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Pregnancy and Nursing Bras
October 21st, 2008
How to find the perfect fit when it comes to pregnancy and nursing bras
by: Nancy Ripton
Pregnancy and Nursing Bras
  • You may need to change your bra as often as every two months during your pregnancy.
  • When pregnant, buy bras on the tightest back setting so there's room for your ribcage to expand. Or, if your cup size still fits and the strap is tight, you can use a back extender to prolong the life of an existing bra.
  • Generally avoid maternity bras unless you're getting a bargain since there isn't much difference between them and regular bras.
  • Buy a nursing bra on the loosest back setting so you can make it smaller as you lose baby weight.
  • Avoid underwire bras for the first three to four months of nursing as the wire can cause discomfort and block your milk ducts.

  
Your breasts will change in size throughout your pregnancy and for as long as you nurse, which makes finding comfortable bras a bit of a challenge. Here's how to get the best, most comfortable fitting bras whether you're pregnant or nursing.
Pregnancy and Maternity Bras
Every woman is different, but depending on how much your breasts grow throughout your pregnancy, you may need to change your bra size as often as every two months. "I encourage women to buy cheaper bras during this time so they will be more willing to buy a new one when their old bra becomes uncomfortable," says Shana Tilbrook, a bra-fitting expert at Tryst Lingerie in Toronto. 

Your breasts should fit comfortably inside the cup and the back strap should not ride up. If you're wearing an underwire bra, be aware if it starts to dig into your breast tissue. "If you're comfortable with a soft cup, I recommend going that route during your pregnancy," says Tilbrook. Soft cups have more longevity as your breasts start to grow. 

Tilbrook also suggests buying a bra on the tightest back setting so there is room for your ribcage to expand. If your cup size still fits and the strap is tight, you can use a back extender to prolong the life of your bra. And, as a general rule, avoid maternity bras unless you're getting a bargain. "The difference between a maternity and a regular bra is typically just marketing," says Tilbrook.

Buying Your First Nursing Bra 
You should buy a nursing bra about one-month prior to your due date. "I recommend women only get one nursing bra while they're still pregnant," says Tilbrook. "Your breasts will change size and we're doing a lot of guess work with sizing."

Buy a bra with the strap on the loosest setting so you can decrease the strap size as you lose weight after your baby is born. As for the cup size, you should buy one size too big to allow for your breasts to expand as they fill with milk. 

Most women become engorged after giving birth and may worry that their bra is too small. "Engorgement can be really extreme," says Tilbrook. "I saw one women go from a 34DD a few weeks before giving birth to a 34L the day after birth." But engorgement usually only lasts for up to a week. 

Buying Nursing Bras after Pregnancy
Once you are certain the engorgement phase is over, you will want to be fitted for one or two additional nursing bras. Avoid underwire for the first three or four months, as the wire can cause discomfort or block milk ducts. It's also less flexible than soft cup bras and is more difficult to fit during early breastfeeding when breasts can change size throughout the day.

As you decrease the frequency of feedings, your breasts will start to decrease in size. You may find you need to purchase another nursing bra once you start to wean your baby or start feeding her solids. Since your breasts will not change as much in size throughout the day, you can switch to underwire at this time. "I still don't recommend underwire for the bra you're going to wear all day," says Tilbrook. "But the wire can provide more support and it's a nice option when you're going out."

Nursing Pads
For many women, milk will occasionally drip from their nipples even when baby's not feeding. It's common to "leak" on one side when baby is feeding on the other or when it is getting close to feeding time. For this reason, many women wear breast pads. Cotton reusable nursing pads are best for the environment and your nipples (the plastics in some disposable varieties can encourage yeast infections). 

Look for brands such as Emma-Jane or Gerber that are thin and will provide minimal lines through your clothing. If you're worried about the breast pad line showing, you can also opt for a molded bra, such as Nummies, that will help prevent lines. 

Meet Our Expert
Shana Tilbrook is the co-owner of Tryst Lingerie at 465 Eglinton Ave. West and 559 Queen Street West in Toronto, Ontario. With over a decade of experience, Tilbrook is considered one of the top bra fitters in Canada.


  
pregnancy bras, nursing bras, underwire bras in pregnancy, underwire bras nursing, maternity bras, pregnancy, fashion
 
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