Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being a woman! Turn your partner's head with stylish bras that provide fashionable yet practical solutions for pregnancy and motherhood.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Finding the right bra to wear while you’re expecting begins with a professional bra-fitting.
Start smart
Your breasts are the first alert that you’re pregnant, as they become larger and quite sensitive (your nipples may feel like they’re “on fire”).
As soon as your pre-pregnancy bra begins to feel uncomfortable, it’s important to be fitted for a bra that provides maximum support and comfort. Your breasts will continue to change and grow so you will likely need to adjust your bra or change bra size throughout your pregnancy.
A well-designed bra is the best way to support your breasts comfortably and preserve your shape as your breasts get larger and heavier – because they’re not muscle, but glandular tissue and fat, breasts can be stretched if not properly supported.
When you’re pregnant, comfort is queen, so treat yourself like one!
Support your sisters
A good quality, regular bra that is properly fitted, will provide as much, if not more support than a maternity-branded bra and will generally last longer. You’ll likely need to wear these bras when you’re finished nursing and until you’re back to your pre-pregnancy size – at that point you’ll no doubt appreciate wearing anything that is non-maternity!
Liliana’s pro bra-fitting factoids:
Bra-fitting a mom-to-be is the exact opposite to regular bra-fitting principles!
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Back: Buy a bra that is one or two sizes larger than you normally wear. This will allow you to close on the tightest hook and release as your back increases in size, saving you the cost of buying too many bras during your pregnancy.
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Cups: You should be able to fit two fingers between your body and the cup to give you a couple months span to grow, so buy a slightly larger cup. A lightly padded style will work best as the padding will help to disguise the emptiness of the cup for the first while.
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Support: Select a bra with serious support, one that has firm, wider straps and sides. Since you’re already carrying the extra weight of your baby bump, the last thing you need is added stress on your back caused by heavier breasts.
- Fabric: You will perspire more around your breasts (which is a good thing, to rid your body of impurities) so look for breathable fabrics such as microfibre. Choose soft fabrics that will be gentle on sensitive nipples.
Bras and Breastfeeding
The first thing you should know - never underestimate the power of a good nursing bra!
Smooth the bumps
Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your little one. Make sure you’re prepared for this most special time in your life with the right lingerie.
Prepare your nursing wardrobe before the baby comes. The best time to do this is three to four weeks before delivery, when your breasts are close to the size they’ll be when you breastfeed. Plus, you’ll have more time to focus on selecting the right items, instead of rushing with a new baby in tow.
Invest in at least three nursing bras – one to wear when the alternate is in the wash and one to sleep in. Two of the bras should have drop-down cups, to give easy access for breastfeeding. The third could be a sleep bra, which is lightly constructed to give you more comfort and freedom of movement during the night. They’re also useful during early breastfeeding days, when you may need to wear nursing pads.
