We get it, you found that awesomely sexy bra in your favourite colour that goes so well with practically every outfit you own... but it's two years old and we're here to tell you that it is time to give it up! Yes, it is time. Chances are you are already hooking the bra on the last row, chances are you’ve tightened the straps to the tightest it can go and if the bra has any underwire (or bones as it's not so fondly called), it has been making its presence known for a while. It is time to give it up! But, just in case you are still unconvinced, here are a few signs that you do indeed need to give that bra up.

1. It is uncomfortable: Many women enjoy walking into the house after a long day and ditching their bras post haste, but have you found that you want to ditch your bra in the middle of the day? Or, maybe it feels like it fits like a vise as soon as you put it on. Well my dear, this is one of the first signs that you need to ditch that bra!
2. It has lost its elasticity: Are you already on the last row of hooks on your bra, or have your straps been tightened to their last? Is there no more stretch or bounce back in the elastic of your bra? Then, this is a sure-fire sign that your bra is no longer doing its job of supporting your girls. Bras need to be at their tip top elasticity in order to give you the support you need and if they are not (especially as they would be after a few years), it is not supporting you as it should. If this is your bra, then it is time to ditch it!
3. There are lumps and bumps and it no longer holds its form:  If your favourite bra has turned lumpy and shapeless, then it is time to ditch it! If there are any lumps, bumps or unevenness in the cups it means that you are probably not getting the support you need. Ditch that shapeless bra!
4. It is too small: This goes without saying, right? Well, you would be surprised that about 80% of women are wearing the wrong sized bra and they don’t know it. This is why we suggest that you get yourself professionally fitted; especially after gaining or losing weight or having a baby. Wearing a too-small bra can cause pain and discomfort and does not support your breasts in the way a bra should. Breasts go through many changes throughout our life, which is why having a perfectly fitting bra is important, always. So ditch that bra and make an appointment to get fitted!
5. It is falling apart: We know, we know, it is the perfect colour, the right size and it goes so well with everything, but the lace has gotten a bit rough and there are some strings hanging out. Your favourite bra is falling apart, and you have to replace it. If it is falling apart, then chances are its ability to support your breasts adequately has also been compromised. So, make a decision, ditch that bra and go shopping!

Think about it...even if you have three great bras in your wardrobe that means you wear each one over one hundred times each year! Even the best of bras will wear out after a while. Don't hold on to something that may be causing you pain and discomfort. Now that you know the warning signs, ditch that bra, get measured and go get some new favourite bras! 

The school term is fast approaching and as you fill your cart with the necessary books and stationery, you may need to start thinking of going bra shopping for your teen. Yes, girls are maturing a lot faster these days and it may seem as if overnight your little girl has developed the need for a bra. However, this does not have to be a daunting task! Oftentimes many parents opt for the camisole or bralette under the school uniform as a form of ‘training’ bra for their budding teens, however, many girls now are developing way faster than one may expect and a camisole or bralette won’t be enough support. So, today we are going to help you by giving you tips on how to find the best bras for your well-endowed little lady for back to school. Any bra you choose should be comfortable, supportive and modest enough to fit perfectly under a school uniform.

First, get her measured
Yes, do your daughter a favour and get her measured by a professional so you both can get off on the right foot. Knowing her true size would make the rest of the shopping experience very easy. A typical department store/mall branch bra outlet may try to sell you whatever sizes they have, but these common sizes don’t fit every body type. So, make an appointment soon at your favourite bra expert location *hint, hint* and get fitted!

Make a decision
Of course, this is a back to school post, but do you also need to purchase a bra for your teen for use in sports, or for a particular special occasion? Do your research and know what types of outfits each bra would be worn underneath. This would inform your choices of style, fabric, and level of support needed.

No padding, no problem
At this stage your teen does not need any form of padding. Most teens who are well-endowed simply need a bra that would provide the needed support and comfort to take them throughout their school day.

Get professional help
If your teen has already progressed to a B, C or even D cup, the best option is to find an independent bra shop and opt out of the bra boutique chains or department store locations. An independent bra shop, like Underpinnings, will offer many different selections in a body-positive atmosphere – just the environment needed for any teen (and parent) who are going on this journey together.
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Take it easy
Start early so neither you, nor your teen, feel like the process has been rushed. A great tip is to take the school shirt that your teen would be wearing to try each style underneath to make sure the fit and style are correct. While lace is cute and girly, it may not be appropriate for under a school shirt, so stick to solid colours and fabrics that are breathable.

All in all, bra shopping with your well-endowed teen should not be stressful at all once you follow these few tips. Remember, we at Underpinnings are here for you, so don’t hesitate to make that appointment and let’s chat and get you guys fitted!


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World Breastfeeding week is celebrated August 1st to 7th every year. This year we at Underpinnings are even more aware as our founder recently became a new mom for the second time and is once again experiencing the joys, and lets be real, the frustrations that can come along with attempting to breastfeed successfully. ​

In our last blog we talked about how you can enhance your nursing experience. We shared some tips on what you can do to make your experience a more positive one. In this post we speak about a topic that some mothers experience in their breastfeeding journey: worries about supply.  At the start, many new moms may be worried that we don’t have a good enough supply to satisfy our child, but often we may just need to settle into a routine, consult our doctors, or break out of certain habits which may be sabotaging our attempt at breastfeeding.

First, let us talk about what are the signs we must look for that indicate that our supply is indeed low. One of the major indicators of low supply is a lack of weight gain. Typically, most infants lose weight after birth; in fact, full term babies may lose over 7% of their birth weight! However, within two weeks babies should at least return to their birth weight and begin to gain an average of 4 to 7 ounces each week. Once you are keeping up with your wellness checks for your baby, your doctor would make a note of if this is in fact occurring. This is also a great opportunity to obtain tips on ensuring that your latch is correct and your nutrition is on point. Many doctors may even suggest that you work with a lactation specialist. If you are in Trinidad and Tobago a great resource for assistance with latching problems or nursing issues for new moms is the Breastfeeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
 
What may cause low supply you may ask? Here are the top reasons:
Supplementing: Initially you may think that the colostrum is not enough, and your baby is constantly wanting to be fed. You may see this as an indicator of low supply (which it is not) and be encouraged to supplement. However, supplementing will cause your baby to breastfeed less frequently if formula has been introduced. Babies’ stomachs are quite small during the first few months of life and therefore they need to be constantly fed; be patient with your young one.
Infrequent feeding: When the time between feedings is too long (upwards of 4 hours for example), the breasts are not stimulated as they should be. This is a signal that the demand for milk is low and the end result is that you would not produce enough milk to adequately nourish your baby. 
Short feedings: Feeding for less than 5 mins on each breast would cause the baby to not get the nutritious hind milk and prevents your breasts from being sufficiently drained. When they aren’t drained, they won’t be stimulated to produce more milk.
Pacifiers: The act of sucking on a pacifier may cause some babies to have less inclination to suckle at the breast. Less suckling means less stimulation and therefore low milk supply.
 
So, what can you do to boost your supply? Here are some easy to follow tips:
Feed on demand:  Let your baby set the pace! Feed as often as they wish to feed within the first few months of their lives. This act will sufficiently establish your supply and get you on your way to being able to feed your baby well!
Avoid supplementing: Unless there is a medical reason indicated by your doctor to supplement, if you want to expressly breastfeed, avoid supplementing with formula. Many people suggest supplementing to get babies to sleep, or to fatten them up, however breastfed babies sleep and gain weight just as well as formula-fed babies. Be patient with your babe and follow their lead.
Limit pacifier use: As stated above, pacifiers mimic the act of suckling. This act is a soothing act for babies and if the breast is replaced with a pacifier then they are not stimulated enough to increase the milk supply.
Pump between feedings: Even stay at home mommies can pump! Pumping is an amazing advancement and addition to breastfeeding. It allows you to increase milk production, gives other family members an opportunity to bond with baby, as well as allows you to have a back up supply.
Get rest, eat well and stay hydrated: As we stated in our previous post this is very important. When you are well-fed, well-rested and well-hydrated the milk production increases.
 
However, if all else fails please talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist. A specialist will give you the support you need to ensure your latch and overall breastfeeding routine is right. Low supply is indeed a concern, but don’t think that you are alone. If it is indeed bothersome, talk to your doctor. In the meantime mama, remember that you are doing fine and are a great mom!

As an expectant or new mother, you may have made the decision to breastfeed your precious child, but you may also be wondering if you would have the ability and tools to do it well. In this blog, I give six tips on how to make breastfeeding a beautiful bonding experience that is as stress-free as possible.
 
1. Find the Right bra
While not usually thought about, the correct nursing bras will make your breastfeeding journey that much easier. You will appreciate bras that unclasp one-handed, and that accommodate the fluctuation in size that you may experience during the course of the day. In my last blog post I discussed the difference between nursing bras and maternity bras and when is the perfect time to purchase each. Do not skimp on the purchase of good nursing bras because it would be an item of clothing you would be wearing almost 24/7. We suggest buying in two phases: before the baby is born, and after your milk has come in and you and baby have settled into a breastfeeding rhythm. Your bra should fit comfortably on the slackest hook and the cups should fit with no wrinkling or bulging.
 
2. Eat healthy
When we breastfeed, our baby eats what we eat. So, pay attention to what you are putting into your body. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol and try to stay away from fast food as much as possible. Plenty of water, and a diet that incorporates whole, unprocessed foods and many vegetables and fruits is best. You can still take your prenatal vitamins at this time as well as any additional supplements your doctor recommends.
 
3. Get comfortable while feeding
When baby is here, and you are ready to get into the groove of breastfeeding, finding a comfortable spot is paramount to a positive experience for everyone. So, when it is time for a feeding, gather your snacks, the remote, tablet or phone and relax in your favourite chair or in bed. You are going to be in that position for quite some time, so make sure it is a position where you have access to as many things as possible to make you comfortable.
 
4. Get your baby in a comfortable position
Once you are in a comfortable position, then make sure baby’s head is supported and they are in the appropriate nursing position. You don’t want them squirming and being too uncomfortable or the nursing experience would not be a pleasant one.

5. Breastfeed at your convenience
When the baby is hungry is the best time to feed them—don’t be ashamed to feed your baby wherever you are! Once you are comfortable, your baby can eat. Breastfeeding is a natural bonding experience that should happen once mommy can produce milk and baby is able to latch. Don’t give up, but also don’t feel too pressured if circumstances arise that prevent a smooth transition to breastfeeding. 

6. Relax: your baby can feel it
Yes, a lot of times we find that comfortable nursing position, baby is comfortable, but we are thinking about all the things that need to be done. Breastfeeding is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby, as well as to take a break of sorts. Put up your feet, look at your beautiful baby and marvel at them and stop thinking about the dishes and laundry to be done. When you are stressed it can hamper let-down and then baby is unsatisfied. So, if you are having a hard time, maybe put on some relaxing music or utilise aromatherapy (check with your doctor on what scents and oils are safe to use around baby)…and Relax!

When we are pregnant we often are so focused on the impending baby, we sometimes forget that we are also part of the equation. While our precious child is growing and developing, our body is also changing in ways we may not expect. Oftentimes, we tend to neglect the process of finding the correct maternity bra or nursing bra. In this blog post we'll break down the importance of when to get a fitting and how to choose the right one.
 
Nursing Bras vs. Maternity Bra
Nursing bras and maternity bras share many of the same features, especially regarding enhanced support.  In many circles the terms nursing bra and maternity bra are therefore used interchangeably, however one of the main distinguishing features of a nursing bra is that the cups are designed to provide easy access to the breast for feeding the baby.  This is usually accomplished by having the cups drop down from a clip.

I. Maternity Bras
When should I buy a maternity bra?
Wearing a bra that fits correctly is always beneficial, but it is especially important during pregnancy. During this time your breasts will become not only fuller, but also heavier due to increased blood supply, fatty tissue and the development of milk glands. As soon as your old bras no longer fit you should consider purchasing maternity bras; for most women this occurs near the end of the third month of pregnancy. Note: limit your initial purchase to two bras to manage expenses since your breasts will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy.
 
When trying on maternity bras look for the following:

Ensure that your whole breast is encased in the cup.  It is very important that the band, seams and underwire (if applicable) do not press into breast tissue.  Note that many experts advise against wearing an underwired bra during pregnancy and nursing.  An ill-fitting underwired bra is much less forgiving than an ill-fitting soft cup bra as underwire that presses into breast tissue could lead to a painful infection.

The band should be wide and supportive, and the shoulder straps should not be overly narrow. It should also fit snugly but comfortably on the TIGHTEST hook.  This is the opposite guidance to buying a bra any other time in a woman’s life and is to allow room to loosen the band as your ribcage expands during pregnancy.

The inside of the cup should be smooth, with no exposed seams.  With all those hormones coursing through your body your breasts are likely to be very sensitive and seams that may not irritate at any other time may feel like sandpaper against your tender nipples. This is one of the best measure for preventing nipple pain.
 
II. Nursing Bra
When should I buy a nursing bra?
Many women find that their cup size fluctuates widely in the first few weeks and months of breastfeeding before the baby and their bodies settle into a breastfeeding rhythm.  We therefore suggest buying nursing bras in at least two phases:

Early Phase
We suggest having at least 2 nursing bras on hand before the baby is born.  Yes, it is true that you won’t know exactly what size you will be when your milk comes in but shopping for nursing bras in the first weeks of motherhood will most likely not be high on your list of priorities.  The bra should fit on the middle row of hooks.  This allows both room for expansion in the last few weeks of pregnancy, as well as for tightening as your ribcage shrinks after the baby is born.  Many quality nursing bras have four rows of hooks and eyes instead of the usual three rows to give even more room for adjustment of the band.   Buy one cup size larger than the size you are in the 8th month, as this will allow for the increase you will experience when your milk comes in.  As a practical matter, look for nursing bras with clips that are easy to open and close one-handed. It is best that these early nursing bras are wireless since wireless bras are more forgiving than underwired bras to the fluctuations in breast size that occur in newly nursing moms.  Any underwired bra that does not fit properly poses a risk of clogged ducts and mastitis.

Later Phase

Once you and baby have settled into a comfortable breastfeeding rhythm it may be time to get fitted for additional nursing bras.  At this point the fitting becomes more like a traditional bra fitting. The nursing bra should fit comfortably on the slackest hook and the cups should fit your current size, with no wrinkling or bulging.  If you are used to underwired bras you may return to them at this point but bear in mind that as your baby goes through changes in feeding cycles breast size fluctuations may continue.  To avoid any potential issues, pay attention to fit and ensure that the underwire lays flat against your ribcage all the way around and does not press against any breast tissue. 

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Retweet! Like! Share! Subscribe! We hear this all day everyday while we consume social media. These are the measurements used for our life in the 21st Century. We are living in the age where we let our social media profiles define who we are, who we decide we can be, and how we feel about ourselves. We may have fallen trap to this ‘filter’ generation and found ourselves continuously comparing our lives to the curated ones online. Constantly asking ‘am I doing something wrong?’, ‘am I good enough?’ or ‘am I beautiful enough?’ are the results of this comparison. Social media has become a contest, where the more followers and likes you have equal the more beautiful or exciting a person is. This is far from the truth. 

Unrealistic beauty standards have always existed in the media, and now, with the prevalence of social media it has entered our lives in a way that many of us cannot deny. Social media would have you believing the ideal beauty looks one specific way ignoring the diversity of beauty that exists within the human race.

You are more than your online profile: The majority of people online don’t even look like their online persona; many are fulfilling the unrealistic and sometimes unattainable standards that exist currently. This is why Photoshop and photo editing software apps are very popular, allowing the poster to manipulate their body in any way they wish to fit this standard. Many only ever post that one selfie that came out just right—after taking 500 pictures overall— and is manipulated by numerous filters. Kylie Jenner herself has admitted to this, even as she has been viewed as an effortless beauty by many. You do not need to compete with that because being you is not a competition. There is no need to change who you are to get more likes; true engagement occurs when you show the real you. You are more than your online profile and  your beauty stands out because it is unique.

Likes do not define you, You are enough: Your face, body, skin and hair are unique to you and as cliché as it may sound, you need to love the skin that you are in, because it is the only one you get. Why spend your life bemoaning how you don’t like one aspect of your physique, when you can spend the time finding all the things that make you beautiful? Show this off, find the love from within, without looking for external validation which often comes at a negative cost to mental health.

Live your life offline: Why let current online trends dictate whether you can wear those skinny jeans this season? If those jeans make you feel beautiful; wear them honey! Do what makes you happy and makes you feel the most you! Ditch the ridiculous expectations and live your life offline.
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So next time you start comparing yourself to an online persona, make a conscious effort to value yourself; value the very part of you that you are comparing. Make a conscious effort to love yourself, and if all else fails remove yourself from the platform that gives you great anxiety. Beauty is only skin deep, and it cannot be defined.
 

This article first appeared on the Chaufit blog on December 21st, 2018 for 'Chau's Top Five'. 

We’ve all been there — trying to get out of exercise in one way or another. For some of us, it’s an occasional thing since sometimes we just don’t feel up to it. For others, finding ways around exercise is a way of life. They are the dedicated couch potato. Here’s the thing — almost every excuse that you can think of has a solution. Here are some of the top excuses for not working out and what you can do to motivate yourself to still do it.


5)    I’ll start in January — Making exercise your New Year’s Resolution or any other procrastination technique isn’t helping. Many people either keep pushing back their start date or they start and their drive wanes within a month or two. The only way to start, is to start. To make it easier on you, you can start small — start with some walking, some light weights, some bodyweight exercises — anything that will help you slowly transition into making exercise a regular part of your lifestyle.


4)    I just don’t like exercise — Many excuses boil down to just not wanting to exercise, but every now and then, you find someone who will straight up tell you that they don’t like it. I recently addressed this and how to make exercise fun in another article. Exercise isn’t all about that gym life or squats and pushups. It can be walking, running, riding, playing sports or even yoga (which is, truth be told, a very challenging, yet relaxing, form of exercise). Find something that you can enjoy even while you reap the health benefits of the activity.


3)    Gyms are intimidating to me — Many people are out there being afraid of gyms. They’re afraid of the grunting, the noise and, most importantly, the judgement. The reality is that there is, in fact, a small group of individuals who are so unsatisfied with themselves that they spend time ridiculing others. The good news is that they are in the minority. You’re more likely to get support from, or just ignored by, the majority of gym-goers, so being judged isn’t really that big of an issue. If, however, you find that small group is enough to keep you away, remember that the gym is not your only workout option. You can get DVDs, or hire a trainer and take your training to a park or even your own home. It’s easy to find ways around gym-fear and still work on your fitness level.


2)    I’m too tired all the time — Interestingly enough, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Making light to moderate exercise a habit would actually increase your energy levels. It would also help you to be more focused in the rest of your life while improving the quality of your sleep to ensure that you wake up feeling more rested after. Start small (as mentioned above) and gradually increase intensity until you find the level that works best for you and then you can take note of the changes that you feel in your body and in your energy levels.


1)    I have no time — In this hectic time where people work overtime or multiple jobs while trying to maintain their family and social lives, it seems that we have no time for exercise. Exercise can actually help you to handle the other parts of your life a bit better so that you don’t always feel so overwhelmed. But how do you find the time to start? If you have 15-20 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week, you can exercise. You may not be able to train to look like a bodybuilder, but you can improve your health and your physique with small routines that allow your to incorporate exercise into your busy schedule.


It is really tough, with images of super-slim or super-muscular bodies grinding away in aerobics classes or lifting hundreds of pounds of weight to get motivated to exercise. This means that it is easy to find every reason not to. Luckily, there’s almost always a solution to each exercise problem. If you haven’t started exercising yet, why not? I hope this article helps you to find the drive to overcome your excuses and set out on the road to a healthier, fitter you.


Marc Chauharja Singh, aka 'Chau', is a certified Fitness Instructor who is well versed in various training techniques. He created his fitness brand, ChauFIT in 2011 and is a  Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force trained Physical Training instructor (PTI ), as well as a certified  Massage Therapist (Therapeutic and Sport), who holds a Diploma in Nutrition. He has helped many people regain a life of wellness through a holistic approach to fitness. For more of his fitness tips, or to contact him, visit his blog (https://chaufit.wordpress.com/)
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On Friday March 8th, 2019 the world commemorates International Women’s Day. This year’s theme, Balance For Better, encourages us to strive to build a gender-balanced world, from the corporate boardroom to news coverage of sporting events (we’re looking at you, U.S. Open). 

For us here at Underpinnings, we chose to approach this year’s theme in a way that we think resonates with the day to day lives of so many women… how do we create balance in our lives when so many of us have multiple roles and responsibilities demanding our time, attention and energy? As a wife, mother, entrepreneur and full-time employee I can admit that there have been times when I have found myself overwhelmed. It is in those times that I have turned to the following practices to regain some control and restore equilibrium in my life:

Assess – Being constantly busy doesn’t allow for time for reflection, so every few months I purposely take some time to think about different aspects of my life as honestly as possible and, most importantly, make a plan to address the issues I identify. One such example is the realization that I was holding on to too much in both areas of my professional life. For Underpinnings the resolution was to hire another staff member which is allowing me to serve my clients more efficiently. In my corporate life the resolution is to delegate more to my team after ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Some questions that may help guide you in your self-assessment are: am I taking on too much? What are the impacts on areas of my life that I say are my priorities – my relationships, physical heath, career? What would it mean to my life if I did things differently or took a step back?
This is also a great opportunity to review the goals and intentions you have set for yourself and ensure that your actions are aligned with achieving these.

Rejuvenate – I do my best to listen to or read something positive every day. This could be a podcast, some music that I enjoy or a daily spiritual practice. I also include some simple self-care practices in my regular rotation. These are ways of recharging by doing little things just because they make me happy. It’s easy to tell when I’ve been neglecting these practices as symptoms such as low energy and a lack of patience are a sure sign that I need a little “me” time. 

Say no appropriately – Every time you say “yes” to something such as taking on another task or project you are saying “no” to something else, so make sure the “no’s” you are saying are the ones you really want to say! It is ok to say no to requests from friends and family if you realise that the activity is taking, rather than giving value. To be in balance we seek the interests of our loved ones as well as our own interests. If we lean too far to any one side the scales will overturn. 

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments if you already incorporate similar practices in your life or if not, what do you do to maintain or regain balance? 

Valentine’s Day is upon us and by now we have all been bombarded by all the red roses, red hearts and V-Day movie specials on Lifetime and you either love it or want to run away from it. But what if we suggested that you look past the clichéd chocolates, teddy bears and flowers and dig deep to find a new and all-encompassing way to show love this V-day?

Despite all the ads, Valentine’s day doesn’t only have to belong to the couples who can’t get enough of each other. Why should it, when it is a day that is supposed to celebrate love, which has many forms? We certainly don’t have all the answers, but I believe that we can be transformed by finding the form of love where we can give the best of ourselves to others. When it comes to love, the ego and the heart cannot share the same space and we must allow for our ego to be checked if we want love to truly blossom. There is no need to separate love into romantic love, sibling love, self-love, or even friendship. The practice of pure love is simple and allows our selfish needs to take a back seat.

This Valentine’s we encourage you to practice the type of love that would transform your relationship, either with your significant other, yourself, a friend or a sibling. Love is love and expressing the forms of love where we can be our best selves is the most loving practice of all.