Pregnant women experience a lot of changes in their bodies—and it’s more than just an expanding waistline. While moms-to-be go through transformations during these exciting nine months, they will start to experience some pregnancy discomforts.
For one, you may already feel tight and uncomfortable when wearing your regular bra. This is because your breasts are increasing in size and fullness during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding.
Before this happens, it’s good to be prepared by stocking up on maternity and nursing bras. These bras are designed to give your breasts the support and comfort they deserve during these important chapters in your life.
For first-time moms especially, it can be confusing to make that shift from regular bras to maternity and nursing bras. So how do you choose the correct ones to wear? Read on, mama!
1. What is the difference between a maternity bra and a nursing bra?
These terms are often used interchangeably because they have similar features: they both offer comfortable support for your growing breasts. The only major difference is that the cups of nursing bras drop down from a clasp or hook to allow easier access to the breasts when feeding the little one.
Maternity bras are meant to be worn during and after pregnancy and have stretchy fabric, wider straps, and extra hooks to provide more room for your growing breasts (for some, it may be a cup size while it may be 2 to 3 cup sizes for others). Nursing bras are designed for breastfeeding, but can also be worn during the latter stages of pregnancy.
2. When should I switch to a maternity bra?
Every pregnancy is unique, and bodily changes during pregnancy vary from one woman to another. Some pregnant women already see a sizeable difference during the first trimester, while others experience moving from one cup to another all throughout their nine-month journey.
As soon as you feel uncomfortably snug or when your bra becomes too tight, it’s time to ditch your regular bra, mama!
3. What are the things to consider when choosing a maternity or nursing bra?
These factors should be considered: size, comfort, and budget.
Size: Even non-pregnant women have trouble identifying their bra size so do not panic, mama. If you can, get fitted by a professional at a lingerie or maternity store. Make sure the cups fully cover your breasts and that it has at least four hook positions so you can adjust when needed. Your maternity or nursing bra should fit comfortably on the tightest setting.
If you are buying online, the rule of thumb is to choose at least one cup size and one back size bigger than your pre-pregnancy bra size.
Comfort: Didn’t we all experience wearing an uncomfortable bra we couldn’t wait to take off? Well, your maternity or nursing bra shouldn’t feel like this. Choose one that features a soft cup rather than an underwire as the wire can put even more pressure on your extra-sensitive breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Plus point if it’s made of natural fabrics like cotton as they can keep you cool especially during moments you experience hot flashes.
Budget: Indeed, having a baby is expensive. So mamas-to-be are trying hard to find ways to stretch their peso. One way to do so is to get a maternity or nursing bra that can last throughout your pregnancy and into your postpartum chapter. It’s also a wais na misis move to get a maternity bra that can double as a nursing bra so you get good value for your money.
4. What are some good options I can consider?
Mamaway Ultralight Antibacterial Seamless Maternity Nursing Bra: It has antibacterial Meryl® Skinlife property and is super stretchy—up to 2 to 3 cup sizes! Its perforated cups with sewn-in soft pads mean fall-no-more pads.
White Dahlias Ava Maternity and Nursing Bra: Made of 90% nylon and 10% spandex, it has breathable and buttery fabric for maximum comfort and support, and features one-handed nursing clips for easy breastfeeding access. It’s also a good choice for those who plan to use wearable breast pumps.
Mamaway Ultra Silky Seamless Maternity & Nursing Bra: It has stabilizing ballet back design with three sets of hook and eye and features LYCRA® side sling, a high-quality form of elastane fabric that provides great stretchiness and helps you refasten the clasp easily.
Happy shopping, expecting mama!
