Do I need to wear a maternity bra?

Do I need to wear a maternity Bra?  When should I start to wear one and what is the difference between maternity and feeding bra?!  Can I wear underwire bra? I hear you ask!

These are all common question and more I get ask quiet frequently, you’re not alone.  Wearing of a bra during pregnancy or breast feeding is totally personal choice and is up to you.  However wearing a supportive bra may reduce the stretching of tissues that can result in sagging.

When do I start to wear a maternity bra?

I would normally recommend you get fitted for a maternity/nursing bra when you notice changes in your breasts. The breast begins to prepare for lactation quiet early in pregnancy and you may out grow your usual bra size early. Even as early as 6 weeks but in general most changes occur around the four month mark.  Keep in mind each mum to be is different and there is no set time!

What is the difference in maternity & nursing bra?

The name nursing maternity bra and nursing bra mean the same thing. Maternity and nursing bras differ in one basic way: nursing bras have clasps or panels that allow easy access to the nipples for breastfeeding.

Many women prefer a combination of both, buying maternity bras in the beginning and switching to nursing bras somewhere in the middle of third trimester.

Can I wear a bra with wire?

The reason you wear a maternity/nursing bra is for comfort as they have no metal underwire. Your breasts change and grow and you need to make sure the underwire is not restricting any part of the breast tissue.  When breast feeding the breast can increase and decrease in size during the day, as milk is produced and removed.  Although only slight size changing during the day a rigid underwire may put pressure on the breast when it is fuller.  This pressure can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended.  However, there are now nursing bras available that have a flexible low gauge wire support, design to flex and change positions with your changing shape.

Choosing a maternity bra.

When purchasing either a maternity or nursing bra make sure the bra comes with plenty of rows of hooks at the back. This allows rooms for the diaphragm to expand during pregnancy and the ability to tighten after the baby is born.

Also, your skin feels tender and easily irritated during pregnancy so make sure the stitching across the nipple area is a concealed seam or designed to avoid the nipple area.

When choosing a nursing bra, look for an easy one handed individual drop down cup feature.

It is a good idea to have at least  two or three bras.  As your breast my leak milk, they can need changing more frequently than usual.  Ideally your bras should be hand washed in a mild detergent but if you don’t have the time and want to machine wash, make sure you wash your bras in a lingerie wash bag on gentle cycle. Don’t use any bleaches or soakers as they can damage the fabric and or irritate your skin.

I would advise you to get your bras professionally fitted so that you know you are wearing the right size and it will be comfortable and supportive. Have them checked again when you are about 7 months pregnant to make sure that you are wearing the correct bra and size as you prepare for motherhood and nursing.

While you are there, have a look at the maternity briefs. You will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable, supportive and stunning a maternity/nursing bra can be.