1) When should I buy a nursing bra? The most common questions moms to be
often ask is when is the best time to buy a nursing bra and what size should
they buy. If you plan to nurse, the best time to buy a nursing bra is in the 2nd
and 3rd trimesters when your pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit comfortably and
when you need to buy a larger bra. Your breasts will continue to enlarge up to
the time you deliver your baby and after your milk comes in. However, they will
settle down in size after your milk supply adjusts to the baby's demands and
even more when you begin to wean your baby from feedings. Most likely you will
need a nursing bra for as long as you are nursing your baby, so even if your 2nd
trimester bra purchase is too small for your breasts immediately after delivery,
it should fit you down the way as your size decreases.
2) What type of
nursing bra should I buy? There are so many types of nursing bras on the
market and for a range of prices. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start.
While you are pregnant and purchasing a nursing bra for both maternity and
nursing, it is best to buy a nursing bra that is supportive with some extra room
for pads which you will need in the early nursing stages. The best types of
nursing bras for soon after delivery are those that can expand several cup and
band sizes. The bras that stretch to fit multiple sizes typically do not have an
underwire and are softcup which maximizes cup accommodation ability as well as
comfort for the early stages of nursing.
3) What features should I look for in a nursing bra? The most
important feature in a nursing bra is comfort. Many women find that their
breasts expand a full cup size or two when pregnant and nursing. It is often
uncomfortable sleeping at night without a bra or even showering without a bra if
your cup size is quickly moving down the alphabet. Many women find they need a
range of bra types from an easy support sleeping and lounging bra to a more
supportive daytime bra. If you plan on pumping it is good idea to get a hands
free nursing and pumping bra which is extra supportive.
4) How do I get the most mileage out of my nursing bra? As you know
your cup and band size will fluctuate when pregnant and nursing. After you have
your baby you will find your rib size will gradually decrease. If you are buying
a nursing bra in your last trimester, it is a good idea to buy one that is not
too tight around the band. Many bras have several adjustment hooks on the back
to allow several size differences in the band. Look for a bra where you are on
the last hook in your last month of pregnancy. You can also buy bra extenders
that allow you to extend your strap by several band sizes for a bra that is too
tight around the rib cage.
5) What nursing bras are easiest to use?
There are many different styles in nursing bras such as the cross over pull down
style, cups that you unhook from each side, those that snap and those that clip.
Find the style that works easiest for you. Many women find having several
different styles may accommodate their lifestyle the easiest. If you plan to
wear a nursing bra at night, look for a light support pull down bra. Chances are
if you are half asleep and in the middle of the night you don't want to be
fumbling around in the dark for a hook or a snap and your baby will not want to
wait around to be fed. For your daytime bra, make sure the snap or hook stays in
place with your usual movements and activities as there is nothing worse than a
cup coming unhooked on its own in public or trying to rescue a bra that is
leaving you lopsided while checking out at the grocery store.
6) What if I want to exercise? Fortunately today there are a lot of
great nursing sport bras on the market, so you can still hit the gym and get the
bra support you need when you are a nursing mom. Bravado! makes an excellent
nursing sports bra with a lot of great support and comfortable fabric. Sports
bras in particular need to have secure snaps to make sure you don't pop out
while on the treadmill or lifting weights. Comfort in fit and range in motion is
also very important, so make sure you get a bra that fits properly with room to
support your breasts' ebbs and flows with your nursing cycles.
