Being pregnant and breastfeeding can be one of the most amazing things a woman can do. A stylish well fitted maternity bra is a luxury all mothers deserve
There are many different styles of maternity or nursing bras available and it can be confusing deciding which one to buy. We hope this FAQ answers your questions. Staff at Innerware are also happy to help you.
The wearing of a bra during pregnancy or breastfeeding is a matter of personal choice. However, wearing a supportive bra may reduce the stretching of tissues that could result in sagging. Women with larger breasts will generally be more comfortable wearing a bra.
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The right time to be fitted for a maternity bra varies from woman to woman and there is no right time for everyone. The breast begins to prepare for lactation quite early in pregnancy and some women will outgrow their usual bra size earlier than others. Generally speaking, most of the changes to the breast have occurred by around four months (16 weeks gestation) and this is a good time to be fitted, if you haven’t needed to earlier.
A correctly fitted bra gives you comfort and support, so it is a good idea to be professionally fitted. This is a free service. It is not necessary to buy a bra you will grow into – indeed too big can be as bad as too small!
Many women prefer underwire fashion bras and are confused when told these are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. The reason for this is, once again, your changing breast shape. When breastfeeding, the breasts can increase and decrease in size during the day, as milk is produced and removed. Retained fluid in late pregnancy can also cause the breast to swell. Although only a slight change in size is occurring, a rigid underwire may put pressure on the breast when it is fuller. Such pressure can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended.
Bras designed for pregnant women are also used when breastfeeding. The names maternity bra and nursing bra mean the same thing.
When trying on different styles, remember to open and close the bra cup.
The decision to wear a bra to bed depends entirely on personal preference. Some women feel they need the support or a way to hold nursing pads in place, others find a bra uncomfortable.
It is a good idea to have at least two or three bras. As your breasts may leak milk, they can need changing more frequently than usual. Bras should be hand-washed in mild soap and do not require soaking in bleach or nappy treatment solutions – these will weaken the fabric and may cause skin irritation. Look after your bras and they should last throughout your pregnancy and for several months afterwards.
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