Every mum to
be must at some point address the need for a maternity bra. Otherwise known as
nursing bras, these bras make it easy to breastfeed – but they serve other
purposes as well.
Maternity
bras come in an array of styles and you need to find the right one for you.
Fullness and
tenderness of the breasts can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Breasts
grow significantly throughout pregnancy, and a good quality maternity bra worn
from as early as the first trimester can make you feel much more comfortable
and supported.
Most women
begin to outgrow their normal bras by about ten weeks into the pregnancy. This
is a great time to have a professional fitting for your maternity bras to
accommodate sensitive, heavier breasts.
As soon as
you are spilling out of your normal bras, finding band or straps are digging
in, that under wires are uncomfortable, or your bra is simply too snug, it’s
time to get fitted for a nursing bra.
What should you look for?
·
Coverage
– the entire breast should be covered without overflow at the top or sides.
·
Support
– wide straps, wide band, deep centre at the front, and straps made from firm
elastic.
·
Adjustability
– with at least four rows of hook and eye closures. Early in the pregnancy, the
bra should fasten easily on the tightest closure, giving plenty of room for
widening rib cage in the coming months. Later in pregnancy, make sure you have
a bra that is comfortably fastened on the last hook and eye closures – your rib
cage will reduce in circumference gradually after you give birth.
·
Comfort
ü Cups should fit smoothly and snug
ü Centre seam should sit comfortably on
the breastbone
ü Soft cotton lining
ü Straps should be wide and comfortable
ü No under wires is preferred
Breasts change
throughout pregnancy and even more so after childbirth when lactating, so your bra
needs may well change also.
Every
pregnant woman is different, and you need to accommodate your changing needs.
Is there a difference between
maternity and nursing bras?
A maternity
bra is a more supportive version of a normal bra.
Nursing bras
are also supportive but have panels and clasps that allow easy nipple access
for breastfeeding.
If you opt
to buy nursing bras during pregnancy, allow for room to go up at least a cup
size when your milk comes in. Buy at least two or three to keep on rotation.
