photo by erik langner on flickr
You may be wondering what the difference is between a maternity bra and a nursing bra? Maternity bras are worn during pregnancy when your breasts increase in size and your pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit. Your breasts may also be more tender than usual so these bras are extra comfortable as well as being very supporting. Nursing bras are worn after you have your baby in order to make breastfeeding easier and avoid any damage to the breast tissue that could result from wearing a regular bra. You can also buy maternity nursing bras which you can wear towards the end of your pregnancy and then also use for nursing.
Maternity bras should be bought as soon as your regular bras start to feel too small, probably soon into your first trimester. Your breasts will grow throughout your pregnancy so you’ll probably find that you need to wear a couple of different sizes of bras as you progress through the trimesters.
The best time to buy a nursing bra is towards the end of your third trimester when your breasts will have reached their largest size. It’s likely that the size will still increase a little when your milk comes in so it’s best to choose a bra with a little extra room for expansion and to fit breast pads. As your body grows used to feeding your baby, your breasts will reduce in size and you may need to be measured for a smaller maternity nursing bra at a later date.
When choosing a maternity bra, nursing bra or nursing maternity bra the first thing to look for is comfort. A comfortable bra is the sign of a good fitting bra and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, your breasts will probably be extra tender so it’s a good thing to try and be as comfortable as possible. You may find it uncomfortable to sleep at night so a good quality maternity bra will help give you support without feeling awkward.
It may seem that buying all these different sizes and types of bras can be expensive but you can keep costs down by buying a combination maternity nursing bra. Look for one that is very adjustable with several size hooks on the band and stretchy cups. This will accommodate fluctuating sizes in cups and bands. You can wear these nursing maternity bras through your pregnancy and while you’re breast feeding so they’re great value for money.
Other things to look for in a nursing bra are the style and ease of use. Remember you will need easy access to your breasts for feeding your baby so look for a style that will allow you to unhook cups with one hand. There are also versions that simply stretch rather than unhooking – these are great for sleeping and very comfortable but do not provide as much support as other styles.
