Bra shopping may already be nightmare for you, add the complication of pregnancy and breastfeeding to the mix and you are in no man’s woman’s land!
Lounging all day-long without a bra in a nightie or pyjamas may seem like a hassle-free solution but let me assure you they are not.
- You may be living in with your in-laws and can’t possibly go braless
- Your breasts may increase by as many as 3 cup sizes during pregnancy. Not wearing a bra is only going to make matters worse.
- If you’ve always had heavy breasts, you are more likely to experience dropping or sagging of breasts
- With a growing belly, the centre of mass already shifts for your body and results in postural changes. Growing breasts if left unsupported, will add more weight to the front of your body and add to backaches.
As your body starts preparing for childbirth, your breasts start getting ready for nourishing the newborn. You will start noticing a change in the size of your breasts at the end of 1st trimester or beginning of 2nd trimester between 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. By how much your breasts will change during the course of pregnancy and breastfeeding is difficult to quantify as each woman’s body and journey is unique. Your breasts may increase by as many as 3 cup sizes during the maternity and nursing phase. Hence, the greater need for proper support.
Hey, but don’t be frettin’ We’ve got you! Here are some tips on how to choose the right maternity and nursing bra to make this journey as comfortable as possible for you.
- Check the bra for wider wings and broader band. A snug underband that provides 80% of the support to the weight of your breasts is essential.
- Only underwires provide support for cup sizes greater than D. But underwires may be uncomfortable as your belly makes more room for the baby and your ribcage expands. A wrong-sized underwire bra may put pressure on the milk ducts and restrict flow. This can be corrected with well-fitted nursing bra in your actual size with a cushioned flexible wire. If you wish to absolutely avoid wire, look for bra cups with sling to provide more lift and support even in the absence of an underwire.
- Look for stretch cups to accommodate your growing breasts. Don’t opt for cups bigger than you need otherwise you’ll notice gaping or wrinkling in the cups.
- Thicker shoulder straps to reduce the pressure on your shoulders
- Look for bras with an easy access clip that allows you to lower the cup for feeding the baby or pumping the milk.
What’s more? You don’t have to do this alone! Take the guidance of our partner, Bands & Cups, an expert in bra fitting, to help you find maternity and nursing bras in your true size.
