Good Value, comfortable nursing bras

Breastfeeding is cheap compared to formula feeding, but that's not to say it's free. There's the bras, the pads, the savoy cabbages (weird but lovely on sore, newly milky bosoms). 

When it comes to nursing bras, It seems that there are a lot of different options out there for nursing mums at the moment.

I am utterly indebted to Jo from Bosom Buddies for sorting me out at home with my first nursing bras. She is terrific, and strongly advised against the frilly, lacy nursing bras from the likes of Elle McPherson, and even some Mothercare bras.

Little did I know that the nylon and lace in these beautiful, lacy bras would contribute to breast thrush (ouch ouch OUCH!) and can even impede feeding if there's an annoying padding section to your bra.

These are the last things you want to deal with when you're feeding round the clock.

I have found these nursing bras from Debenhams: two for £25. They are very comfortable and really easy to use. They also have a whole breast sling thing that really supports your whole breast when feeding, unlike most others, which only have one sling to the side. 

They are 97% cotton, which is good for new milky bosoms (so they don't overheat).

They are designed by Dr Miriam Stoppard, she of pregnancy and birth wisdom, so you know they're not designed by a supermodel. I'm sure Elle McPherson is very nice, but when it comes to breastfeeding, my money's on Dr Stoppard!

Be aware that when you change nursing bras, you can come up against the joy of a blocked duct. For information on how to deal with these nasty little things, click here.