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" During pregnancy, each breast becomes 10 to 18 ounces heavier due to 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."
Tomima Edmark
If you're a fledgling mom-to-be, the quote above should be reason enough to learn about mammary lingerie as you begin your journey toward motherhood. According to Tomima Edmark, the founder of the online lingerie company HerRoom, the right time to buy your first maternity bra is the moment your breasts begin to swell and your existing bras no longer fit, which is usually your fourth month and beyond.
A well-fitting maternity bra is even more vital for women with already-large breasts, who can experience significant tension in the neck and shoulders without the proper support. Now that we know why special bras are required during pregnancy, let's talk about the differences between maternity and nursing bras, as well as what to look for in both.
A maternity (or pre-natal) bra is worn before pregnancy, and also after pregnancy if you are not planning to breastfeed, which clearly makes a maternity bra significantly different from a nursing bra. Maternity-bra cups are designed with a stretchy fabric that enables the bra to grow along with your breasts, and the bras also come with additional breast support.
A nursing bra (or feeding bra) is worn by the mother who has decided to breastfeed, and she needs it as soon as the baby is born. The cups drop down from a clip to expose your breasts for nursing. Usually seamless, nursing bras feature an "all-around" breast support system for a natural shape and added support.
According to Herroom, here's what to look for in a comfortable maternity bra:
Wide side bands and shoulder straps to support growing breast tissue
Cushioned shoulder straps that do not stretch
Three or more back closures for flexibility in fit so you can loosen the bra as you grow (the bra should fit comfortably on the tightest hook when you buy it)
A bra band that lies under the breasts and on the rib cage without riding up (pressure on the breast tissue can lead to a plugged duct and ultimately mastitis or breast infection)
A sufficiently large cup for adequate coverage and depth for your breasts so breast tissue doesn't spill out on top and under the arms resulting in inadequate support
Soft cups are usually more comfortable than underwires when breasts are at their fullest (if you prefer underwire, be sure the wire fits well under and behind the breast tissue to prevent a plugged duct)
Your nursing bras should be purchased around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, when you breasts will most likely have stabilized. Buy one cup-size larger to accommodate the milk that will come in after birth. The best nursing bras will:
provide convenient, easy access to your breast (i.e. can be opened with one hand)
be made of cotton or another smooth, breathable fabric as opposed to synthetic materials which may trap moisture
have no decorative details that may scratch and irritate your skin
have a four-hook back closure for flexibility in fit
have wide, cushioned, non-stretch straps for optimum support
fit comfortably on its widest setting to accommodate your decreasing breast size after birth
Experts recommend buying three maternity bras and three nursing bras so you can wear a fresh one every day (keep in mind, you may be lactating.) Because accurate measuring is critical to obtaining the best bras, you may want to visit a store that specializes in maternity and nursing bras. If you prefer to buy online, again look for a specialty store and follow their directions for measuring yourself.
Your precious, little newborn will be much happier when Mom is comfortable and content during feeding time. Just keep abreast of the best way to buy maternity and nursing bras, and your choices will be certain to turn in a bra-vura performance!
This article was brought to you by CornerStorkBabyGifts.com, an online retail company specializing in boutique-quality baby gifts and baby shower favors. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on pregnancy and prenatal health, infant and baby health, infant and baby safety, parenting skills and strategies, child abuse and other topics of interest to mothers- and fathers-to-be, parents and the public.
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A nursing bra (or feeding bra) is worn by the mother who has decided to breastfeed, and she needs it as soon as the baby is born. The cups drop down from a clip to expose your breasts for nursing. Usually seamless, nursing bras feature an "all-around" breast support system for a natural shape and added support.