When To Buy Nursing Bras During Pregnancy ##VERIFIED##
When should you buy a nursing bra? Many experts agree that the most accurate time to size yourself for more structured nursing bras is three to four months after delivery, which gives you time to establish and regulate your milk supply and breast tissue. The best time to measure is midday, when the breasts are full, before a feeding.
when to buy nursing bras during pregnancy
Just as there are different dresses for different occasions, you'll find different styles of nursing and maternity bras to suit your needs. For some women, one really high-quality nursing bra could do the trick for sleeping, lounging, and going out.
For most women, having several different maternity and nursing bras (pumping bra, strapless bra, sports bra, etc.!) will make this period of life much more comfortable.
Some women wonder about the difference between nursing and pregnancy bra styles and whether or not they need both. The primary difference is that nursing bras come with special openings for quick, easy breastfeeding accessibility once your baby is born.
Later, as you start venturing out more, you may want a more structured, padded bra that looks great underneath your clothing and has contoured cups, additional strap support, and sexier styling. Once you become more active, you'll want the stretchy, wicking fabrics founds in the best nursing sports bras.
To find more information about bra size and fit, check out our blog or contact our incredible Customer Care Team. Our team members are experts in everything from changing breast shape and breast size to sister sizing, and they love helping moms buy nursing bras they'll wear long after their nursing journeys end. Also, be sure to take our fit quiz.
If you have any questions, reach out to our Customer Care Team -- they'd love to help you find a great-fitting bra that provides the comfort and support you deserve during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
You'll most likely need a few maternity bras. Like the rest of your body during pregnancy, your breasts are changing, becoming bigger and more sensitive to the touch. You can chalk up this metamorphosis to hormonal shifts, weight gain, an expanding rib cage, and, later in pregnancy, mammary glands that are preparing to make milk for your baby.
Buy maternity bras as soon as your regular bras feel tight or uncomfortable. For many women, this starts happening when you're around six weeks pregnant. If you take off the bra and see indentations where the band and straps were, your breasts are spilling out of your bra cups, or your bra feels too snug, it's time to purchase a new one.
Every woman is different, every pregnancy is different, and your breasts will change in a way that's unique to you. You may find that your cup size continues to increase throughout your pregnancy, or your breasts might grow during your first trimester and then not increase in size again until the last few months as milk production starts to ramp up. Depending on how you grow, you're probably going to need to go bra shopping more than once during your pregnancy.
Many women prefer a combination of both, buying maternity bras or larger sizes of their favorite pre-pregnancy bras in the beginning of their pregnancies, then switching to nursing bras somewhere in the middle of the third trimester. Many nursing bras offer soft, wire-free support, so they're ideal for late pregnancy when you may be feeling uncomfortable and exhausted. Plus, you'll need them postpartum if you breastfeed your baby.
It's a good idea to go shopping for nursing bras to wear postpartum around 36 weeks. If you do buy nursing bras to wear during pregnancy, make sure they give you room to grow. Your rib cage can expand until then, and your breasts may go up another cup size or two after your baby arrives and your milk comes in. Choose a bra that fits when the clasp is on the tightest setting, so you'll be able to let it out.
You'll likely need at least three maternity bras during pregnancy and three nursing bras for after you give birth (so you have enough to wash and wear). If you want to try to hold off on buying maternity bras in early pregnancy, you may be able to use your sports bras or more unstructured, soft-sided bras.
Underwire bras during pregnancy are fine as long as they fit right and don't pinch your breasts, but many moms-to-be find them uncomfortable and opt for soft cups instead. To prevent potential chafing, look for soft material like a cotton or cotton and synthetic blend with no seams near the nipple.
Maternity and nursing bras have come a long way, and today, you can find all kinds of styles, from super-sexy lace bralettes to soft-cup cotton ones in cute patterns. It doesn't matter if you want to stick with your pre-pregnancy lingerie style or opt for something totally different, you'll have a lot of great options to choose from.
It's common to go up a cup size or two during pregnancy (Healthline, 2017). Many women notice they are also broader across the back because your rib cage expands to make room for your baby (NHS Start4Life, 2019).
It is recommended to have bras professionally fitted regularly and to change your bras every six months (Evans, 2019). This is particularly important during pregnancy when your breasts are changing. You might want to do this in the first trimester.
If you are intending to breastfeed, you may want to think about buying some breastfeeding (or nursing) bras before your baby is born. As breasts tend to feel heavier during breastfeeding, most women find the support of a nursing bra makes them feel more comfortable. Some women choose to go bra-less or wear a cami or cropped top instead.
During pregnancy, your breasts start to change as your milk comes in. They may begin to enlarge, and your pre-pregnancy bras will feel tight and uncomfortable. Tight bras can put too much pressure on your breasts, making them sore or even plugging ducts.
Maternity bras are different from nursing bras. Maternity bras are designed for women who are expecting. They offer more support for your growing breasts. The straps are also more padded and comfortable to ease the pain you may experience while your body changes. The cups are also more pliable, changing to fit your body as your pregnancy progresses.
Nursing bras go a step further and provide the comfort of maternity bras, along with a removable cup. This allows easy access for your nursing baby. Near the end of pregnancy, most women switch to nursing bras to prepare for their baby.
Shopping for maternity bras may not be as easy as finding nursing bras, but investing in a few is important. Mainstream retailers likely won't have the right maternity bra for you, so shopping at a maternity store will be your best bet. The employees there are able to help you find the perfect bra for you.
A maternity bra with breathable fabric is a good idea. Some women get more sweaty under or between their breasts, especially during pregnancy. Breathable fabrics, though, will help keep you cooler during pregnancy. Fabrics like cotton and silk are more breathable than polyester.
Moreover, while your breasts are growing, your levels of progesterone and milk ducts are also increasing. Your ribcage will also start to expand to make room for your baby. This will mean you'll need to go up a cup size or two during pregnancy.
Near the end of your pregnancy, your nipples and breasts become larger. This is due to your milk-producing cells getting bigger. You may notice more pain and discomfort in your breasts during this time. A proper maternity bra, though, can help alleviate some of these feelings. With the right bra, you can even sleep in it if it's comfortable.
It's not abnormal to replace your bras multiple times during pregnancy as your breasts get larger. In fact, it's a good idea to get remeasured closer to your due date so you can find nursing bras that fit well. You won't want to mess with an ill-fitting bra when you're nursing.
If your bra leaves marks on your skin, it's too tight. That's when you should start shopping for a maternity bra. Your body will keep growing and changing throughout your pregnancy, so you might need a few maternity bras in a few different sizes.
During the day. You should wear a bra that gives you the right support without digging into your skin. Padded shoulder straps can help. Cotton bras are also more comfortable during pregnancy.
The best time to buy a nursing bra is in your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. Your breasts and rib cage will have grown throughout your pregnancy and this will be a good time to find something comfortable while your body is transitioning from pregnancy to breastfeeding.
All of our bras are designed to grow with you through your pregnancy and nursing, with five sets of hooks and eyes. Ideally, at 8 months pregnant, you will be fastened on the fourth or fifth hook. This will allow you to tighten the band as your organs go back to their original position and stop expanding your rib cage!
To prepare for your milk to come in, we suggest you buy a seamless nursing bra during your pregnancy. With enough stretch to grow with you during engorgement and amazingly strong support, this type of bra is the most comfortable nursing bra available. And even though it happens to be really cute too, comfort is what we are going for in these first few weeks!
After your milk comes in and your breasts have regulated (approximately 6 weeks post-partum), it is a good idea to re-measure yourself and update your nursing bra wardrobe, if needed. At this time, buying a supportive, molded cup nursing bra is a great choice! Our bras are wire-free; made with high quality, super soft fabric. Follow our sizing chart to pick the right size for you.
As you can tell, most people will likely need at least one new bra during pregnancy, however, some women are perfectly happy fitting their existing bras with bra extenders. Most experts recommend getting fitted around the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second, and then again towards the end of pregnancy. 041b061a72