Bye Bye Nursing Bras
Back at the start of 2018, I wrote my 18 goals for 2018 post, in which I outlined some of the goals and objectives I wanted to achieve throughout the year. Most of them were quite random; learning a new skill, spending more time with family, and teaching Erin to ride her bike, but quite a few that featured were all about self care – doing things to look after myself, put myself first for a change, and treating myself in a way that would help me feel more relaxed, more in control and more like “me” as opposed to ‘just’ a Mum.
Not surprisingly, the end of 2018 came and went, and the self care goals I had set had fallen straight to the bottom of the pile. There always seemed to be something more important, a more pressing need, a problem to solve, a challenge to overcome. Despite my best intentions, looking after myself proved to be easier said than done.
As much as I have loved being a Mum, maternity leave, extended nursing and the every day reality of being a parent has dramatically affected my confidence; and it’s proved quite a challenge to get it back.
One of the goals I failed to meet last year (that inevitably got put to the back burner when everyday life got in the way) was to treat myself to some new underwear. It’s sounds like a ridiculously materialistic goal to set, but it was about more than just a new purchase, it was all about self confidence.
As a Mum to two daughters, both of whom were breastfed for a substantial amount of time, I find myself STILL wearing the old faithful maternity and nursing underwear, which with the exception of some, whilst practical during those late night feeds, are far from being the most attractive, supportive or sexy.
Whilst I am proud of my breastfeeding journey I would be lying if I said it had been easy. Over the last 2 years my breasts have become all about milk and comfort, nightfeeds and nurture, and far less about simply being a woman. I miss feeling content looking in the mirror, wearing a matching underwear set underneath my clothes and being able to see the positives in my figure even when I am feeling far from body confident. Whilst I’m carrying more weight than I’d like and don’t necessarily love what I see in my reflection, I would love to be able to be grateful for what I do have and embrace the elements of my figure that others could be envious of – in particular my larger bust!
In 2019, I’ve decided it’s time to get a little bit of the old Lucy back. With my anxiety flaring up and my sleep deprivation being worse than ever, I’ve felt like I’ve lost myself a little. I’ve promised myself that this year, the self care goals are NOT going to be left till last, and that for once, I’m going to put myself to the top of the pile.
I was recently contacted my JD Williams to see if I would like to review some of their lingerie range as part of a New Year New Me initiative, and this was clearly a no brainer. The time had finally come – the time to ditch the nursing bras!!! With a huge range of bras and knickers to chose from, with brands such as Panache, Gossard and Triumph, I was pretty much spoiled for choice.
Not only do these bras have no feeding clips in sight (hurrah!), but they are underwired and supportive, helping enhance the shape of my figure and remind myself what a high quality bra should feel like! With pretty feminine lace designs, a range of colours and styles, the sets I chose actually made me remember that I actually could feel confident with my body, even on the nights where I have only had 3 hours sleep!
So I may be a year late, but I have finally ticked one self care challenge off my list. It’s amazing how something as simple as wearing good underwear can give you such a confidence boost, even when they aren’t on display!
If like me you’re reaching the end of your breastfeeding journey, do not underestimate the impact of a new bra!
*Disclosure – this is a collaborative post. I was sent a number of underwear items from JD Williams in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
