Are feeding bras useful? - Types of Maternity bras

TO START WITH

Nursing bras look like regular bras, but the cups open or lower when you pull them aside, or unsnap, unzip, or unhook the closure. It's convenient (but not essential) that you be able to open the cup for nursing quickly and simply with one hand. (You might be holding your hungry baby with the other. If you can close it one-handed, too, that's even better.)

Whichever style you choose, proper fit is the key to comfort. Besides being uncomfortable, a bra that fits poorly may put pressure on your milk ducts, which can cause them to get plugged and lead to inflammation in the breast.

Many women buy the wrong-size nursing bra. A common mistake is to buy a larger band size but the same cup size you wear when you're not pregnant. In fact, some women can stay with their original band size. The rib cage expands during pregnancy, but usually not enough to require a larger band size (although everyone is different). Some women may want to go up a band size for comfort. That's fine as long as your bra has plenty of adjustment hooks in the back.

Most women will need a larger cup size during pregnancy. Wear what you find most comfortable and supportive--either a larger regular bra, a maternity bra, or a nursing bra that you buy early. Just as with nursing bras, an expert fitter can help you with maternity bras.

Depending on the manufacturer, cup sizes can range from A through D, then DD, DDD, E, F, G, H, and I. Another mistake, experts say, is that women may not invest in good-quality nursing bras since they don't think they'll be using them for long. Since this is a time when you most need extra support, it's worth the investment to get something that will help you and keep you comfortable.

A WORD OF ADVICE

Tempted to use your regular bra for nursing instead of a nursing bra? That's one cost-saving measure you don't want to make. Regular bras aren't designed for nursing and may not give you the extra support you need to be comfortable. And lifting your regular bra up over your breast to nurse can put a lot of pressure on breast tissue

Some FAQs about maternity bras

when do i need my first maternity bra?

As soon as your current bras start to feel uncomfortable and your breasts become more sensitive it is time to move into a maternity bra. Breasts are supported by ligaments rather than muscle, making them susceptible to hormonal changes, so it's a good idea to get measured as soon as you know you're pregnant.

why wire free maternity support and nursing bras?

Many health care professionals will recommend that you avoid wearing wired bras during pregnancy. With all these rapid changes non-wired maternity bras won't dig into the sensitive breast tissue. A fully supportive non-wired bra will also help your breasts to retain their shape after your pregnancy and far beyond.

how many bras will i need?

This will depend totally on your body and your needs. Initially you will need to buy maternity bras. These will be maternity non-wired bras and we have plenty of choice including comfy, fashionable t-shirt bras to create that smooth look under clothing and our printed two packs that provide great value. Start by buying a couple of bras and see how you get on. You may need more, or you can wait until your breasts go up in size again to buy more.

At around 36-38 weeks you need to be thinking about buying your nursing bra which has drop down clips to make feeding your baby easier. If you visit your local store our trained bra fitters will be able to offer advice on the best bra to suit you and estimate your cup size in preparation for when your milk comes in.

Night time can be particularly uncomfortable for many women, which is why we have gentle supporting sleep bras available for you which will help support your increasing bust size as you sleep. Looking after your breasts now will have a positive long term effect in the future.

how often should i be measured?

As soon as you become uncomfortable in the bra you are currently wearing during pregnancy, and especially if you find your breasts are fluctuating in size, get yourself measured. Fluctuating in size is due to hormonal changes that your body is constantly undergoing and is completely normal. Breasts may increase by up to 2lb during pregnancy so it is important to get regularly checked to ensure your remain fully supported throughout. All our bra fitters in stores are trained to a high standard to help you find the right sized bra.

When fitting for a maternity bra you should start by fitting on the tightest hook to allow for your rib cage to expand with your baby. When fitting for a nursing bra use the loosest hook as your rib cage will decrease after you have had the baby.

what are maternity and nursing non-wired t-shirt bras?

The non-wired maternity and nursing t-shirt bras have been designed with soft smooth moulded cups that are ideal for wearing under those slightly fitted tops. They've been designed for comfort which will also give you a great shape and the support you need whilst you are nursing.

what are maternity sleep bras?

Whilst pregnant you may find your breasts are more tender than normal and that you need additional but gentle support at night. Our maternity sleep bras are designed to be worn through pregnancy which means you will get a lot of wear out of them before the birth. Most women find that once they have their baby they need to wear a bra or sleep bra in bed to hold the breast pads in place (breast pads capture breast milk that leaks as you sleep).

The maternity sleep bras are made from soft breathable natural fabrics. Simply use your dress size to determine which fits the best.