Sexy pushup bras are
not a good option during pregnancy, so what kind of bras do you need?
The
breasts begins to prepare for lactation quite early in pregnancy. They
become larger, heavier and more sensitive. After four months of pregnancy,
most women will have outgrown their usual bra size, and will need a bra
that offers a higher level of comfort and support.
You may save yourself
some money by opting for nursing bras during pregnancy, even if
breastfeeding your baby seems a long way off. These bras have openings to
feed the baby through. The alternative is to get a comfortable and
well-fitting fashion bra that gives plenty of support. But remember: You
can't wear this bra when you are breastfeeding!
A correctly fitted bra gives comfort and
support, so it is a good idea to be professionally fitted. This is a free
service. You will be fitted for the size you are at the time, as maternity
or nursing bras have a certain amount of stretch built into their design. It is not
necessary to buy a bigger bra to grow into. Remember, too big can be
just as bad as too small!
Many women like to wear
a bra to bed when nursing. They feel they need the support. Special
sleep bras are available, or you can wear a soft cup bra in
the correct size.
8
steps to the best maternity bra
The bra should give
easy access to the breast when you nurse your baby. A bra with a one-hand cup
opening can be very helpful.
Look for wide,
cushioned shoulder straps. They will provide support without digging into your shoulders.
A four-station back closure will offer
optimum comfort as well as the most flexibility in fit.
It may be wise to
buy a larger cup size than the one you normally wear. Example: If you are
a C-cup when not pregnant, try a D!
The bra should not
be underwired. The concern is that the rigid wire can put pressure on the breast and lead to blocked milk ducts.
The bra should be
machine washable, preferably in hot water.
It is a good idea to have at least two or
three bras. As your breasts leak milk, you will need to change your bra more frequently than
usual.
If you expect a
winter baby and live in a northern climate, you will probably need a
nursing bra made of wool. They may not be the prettiest, but they keep the bust
warm and help prevent inflammation.
Signs of a good fit:
The cup covers your breast, and nothing "spills out." The band is
level all the way around, not riding up in back. Try it on! This is the
only way to be sure that you've found a bra with a good fit.
Nursing pads
Another
reason to
wear a bra at night, is to hold the nursing pads in place. You are going to leak
a lot of milk while you sleep, especially in the first months after giving birth. For this,
nursing pads are essential! To prevent sore nipples, it is important that
the pads are soft to the touch, and absorb the liquid well. For winter, you can
wear nursing pads made of soft merino wool. These are recommended by many
nursing experts. They will lead the milk away from the
breasts, to ensure the nipples are kept warm and dry.