Why maternity bras are essential for pregnancy and nursing
Many mums-to-be believe that they only have to switch to maternity bras once their baby is born and they begin breastfeeding. However, even during pregnancy, breasts start to change significantly due to weight and hormonal changes and when the mammary glands start producing milk. A maternity bra is really essential as they continue to grow bigger and become more sensitive.
We know that maternity bras can be intimidating at first, especially if you are new to this. We are here to help you better understand!
When is the right time to get a maternity bra?
Some pregnant women believe their breasts do not begin to expand until the third trimester, while others claim it happens as early as week six. Don’t feel bad if you are already experiencing changes early! Everyone’s body is different. It is completely normal to gain one or two cup sizes during pregnancy. Many women also notice that they have become wider across the back due to the rib cage expanding to make space for the baby.
Once you experience any sort of discomfort with your current bras, it is time to switch to allow your breasts to grow and be supported. With all these changes taking place, you can start to see why getting a maternity bra is necessary!
What is a maternity bra?
Maternity bras are designed specifically for mums and mums-to-be like you to provide extra comfort and support during and after pregnancy. The best maternity bras are those that transition into nursing bras! They can be used for an extended period of time, even when you have started to breastfeed. Most of these bras come with flaps that can be opened easily and quickly.
Comfort
During the stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the majority of women experience breast discomfort and irritation. Regular bras have seams, underwires, and stitching that can aggravate your breasts even more and limit their ability to expand.
Maternity bras are made with soft and stretchy fabric designed to adapt to breast changes during pregnancy. They are lined with breathable cotton to allow for greater comfort and to prevent chafing. Most maternity bras are also wireless, softly cushioned, and fully covered for complete support.
During this hectic part of your life, where you are experiencing sensitivity and exhaustion, wouldn’t you want to have a bra that provides comfort?
Convenience
Maternity bras that transition into nursing bras make your life so much easier!
Most of these bras come with a clasp or panel which allows for easy access when feeding time comes around. It makes it almost effortless, simply hook and unhook the clasp in seconds. This gives easy access to your breasts while feeding your baby. It is even more convenient if it can be operated with one hand, like the maternity bra we have here at Young Hearts!
Avoid using a regular bra for nursing as it isn’t practical, can be extremely inconvenient and may lead to clogged milk ducts.
Breast Health
During pregnancy, wearing the proper and comfortable bra will ensure proper blood flow within your soft breast tissues, maintaining their overall health and shape.
Maternity bras help keep the breasts in place to prevent further stretching, harming, or tearing of the breast skin tissue. This will also help lower your chances of developing stretch marks, or at least their severity.
Additionally, a well-fitting bra will improve your entire appearance and boost your confidence. After all, a happy mum means a happy baby!
What should you look out for?
Make sure the maternity bras you go for are:
- Wireless, lightly padded
- Made with soft, breathable cotton lining for extra comfort and ease
- Designed with a one-handed release clasp, allowing quick access for nursing and pump
- Fully covered with complete support
At Young Hearts, we offer such maternity bras in our Lovely Mum Collection. Pair our bras with our confinement pajamas for optimal comfort!
Lastly…
Remember to try on various sizes. Choose the brand with the sizes and designs that feel most comfortable for you! Have someone at the store measure you and recommend a size. If necessary, band extenders can also help when you outgrow your bra.
Your breasts will continue to grow over the course of your pregnancy and when you start to breastfeed. Thus, you might need to get measured again and buy another maternity bra later. Make sure your bras are still comfortable and supportive and change to the proper size if needed.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can be overwhelming, so make sure to pamper yourself with a comfortable maternity bra. You’ve got this!
Written By: Yeo Hwee Jun