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How do I shop for a maternity bra?
Usually you have to find a new bra about halfway through your pregnancy. You can go one of two routes: buy a new bra just for those last two to five months (during the last month, it's hard to be comfortable in anything but a muumuu!) or buy your first nursing bra. Shop online to see what styles you like best, target the stores that carry your brand and then go in for a fitting. This will usually get you into a good-fitting bra.
Some important things to know about buying a bra while pregnant:
Band size: Because your ribs will be bigger under your breasts, it is often more comfortable to go up a band size; however, if you do, this bra will likely be too big for you during nursing! Find a bra in your regular band size that has four sets of hooks instead of the usual three. If a bra rides up in the back, it is too big and isn't helping! If you are an E (DD) or larger and between two band sizes, always go for the smaller band size. You will need the support that a strong anchor will provide.
Cup size: Generally, the cup size you are wearing during the last trimester of pregnancy is the cup size you will be while nursing. It's a good time to buy that maternity or nursing bra. You want stretchy fabrics because while pregnant, you will change in cup size (toward the end you get even bigger); if you choose to nurse, then your very function is to change size (baby feeds, breast makes more milk, gets bigger). Just be sure to get something that stretches with your changing size. I wouldn't recommend an underwire bra for the first three to four weeks of breastfeeding; get breastfeeding down pat before introducing more structure in your bra.
Comfort: Take 10 minutes in the fitting room and get used to the bra. The tightest a bra will ever be is the first time you put it on. Body heat and oils break down the materials, making it lose its elasticity over time. Tighten the hooks at the back as your bra becomes looser. Shop for bras with a good customer service policy.
Some important things to know about buying a bra while pregnant:
Band size: Because your ribs will be bigger under your breasts, it is often more comfortable to go up a band size; however, if you do, this bra will likely be too big for you during nursing! Find a bra in your regular band size that has four sets of hooks instead of the usual three. If a bra rides up in the back, it is too big and isn't helping! If you are an E (DD) or larger and between two band sizes, always go for the smaller band size. You will need the support that a strong anchor will provide.
Cup size: Generally, the cup size you are wearing during the last trimester of pregnancy is the cup size you will be while nursing. It's a good time to buy that maternity or nursing bra. You want stretchy fabrics because while pregnant, you will change in cup size (toward the end you get even bigger); if you choose to nurse, then your very function is to change size (baby feeds, breast makes more milk, gets bigger). Just be sure to get something that stretches with your changing size. I wouldn't recommend an underwire bra for the first three to four weeks of breastfeeding; get breastfeeding down pat before introducing more structure in your bra.
Comfort: Take 10 minutes in the fitting room and get used to the bra. The tightest a bra will ever be is the first time you put it on. Body heat and oils break down the materials, making it lose its elasticity over time. Tighten the hooks at the back as your bra becomes looser. Shop for bras with a good customer service policy.
Answered by
Anne Dimond, Maternity Fashion Designer
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