Research-backed
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Pregnancy brings about ample changes in your body: a protruding belly, enlarged breasts, and swollen feet to name a few. While you might have to set up a high budget to accommodate everything that the baby will need, you often forget what you need for yourself. One of the essential items that you will need is a nursing or maternity bra. There is no doubt that most moms are apprehensive about the idea of using them and end up squeezing themselves into their existing bras instead. But, they do have a plethora of benefits which might just change your mind (1).
Why Do You Need Nursing Bras?
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As your breasts grow, they get heavier, more sensitive to touch, and develop glandular tissues. Just like hormonal imbalances and excessive weight gain, your mammary glands prepare milk for your baby in the later stages of your pregnancy. This adds additional weight toyour breasts, and hence, they rightly deserve some comfort.
Experts say that an ill-fitting bra or one that is too tight might put a mother at risk for clogged milk ducts (2). It is recommended to get fitted for nursing bras during the last month of your pregnancy. So, invest in a few comfortable bras making sure that your breast tissues fit in with enough support.
Regular Vs Maternity Vs Nursing Bras
With wider straps, extra hooks, and a soft cotton lining, maternity bras are just a more efficient version of regular bras. They are designed in order to provide support and comfort to your growing breasts during your pregnancy term. Usually, maternity bras are not under-wired as itmight hurt your lower bust instead of making you more comfortable.
The major way that nursing and maternity bras differ is that nursing bras have panels or clasps allowing easy access to your nipples while breastfeeding. Many women opt for a combination of both maternity bras as well as a collection of their favourite pre-pregnancy bras in the beginning of their pregnancy term and later switch to nursing bras around the third trimester.
Your breasts might go up by a size or two after your baby arrives and you start producing milk. So, in case you choose to wear nursing bras during pregnancy, ensure that they allow your breasts enough room to grow.
How To Choose The Right Fit
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Getting fitted by a professional at a lingerie store, maternity store, or a specialty bra shop, is the best way to find the right fit. They will ensure that you find a bra that gives you excellentsupport and provides the much-needed comfort. It is not advisable to buy a bra which you are hoping to grow into- too big can prove to be just as bad as too small.
When To Get A New Bra
Every woman has a different experience during their pregnancy. Each woman’s breast size will increase at a different pace. So, there is no hard-and-fast rule about the right time to buy a new bra. However, when you take your bra off and see marks on the areas covered by the straps or band, it may indicate that it is too tight. This is the correct time to buy new ones. Depending on how your body is growing, you might need to visit the lingerie store every once in a while during your pregnancy.
Do You Need To Wear Bra At Night?
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Pregnant or not, it might be uncomfortable to wear a bra during night-time. While some women prefer leaving their breasts free, there are others who prefer supporting their growing breasts even at night. If you do wear a bra at night, choose one that is soft and not too tight (which would make it difficult to breathe).
It is not necessary to buy a nursing bra, but if you do go for one, make sure it fits well.
Which bra did you go for during your pregnancy? Share your views on different types of bras that might help the future moms out there.
