedly unsexy nursing bras, the company was founded to provide new moms with nursing essentials they’d actually want to wear (and allowed us to give our Bravado nursing bras a little break).
We tested four items from Embrace’s maternity-to-nursing capsule wardrobe in the early days of postpartum. Here is how each fared during the newborn trenches, plus the piece we plan on gifting to new moms in our lives.
Luxe Nursing Bra
The flagship bra from Embrace, the Luxe Nursing Bra is equal parts sexy and comfortable. Delicate scalloped edging makes the bra feel special, while the plush straps and underband provide support and shape. As with all Embrace products, comfort is the priority, which is why you won’t find any itchy tags, lace, push-up pads or underwire here. Nursing clips at the top of each cup unfasten easily between your fingers, letting moms discreetly nurse with ease. Perhaps most importantly, the Austrian Micromodal fabric is ultra soft, which is a welcome relief, especially in the first few weeks of what can be painful latching.
What we love: Soft enough to sleep in while still feeling like a real bra.
Colours: Black, Camel and Cocoa Brown
Price: $72
Where to buy:Embrace
Soft Ribbed Nursing Tank
Consider the Soft Ribbed Nursing Tank a staple in your new mom wardrobe. Complete with a built-in bra, it’s an all-in-one piece perfect for layering as well as lounging around the house.The buttery soft fabric (a blend of US Supima Cotton and Austrian Micromodal) clings to your body for a flattering fit while providing easy access for nursing and pumping parents. That same stretch also lets you wear a breast pump securely (read hands-free).
What we love: Throw it on with a pair of jeans for an instantly classic and comfortable outfit.
Colours: Black, Camel, Cocoa Brown and Lilac
Price: $85
Where to buy: Embrace
The Nursing Dress
A nursing-friendly, bodycon dress that makes you feel good about your postpartum body? Count us in! The Nursing Dress is a piece you can dress up for a night out with the girls (cue the jean jacket) or dress down for a cozy night in (pair it with the softest cardigan in your closet). Like the tank, the dress features a built-in bra with removable bra pads, plus discreet and easy-to-use nursing clips. It offers a bump-friendly fit for expecting mothers, while those with newborns will be relieved to have this wardrobe staple in their closet.
What we love: This dress goes from day to night to midnight feeds with ease.
Colours: Black, Cocoa Brown and Lilac
Price: $98
Where to buy: Embrace
Soft-Cup Nursing Bra
For a barely-there feel that’s perfect for touched-out mamas, the Soft-Cup Nursing Bra is it. This nursing bra feels like a quiet piece of luxury that’s just for you. The item is wireless, clasp-free and tag-free. It’s also the only nursing item from Embrace that doesn’t have nursing clips. Instead, you pull the fabric aside to nurse or pump. This feature makes the bra extra versatile, as it works for pregnant, nursing and non-nursing people alike. We doubt this item is on most moms’ registries, and it would make for a thoughtful, practical and noteworthy gift.
What we love: Great for easy feeding day and night feeding and an item that you’ll stick with post-breast feeding.
Colours: Black, Camel and Cocoa Brown
Price: $69
Where to buy: Embrace
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