Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Afterwards – Bra Shopping Guide

02/10/2016

Written by: @GabDiesendorf

Motherhood changes everything, and whether you are happy or not about it, your breasts are also a subject of that change. Even before your pregnancy test shows that joyful plus sign, the hormonal changes are preparing your breasts to feed your baby once it arrives. Those changes go on throughout your entire pregnancy, later breastfeeding and even some period after. There is no way that you will be able to wear the same bra from the first month to the period after breastfeeding. To avoid any discomfort during these different periods, you should shop for your bra accordingly.

Shopping for a Maternity Bra

You will probably need several different-sized maternity bras. You should acquire your first one as soon as you feel uncomfortable in your current bra. You can easily identify when you need a new one by. For example, if you, after removing your bra notice indentations where the band and straps were or it simply feels to snug while wearing it, it is the right time to up the size. Because every woman carries her pregnancy differently, it is possible that your breasts will grow throughout the entire pregnancy or they will simply size up in the first trimester and remain that way until the last few months. Do not be mistaken of taking a larger regular bra. Besides its size, maternity one has numerous other benefits – soft cotton lining, wider straps and extra hooks are just a few of them. Try to choose fully supportive non-wired bras which can help your breasts to retain their shape after your pregnancy.

Shopping for Nursing Bra

When your baby finally arrives, your breasts will adapt to your need to feed it. Then, you will need to replace your maternity bra with a nursing bra. Unlike the maternity bra, the latter one is made in a way that makes it easier for you to breastfeed your little one. Its cups lower or open when you pull them aside or unzip, unsnap or unhook the closure which makes feeding your baby much more convenient and quicker. The key to a good nursing bra is comfort and the key to comfort is proper fit. Buying the wrong sized nursing bra is a rather common mistake which happens because women are buying a larger size than before pregnancy but the same cup. Depending on the manufacturer cup sizes range from A to D, then DD, DDD, E, F, G, H and I. One more mistake is buying low quality bra because it will not be used for long time. Investing in Leonisa nursing bra will keep your comfortable and protect your sensitive breast tissue.

Shopping for Bra after Breastfeeding

When it is finally time to bounce back, you will need to get yourself a new regular bra. In most cases, your breasts will already be so different than before pregnancy that there will be no way for you to go back in your pre-maternity bra, although there are some lucky ones which have been successful in that mission. If you have been living in nursing tanks by now, you should search for bras that lift and fit. Do not go running to the nearest lingerie shop as soon as your baby starts weaning. It can take up to six months for milk ducts to fully shrink and your breasts settle. So be patient. When the moment of lingerie quest is finally here, you should visit some lingerie shop and get measured so you could find out your new size. In the transitional period, you can go back to maternity or sports bras, or find some regular which are non-wired and equally comfortable as your nursing tanks.

In the end you have probably discovered the decisive factor in the whole story – comfort. Whether you want it or not, your breasts will change. It is better to welcome that change prepared for every outcome than spending your expecting days annoyed because of them. Avoid the common bra shopping mistakes and you will be just fine.