Expert Tips For Pregnancy And Postpartum Care

If you’re expecting a baby or have recently given birth and find yourself lost when it comes to your bra size, know that you’re not alone—maternity bra fitting can indeed feel overwhelming! The changes your body undergoes, from nurturing a growing baby to preparing for delivery and then feeding your newborn, are significant. It’s no surprise that 78% of women have difficulty determining their bra size after welcoming their little one into the world.

A recent survey of 500 women revealed that over half (54%) were uncertain about the bra recommendations they encountered while breastfeeding. If this resonates with you, or if you’re uncertain about what bras to wear during this phase, rest assured that help is available. Georgina Bibby, a lingerie specialist from NEXT, has collaborated with Lucy Webber, a midwife and breastfeeding advisor, to address our readers’ most common inquiries regarding the ideal nursing and maternity bras for pregnancy and beyond.

How do your breasts change during pregnancy?

The journey into motherhood can be intimidating, especially for new mothers, and the physiological changes occurring in your body can add to that uncertainty—changes begin quite early…

Your breasts may be among the first indicators of pregnancy, and you might have noticed some changes as soon as you suspected or confirmed your pregnancy. The NHS notes that “Your breasts may become larger and feel tender, similar to what might occur before your period. You might also feel a tingling sensation”, along with “more visible veins, and the darkening and protruding of the nipples.” Does this sound familiar?

As your pregnancy progresses, your breasts won’t just feel different; they will also have a different appearance. Lucy explains: “Pregnancy triggers alterations in breast tissue that may cause them to droop more than they did before,” while reassuring us, “It’s perfectly normal for breasts to change.”

While each woman’s experience is unique, it’s common for breasts to increase by approximately one to two cup sizes during pregnancy. Additionally, your nipples will enlarge along with your breasts as the milk-producing cells expand. New bras will certainly be necessary!

Do I have to wear a bra when pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you weren’t in the habit of wearing a bra before, either because you didn’t find it necessary or preferred not to, you may now question whether extra support is required as your pregnancy unfolds.

Lucy clarifies, “It’s a misconception that you ‘must’ wear a bra, just as it’s a misconception that you ‘must not’! It’s ultimately a personal choice.”

So, choose what feels best for you, and pay no heed to others’ opinions. This is your body, and the decision to wear a bra or not should not be influenced by your pregnancy status.

When to get fitted for a maternity bra

If you usually wear bras and wish to keep doing so, you’ll likely find that your current bras will soon become uncomfortable. As your pregnancy progresses, it’s important to get refitted, potentially going up a few sizes to support the additional weight you’re carrying if that’s your preference.

Determining which bras to select and when to get fitted can be perplexing, so we’ve conducted research to address your concerns, and consulted with experts to provide insights into maternity bra fitting.

How should a maternity bra fit?

Guidance from The National Childbirth Trust includes these tips to ensure a good fit, applicable to both pregnant and non-pregnant women alike.

Bra fitting tips

• The entire breast should fit comfortably within the bra cup
• Check that there’s no breast tissue bulging above or at the sides
• The centre front must lie flat against your body, regardless of breast size
• The band below should sit horizontally across your back
• Ensure the band is level both back and front and does not curve when you move
• Confirm that you can pull the band about an inch away from your body
• Straps should rest on your shoulders comfortably without slipping or digging in
• Ensure the straps are not bearing the weight of the breasts and adjust them for comfort
• If wearing an underwired bra, the wire must sit snugly against your body and around the breast
• Verify that there’s no gaping, chafing, or pressure being applied to any area

Breast Tissue Care Tips

• Choose a bra that fastens snugly on the tightest hook to accommodate breast growth during pregnancy.
• Look for maternity bras that also function as nursing bras, featuring clips for easy breastfeeding access.

The National Childbirth Trust highlights that wearing a poorly fitted bra can lead to issues such as bad posture, back and neck pain, as well as blocked ducts, potentially resulting in mastitis. Therefore, securing the right bra is crucial.

When to Get Fitted for a Nursing Bra

After giving birth, many new mothers may wonder about the need for another bra fitting. A study revealed that 60% of women were uncertain about wearing bras while breastfeeding, and more than half were unclear about the appropriate timing to purchase a nursing bra during pregnancy.

Lucy clarifies, “There is confusion about when to procure a nursing bra—whether to do so during pregnancy or post-delivery. Depending on individual circumstances, women may experience multiple size changes during pregnancy due to variations in breast and rib cage size.”

Regarding the timing for buying nursing bras, Lucy states, “Some prefer to purchase them in the final weeks of pregnancy; however, it’s essential to keep in mind that breast size can fluctuate significantly in the initial week or two. Therefore, it’s wise to choose a bra that can adapt to these changes, or be prepared to invest in new ones later on.”

For the initial postpartum days, Lucy recommends a soft bralette-style bra until you find comfort and feel your breast size has stabilized.