When to Buy a Nursing Bra? What You Should Know!
When to buy a nursing bra? When do you start wearing one? These are common questions that women ask during their pregnancy.
The answer to this question is different for each woman, but there are a few guidelines to follow when deciding which size and style of nursing bra you need in your wardrobe.
This article will provide some advice on these, while also giving an overview of the basics of what makes up a good nursing bra.
When to Buy a Nursing Bra? Do you need a nursing bra during pregnancy?
Yes, you need a nursing bra during pregnancy
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts are sensitive to touch due to stretching ligaments and skin getting thinner. If you experience this, then you know it’s time for a nursing bra.
Notably, for some women, milk may start flowing from their nipples without any stimulation as the delivery date draws near. If this is so for you, then you would need a nursing bra.
You also need a nursing bra if you plan on pumping breast milk once the baby arrives since there needs to be proper support while pumping (just like with breastfeeding).
How many nursing bras do you need?
We recommend that you have at least three nursing bras:
- One to wear
- Another to wash (after breastfeeding or pumping)
- Last one is a backup in case the other two are dirty or need to be washed.
If your budget is tight, just get two nursing bras which will suffice for any of these purposes!
Related: Best bras for women with scoliosis
Factors to consider when buying a nursing bra
When deciding which size and style of nursing bra you need in your wardrobe, there are a few guidelines to follow.
1. A Perfect fit bra
The perfect fit is necessary to keep your breasts in place and avoid pain or discomfort. Buy one that will fit during pregnancy and after delivery as they do not come in different sizes or styles for these phases.
2. The size and style of the bra
When deciding which size and style of nursing bra you need in your wardrobe, you will need to consider the following:
One primary issue is that the band should be snug but not too tight – it provides most of the support for breasts and prevents back pain or discomfort.
Also, the cups should contain all breast tissue without spillage out at the top or sides, and there shouldn’t be any overflowing on either side of the cup-side seams at the apex.
See also: Nursing bras for large bust
Do I need different bras for pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Depending on your bodily changes pre and post-delivery, you may feel comfortable having different nursing bras for each phase. Nonetheless, you can still use your nursing bras during both phases(pre-natal and post-natal).
Since breasts can grow up to two sizes in nine months (and sometimes beyond), there is also little sense in purchasing new ones around the time that you’re having your baby.
When Should I wear a nursing bra?
Remember, a nursing bra provides an extra layer of coverage for a woman’s breasts which tend to leak milk when placing the baby on one’s breast or after breastfeeding.
A good time to wear your nursing bra is before, during, and after feeding. When you’re out in public it can be helpful to have two different types of bras so that if one leaks you’ll still have another option available!
Do I wear a nursing bra to bed?
You don’t need to sleep wearing a nursing bra but if you do choose to use one, then make sure that there aren’t any gaps between the fabric/band and skin as this could lead to clogged ducts or mastitis (a painful bacterial infection).
Are underwire bras okay to wear when pregnant?
Yes, pregnant women can put on underwire bras but they should be carefully chosen and fitted.
Pregnancy changes a woman’s body shape in many ways.
One of these is the development of breasts that get fuller, heavier, and sorer with time, as well as more sensitive to touch. This can make it difficult for women who are pregnant or nursing, to find bras that fit comfortably while providing enough support for their busts.
Bras made from stretchy material (like cotton) provide some relief by giving extra space to accommodate an ever-growing chest but may not offer good levels of support during pregnancy when you’ll need them most.
A common misconception about maternity wear is that underwire bras are unsafe during pregnancy due to worries about what happens if there’s an electric shock from something like a hairdryer.
Some of the most popular nursing bra styles include Demi-cup, Front Closure Bra, and Bralette.
A key thing to remember when buying a nursing bra for postpartum use is how much skin you want to be covered up by clothing while breastfeeding in public. Nursing bras come with or without padding which also needs consideration depending on your preferences.
An alternative option is wearing regular non-wired bras but be aware they will not offer as much support, as traditional wired ones have been proven effective at doing so over time.
See also: Bras for breasts with fibrocystic disease
What should I look for when buying a nursing bra?
You want a nursing bra that will last for more than one pregnancy.
The material and quality of the fabric are important factors in deciding on a style to wear post-delivery. The softer, stretcher materials are better suited to accommodate your growing body as you enter each trimester of pregnancy.
A well-made nursing bra should have three hooks so it can be adjusted easily as needed throughout the day while also being made with adjustable straps or some sort of clasping system using a hook and eye closures at the back (or two clasps).
When buying new bras during pregnancy, go up a cup size from what you would normally order because breasts may grow due to hormone changes associated with gestational diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Additional Questions
When is the ideal time to start buying nursing bras?
If you’re planning to buy nursing bras ahead of delivery, it’s suggested to wait until you’re about eight months pregnant. Your body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy and waiting till your eighth month gives you a closer approximation of your post-delivery breast size. It largely minimizes the chances of your nursing bra being too big or too small after your baby arrives.
How can I determine the correct size for my nursing bra?
The ideal nursing bra size to select should be one cup size and one band size larger than your current maternity bra size. If, for instance, you’re wearing a size 34C maternity bra, you should opt for a 36D nursing bra. I understand this may seem larger than you’d expect, but remember that your body retains some pregnancy weight while your breasts further enlarge. Your second-stage nursing bra will likely be somewhat smaller.
Should I size up in nursing bras?
In general, the sizing for nursing bras don’t differ much from that of regular bras, however, some professionals suggest that you size up one or two cup sizes to accommodate the fullness of your breasts during pregnancy and lactation. That said, it’s still important to find a comfortable fit – you don’t want a bra that’s too tight or too loose, as both can lead to discomfort and potential lactation issues.
How many nursing bras do I require?
As a lactation consultant, I usually recommend new mothers to have at least three nursing bras: one bra that you’re wearing, one in the wash, and one on standby! There’s nothing more reassuring than being ready for unexpected moments such as a leak, an intense sweat session, or a baby’s spit-up incident. Having backup bras means you’re never left high and dry when you ought to be focusing on your new baby – and not on the laundry that piles up otherwise!