Nursing bras have drop-down cups, which are clipped to the straps and can be opened easily to expose the breast when feeding. To make life easier when you come to feeding, it is worth practising to make sure you can open the bra one-handed. That way, you’ll have got the hang of it before your baby arrives. When to get a nursing bra fitted During pregnancy, many people transition directly to a nursing bra rather than opting for a maternity bra. Typically, nursing bras tend to feature more enhanced support than standard bras. This can include: To find your bust measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breasts while still wearing your bra. Remember that if you’re nursing, you should measure before a feeding. If you are intending to breastfeed, you may want to think about buying some breastfeeding (or nursing) bras before your baby is born. As breasts tend to feel heavier during breastfeeding, most women find the support of a nursing bra makes them feel more comfortable. Some women choose to go bra-less or wear a cami or cropped top instead. Don’t simply assume that you know your bra size just because you were fitted once ten years ago and haven’t gained much weight since: Both Polin and Heer say that you should get professionally fitted for a bra every six to twelve months, or every time you go up or down five or more pounds. “Getting your fit right is essential and will minimize discomfort,” Polin explains.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, some women might experience itchiness, nipple sensitivity, tenderness or feel sweaty. That means choosing breathable fabrics for bras can help them feel more comfortable. Natural fibre fabrics like cotton and silk are more breathable than synthetics like polyester so they’ll help keep you cooler. See more tips on how to keep cool when you’re pregnant. Underneath it allYou’ll feel more relaxed knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected leak, hot flash, or baby spit-up. Having a spare (or two) will ensure that you won’t have to throw in yet another load of laundry when the inevitable happens. Breast Cancer Care. (2019) Breast changes during and after pregnancy. Available at: https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cance…? [Accessed 12th March 2022] Adjustability: Your breast size may change over the course of your nursing journey (and even over the course of the day based on how full you are with milk!), so it's a good idea to look for a bra with customizable features. For nursing bras that are more structured like regular bras, make sure there are adjustable straps and hooks so you can find the best fit. Other nursing bras utilize stretchy fabric and flexible foam that are designed to accommodate fluctuating sizes.

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700. Easy access: Most bras have clips that snap on and off at the base of the shoulder straps. These are convenient and let you move the bulk of bra out of the way when it's time to breastfeed. They also help the bra stay securely in place the rest of the time. If you don't want clips (i.e. for when you're sleeping), some styles are designed so that the stretchy fabric can be pulled out of the way. Kindred Bravely is here to help! Whether you need guidance on selecting the right style or size, our Customer Care Fit Fairies will do whatever they can to assist you with your nursing bra needs.During pregnancy your bump grows and most women notice that their breasts do too. For some women, the breasts start to get bigger as early as week six of pregnancy, while others say their breasts don’t start to grow until the third trimester (Healthline, 2017). The breasts increase in size because the hormones cause breast ducts to expand in readiness for breastfeeding (Alex et al, 2020).

NHS Start4Life. (2019) Week 23 – your second trimester. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/week-by-week/2nd-trimester/week… [Accessed 12th March 2022] There are more options for nursing bras than you can imagine, and your pre-baby preferences for bras may be totally different than what you need for breastfeeding. Here's what you should keep in mind to find the most comfortable, supportive and convenient nursing bras: Also, if your band size changed, your cup may have too. “One of the most common misconceptions is that the cup is the same in every band size,” says Polin. ”It is not. The cup size changes whenever the band size changes.” While the majority of a bra’s support and uplift comes from the band, you want the cup to be the right size too, lest you face gaps or overflow. The best way to start fitting a bra is to take two simple measurements: underbust and bust. These two numbers are used to calculate your band and cup sizes. You can use a cloth measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler to get these measurements.This is a question that Dukas-Janakos hears a lot. In addition to working with Fortune 500 companies to set up lactation spaces, Dukas-Janakos has two Healthy Horizons retail stores in the Bay Area that sell breast pumps, nursing accessories and nursing bras. If you’re planning on nursing after you give birth, one of the most important things you can do is buy several quality nursing bras. Some department stores and specialist shops offer a free measuring service and a range of maternity bras (Breast Cancer Care, 2019). How to tell if a bra fits well

And it meant I could save my proper nursing bras for the daytime so I wasn’t doing extra washing when I already seemed to be drowning in dirty laundry.” Can you wear underwired bras when pregnant or breastfeeding?

When to get a nursing bra fitted

It is best to be measured and have a nursing bra fitted a few weeks before your baby is born, especially if your breast shape is still changing towards the end of your pregnancy. Accessibility: When your baby’s hangry, the last thing you want to do is delay nursing because you’re dealing with a bra that’s difficult to manage. Remember, in most cases you’re trying to undo your bra with one hand and hold your baby in the other — so bras with simple clasps or drop-down cups were our preferred choices. Best camisole with built-in nursing bra: Playtex Maternity Women’s Nursing Camisole with Built-in Bra Healthline. (2017) Breast changes in pregnancy: what to expect. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pregnant-breast [Accessed 12th March 2022]