Preparing for Breastfeeding

Choosing a Maternity Bra

Choosing a Maternity Bra

Choosing a maternity bra

Go into any shop looking to buy a maternity bra and you will be faced by a confusing range of different styles. The final choice of a maternity bra is down to personal choice, however, before choosing one make sure that you are making a considered decision.

Bras designed for pregnant women are also used when breastfeeding. The names maternity bra and nursing bra mean the same thing.

Maternity bras for breastfeeding open for feeding in different ways, look for centre front and clasp styles, and those where the cup folds away rather than to the rigid trapdoor styles.

When to choose a maternity bra

Firstly, what do we mean by a maternity bra. A maternity bra is a bra designed for pregnant women and may also be used for breastfeeding, it is also called a nursing bra.

When trying on different styles, remember to open and close the bra cup. Most bras open for feeding and some are easier to manage than others. Look for bras where the whole cup folds away, as opposed to rigid ‘trapdoor’ styles which can also put pressure on a full breast while feeding. Centre front and shoulder clasp styles are available.

There is no right time for choosing a maternity bra as it will very from woman to woman. Choosing a bra depends on when their breast begins to prepare lactation, for some women this can be quite early in pregnancy meaning that they can outgrow their usual bra size earlier than others. Generally, by four months into the pregnancy (16weeks) gestation mark) the majority of changes to the breast have finished, so this is normally a good time to get fitted.

There has been a lot of publicity recently about the number of women that have an incorrectly fitted bra which does not provide the necessary support. Take my advise and go and get your maternity bra professional fitted, it will be the best decision you will make.

Inflexible Underwire bras are not recommended

The reason that underwire bras are not recommended is because as milk is produced or consumer during the day, the breasts swell and contract. A rigid underwire bra may put pressure on the breast when it swells, and although only a small change in size occurs, a rigid underwire bra can lead to block milk ducts or mastitis. However, help is at hand. There are now maternity bras that have flexible plastic support in them that act like an underwire bra but with the flexibility to change shape as your breasts change shape.

Caring for your maternity bra

You are likely to leak or spill breast milk on your maternity bra at some stage, so it is advisable to have at least two or three maternity bras so that you can easily keep them clean and so that they last you the duration of your breast feeding. Bras should be kept clean by hand washing in mild soap, do not soak them in bleach as these will weaken the fabric and can cause skin irritation.

Why not share your stories about choosing a maternity bra