Congratulations! You're either pregnant, or have brought a brand new baby in to the world. So now you need a maternity bras or nursing bras. Mothers-to-be find their breast size changes in the first trimester of pregnancy. So, they outgrow their pre-pregnancy bras about the same time their non-maternity jeans no longer fit. If you're buying new bras during pregnancy, one school of thought is to go ahead and buy maternity bras.
These may not fit immediately after the birth, when your breasts are swollen, but in a month or two, when you're in the routine of breast feeding they'll fit. The other school is to wait until about a month after your birth. This will give you a more accurate fit, but you won't have a maternity bras the moment you might need it either.
Maternity Bras : It's important to have the right bras to wear during your pregnancy. These bras are known as maternity bras. They will relieve breast strain, allow for breast growth, and give needed support. Your breasts are made up of fatty and connective tissue, and glands. During pregnancy, each breast can become 10 to 18 ounces heavier because of increased fluid and mammary gland growth. This puts the surrounding skin and tissue under considerable strain. Without proper bra support, your breasts could become deformed by this additional weight on your skin tissue. And, for women with already large breasts, there can be significant tension in the neck and shoulders. So, finding good plus size maternity bras and wearing them throughout your pregnancy is very important for all women.
Maternity Bras vs. Nursing Bras : Many women use these terms interchangeably, but a maternity bras is very different from a nursing bras. A maternity bras (also known as a pre-natal bra) is worn both before and after pregnancy if you are not planning on breastfeeding. The cups of a maternity bras are designed with some stretch to accommodate your breast growth. They also have more breast coverage and support built in to give you the needed breast support for your growing breasts. Without support, your post-pregnancy breasts will be come more pendulous and have less volume because your breast ligaments will have stretched.
A nursing bras (or feeding bra) is worn once your child arrives, and you have made the decision to breastfeed. Nursing bras cups are designed with a drop down cup design to expose your breast for nursing. However, most nursing bras are constructed with an inner sling so that your nipple may be exposed for breast feeding, but your breast is still supported. Nursing bras are usually seamless and give a natural shape to your breasts.
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When to buy a maternity bras : The right time is when your breasts begin to noticeably swell to the point that your existing bras no longer fit. Usually, this is from the 4th month onward. Maternity bras are of a special design to give extra support and coverage. They are also made to fit comfortably on the first (tightest) hook early in your pregnancy, and adjust to the final (loosest) hook by your last trimester. A maternity bras many times will also have 4 or more rows of adjustment. However, even with this, it's not unusual for some pregnant women to need a whole new size maternity bras towards the end of their pregnancy. Measuring for a Maternity Bras : First, don't bother measuring for one of these bras until your fourth month of pregnancy. Then, refer to our "Measuring for the proper bra fit" section to determine your proper maternity bras size. Popular maternity bra brands include Anita, Bravado and Elle MacPherson. Features to look for in a Maternity Bras : A comfortable maternity bras will have wide side bands and shoulder straps to help support growing breast tissue. Shoulder straps should have some cushioning and little or no stretch.
Three or more back adjustments - Look for a maternity bras with three or more back closures to allow for the most flexibility in fit. A maternity bras should fit you on the tightest hook when you buy it, then loosen as you grow.
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Proper bra band - The bra's band should lie under the breasts and flat on the rib cage. If the breast tissue is receiving pressure, this could lead to a plugged milk duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection.
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Large enough cups - Be sure the cup of your maternity bras is large enough to give you adequate coverage and depth for your breasts. If the cup is not large enough for proper coverage, some of the breast tissue may spill out on top and under the arms resulting in inadequate support.
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Weather conditions - it's tough being pregnant during hot weather. If you find yourself getting hot easily, look into bras made with cotton or wicking microfiber.
Soft cup vs. Underwire Maternity Bras:
Properly fitted underwire maternity bras generally cause no problems during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, soft cup maternity bras will always be more comfortable when the breasts are at their fullest. If you do choose an underwire bra, it is imperative that the wire fits well under and behind the breast tissue. Any pressure on the breast tissue can result in a plugged milk duct, and ultimately mastitis or breast infection. Also, wearing an underwire while sleeping is not recommended.
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When to buy a maternity bras:
Try and wait until about the 8th month to buy a maternity bras. Your breasts size should stabilize by the7th to 8th month of your pregnancy. Then, buy one cup size larger than your measurement at 8 months. This is the general rule because most women's breasts grow a full cup size once milk comes in after the birth. So, if you measure a 38D, purchase a 38DD or 38E maternity bras. So, some stores suggest waiting until after the birth to purchase your maternity bras, we do not recommend this. There is too much going on in your life by then, and you will appreciate having your maternity bras as soon as you start maternity bras. Some popular maternity bras brands include Condessa, Goddess, Leading lady and Bravado.
Features to look for in a Maternity Bras:
Look for a bra that provides convenient, easy access to the breast. A bra that allows the cup to be opened with one hand so you can hold your baby when preparing to breastfeed.
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Choose a maternity bras made of cotton or other soft and breathable fabric. Bras made with synthetic materials may trap moisture against your skin. Make sure any decorative details (e.g. lace trim) are not scratchy and irritating to your skin.
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Maternity bras with a four-hook back closure will offer the greatest flexibility in fit.
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Wide straps that don't stretch and have cushion will be the most comfortable and provide the best support.
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The band of your maternity bras should fit comfortably on its widest setting. Your band size will decrease after the birth and this adjustability will then be appreciated.
How many maternity bras / nursing bras do I need?
The standard recommend is to have at least three maternity bras / nursing bras so that you can wear a fresh one every day. One to wear, one to launder and one as a spare just in case....
For more information about nursing bras and maternity bras, please see our section. And remember, we also provide free shipping and exchanges with qualifying purchases. |
