Pregnancy is a transformative journey, not just for your life but for your body as well. One of the most significant changes you'll experience is in your breasts. It is, therefore, essential to address finding the proper support for your breasts throughout this period. Maternity and nursing bras are designed to accommodate the changes your body experiences during pregnancy and provide the comfort and ease of access you need for breastfeeding. These bras offer enhanced support, comfort, and functionality to meet the unique needs that you may have as an expectant or a new mother.
When you become an expectant mother, your breasts grow as the body prepares for motherhood, making it essential to find bras that can accommodate these fluctuations. Maternity bras are designed to offer additional support as your breasts grow and change during pregnancy. They often feature wider straps, adjustable bands, and soft, stretchy fabrics that can accommodate your growing belly and expanding rib cage. On the other hand, nursing bras are designed with ease of access for breastfeeding in mind. They come with clips or panels that allow you to feed your baby or pump without removing the bra. Let's explore some essential maternity and nursing bra tips that will make your journey more comfortable and convenient.
Oftentimes, fluctuations in your breast size can be minimal, and sometimes the change in your size isn’t big enough to jump up or down a full cup. At ThirdLove we’ve developed ½-cup™ sizes for women who fall in between standard industry sizes. For example, if you typically wear a 34C and your breasts grow a bit during pregnancy, bump up to a 34 C½ (but check with our Fit Finder® quiz to know for sure). These half cups will come in handy after baby comes too, as your breast size tends to peak in the first 1-2 months post birth and then decrease over time.
Even though I'm not a usual wireless-only kind of girl, both times I've been pregnant, I started to favor wireless bras by the end of the ten months. They just tend to be more comfortable, especially as your belly gets larger and larger, and your rib cage expands. As you do your bra shopping for this season, it is essential to know what features to look for in a maternity and a nursing bra.
Your breasts may be more sensitive than usual, and it is therefore necessary that you prioritize soft and breathable fabric. Fabrics like cotton, modal, or bamboo that are gentle against your skin are popular. They can help prevent irritation and overheating, which is especially important during pregnancy.
Additionally, opt for stretchy cups that can accommodate fluctuations in breast size but are still firm enough to provide support. Seamless cups are an excellent choice for avoiding irritation. A bra with an adjustable band and straps comes in handy during this season, so I suggest you look for a bra with multiple hook-and-eye closures that will allow you to modify the fit as your ribcage expands.
Lastly, ensure that your nursing bra allows for convenient nursing. A bra with convenient features like drop-down cups, front clasps, or a pull-aside design will make breastfeeding more accessible.
Here at ThirdLove, we offer a variety ofmaternity and nursing bras that check all the boxes to cater to your needs as an expectant or nursing mum. Moreover, our bras don't just work as nursing and maternity bras; they give you the same support, comfort, and stylish look you get with our regular bras. Here are some options for you to try:
Our Cotton Underwire Nursing Bra offers the best of both worlds: the support and structure of an underwire with the comfort of soft, breathable cotton. It features drop-down cups that are easy to use and convenient for nursing. It also has memory foam cups for a smooth look under your clothes.
This is a perfect bra option for all the nursing mums if you prefer a smooth, wire-free experience. The bra is made with a 4-way stretch fabric that offers easy and soft support. The classic hook-and-eye closure and adjustable straps ensure you can adjust it to fit you comfortably. The bra uses a drop-down overlay fabric for easy access when nursing.
Kindred Bravely Signature Sublime Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra
This bra is made with both pregnant and nursing mothers in mind. It offers comfortable support and shaping and works perfectly from pregnancy to postpartum. It is wireless with a stretch but supportive construction and has nursing clips for convenient feeding.
We all want our bras to serve as well and last longer; therefore, allow me to share some tips on properly caring for your maternity and nursing bras to ensure they stay comfortable and functional throughout their use.
Whenever possible, hand wash your bras with a gentle detergent. Maternity and nursing bras are made with delicate fabric, so handwashing them helps maintain both the fabric and the elastics in a pristine condition.
If you must use a washing machine, place your bras in a lingerie bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as they can damage the fabrics.
After your bras are clean, air dry them by laying them flat or hanging them. Avoid using a dryer as it can cause damage to the elastic fibers and reduce the lifespan of your bras.
Finally, store your bras in a drawer with ample space, ensuring the cups are not crushed. You can stack them with cups fitting inside others to maintain their shape. Always ensure that you wear the right bra size as you move through many bra sizes during pregnancy and nursing. By following these care tips, you can keep your bras in excellent condition, which provides lasting support and comfort.
Once you’re done breastfeeding and your breast size settles, it’s a good idea to clean out any of the old sizes you have laying around your lingerie drawer and start fresh. Take our Fit Finder® quiz (or download our iOS App) to find your new bra size. You can also live chat with one of the Fit Stylists on our website who can help you find your new size. Many women (myself included) find their breasts are a bit smaller post-breastfeeding, you might need to go down a ½-cup™ to adjust.
When you’re rebuilding your bra drawer post-baby, look for everyday basics that you can wear under anything and keep you supported from day to night. Our 24/7™ Collection has kept me supported through all of the stages of motherhood so far!
Navigating the maternity and nursing bras world doesn't have to be overwhelming. Bringing new life into the world is a fantastic experience, and finding a good bra to support you throughout the season should not hold you back. By understanding what to look for and knowing the different types of bras available, you can find the perfect fit to keep you supported throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. With the ThirdLove nursing bras, we are committed to supporting you through all the phases of motherhood. Our bras are functional and stylish to help you confidently embrace this particular time in your life, knowing you have the correct support where you need it most. Whether you are looking for the ultimate comfort of a wireless bra or the convenience of a hands-free pumping bra, our range has something for every new and to-be mum. And post-nursing, we still got you with our bras.
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Returns & exchanges free for 60 days for all U.S. orders. Please try on the bra to ensure a good fit, making sure to leave the original tags attached. We only accept underwear in unworn condition, with original tags, in its unopened original polybag. Items marked final sale are not eligible for return or exchange. If something’s not right, we can help. Our Fit Experts are available via live chat, or email to answer any questions you might have.
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