Ah, maternity bras, a world where comfort meets practicality, with a hint of style (some of the time).
Whether you’re navigating the maze of underwire, pads, and clips or just trying to keep up with your ever-changing body, we’ve got you covered.
Let's dive into the world of all things bras and breastfeeding which can be beautiful, messy, and sometimes downright hilarious. This guide is here to help you laugh, learn, and find the perfect one for you!
Contents:
- All Things Nursing Bra
- Breasts 101
- Types of Nursing Maternity Bra
- The Benefits of Nursing Bras
- Your Questions Answered
BABYGO® Postpartum Underwear Sets
All Things Nursing Bra
Designed to keep up with your body’s incredible transformations, maternity bras provides essential support and comfort during pregnancy, as your body grows and changes to accommodate your little one.
When breastfeeding begins, nursing bras step in to make life easier. With various designs and features, each one has different pros and cons to make them perfect for you (but we'll get to that later). They allow for quick, hassle-free feeding sessions—because hungry babies wait for no one!
Breastfeeding itself is a journey filled with moments of joy, connection, and sometimes a few challenges. From perfecting the latch to those late-night feeds in semi-darkness, the right bra can be a game-changer.
Whether you’re a soon-to-be mum preparing for what’s ahead or already in the throes of the fourth trimester, finding the right bra is a small but impactful step in your journey. After all, motherhood is tough enough—your bras shouldn’t be!
BABYGO® Nursing Sleep Bra and Postpartum Knickers
Breasts 101
Let's talk breasts! Getting a bra is all good and well, but who is the one getting up close and personal with it...your boobs. Finding a bra that's the best maternity bra for you will not only come down to personal preference, but also your breasts too.
Your Breasts During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your breasts undergo remarkable changes to prepare for breastfeeding. Hormonal shifts can cause tenderness, sensitivity, and noticeable growth as milk ducts expand. This is the perfect time to invest in a supportive pregnancy bra that accommodates your changing size, offering gentle support without restrictive underwires.
Mother&Baby says "your nipples will also become larger along with your breasts as they grow due to the milk-producing cells getting bigger. New bras are definitely going to be needed!".
Your Breasts After Pregnancy
Post-pregnancy, your breasts continue to evolve. They may feel heavier and fuller as your milk supply comes in. Your size can fluctuate between feeds, making bras with adjustable bands and easy-access essential. Soft materials help soothe postpartum sensitivity, while seamless designs prevent irritation.
Why not try our postpartum knickers that are perfect for c-section and post pregnancy leaks?
Breast Pain & Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, but it can sometimes come with discomfort. Engorgement, latching issues, or general tenderness are common. Well-fitted breastfeeding bras can provide relief by offering proper support while reducing unnecessary pressure on sensitive areas, ensuring a more comfortable breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding with BABYGO® Sensory Bra
Engorgement
Engorgement is when your breasts become overly full, swollen, and sometimes painful due to an excess of milk. This can happen in the early days of breastfeeding as your body adjusts to your baby’s needs, or if you miss a feed or pumping session. Your breasts might feel hard, warm, and tender, and it can even make it difficult for your baby to latch properly.
To manage engorgement, you can try breastfeeding or pumping to relieve the pressure. According to the NHS, "wear a well-fitting breastfeeding bra that does not restrict your breasts".
Blocked Breast Milk Ducts
Blocked breast milk ducts occur when milk flow is obstructed in a duct, often due to missed feeds, tight bras, or incomplete drainage during breastfeeding or pumping. If untreated, it may lead to mastitis. To relieve a blocked duct, continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently, ensuring a good latch or effective milk expression. With care, blocked ducts usually resolve within a day or two.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue, often caused by a blocked milk duct or infection during breastfeeding. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and sometimes flu-like signs like fever and chills. It’s crucial to keep breastfeeding or pumping to clear the milk flow. Rest, hydration, warm compresses, and, if needed, antibiotics can help resolve it quickly.
Large vs. Small Breasts
Breast size plays a big role in choosing the right bra. Larger breasts may need one with extra support, wider straps, and reinforced bands to prevent strain. Smaller breasts, on the other hand, benefit from lightweight bras with stretchable fabrics that still offer a secure fit. Regardless of size, every mum deserves a breastfeeding nursing bra that fits comfortably and works with her unique body!
BABYGO® Maternity Bras with Postpartum and Over the Bump Knickers
Types of Nursing Maternity Bra
You may be thinking, 'A bra is a bra, right?', wrong, selecting a bra to cater to your needs is super important, and you have every right to be picky. Healthline states "Your bra also affects how well your clothes fit your body. Depending on the fit, this could help you feel great about your look or leave you feeling insecure." And we don't want that, do we?
Nursing Bras
Nursing bras are designed for quick and easy breastfeeding, with easy to use clips for convenient access. They’re perfect for everyday wear and balancing comfort with practicality. While they often offer light to moderate support, they may not be the best for intense activities like exercise.
Lace Bras
Lace bras add a touch of elegance while maintaining functionality. They’re great for special occasions or when you want to feel more put-together, but they may sacrifice some support for style.
Maternity Sports Bras
Speaking of support, a nursing sports bra combines maximum support with comfort, perfect for active mums on the go. Whether it's a stroll round the park or a home workout, they allow quick and easy access to nurse your baby, while being super supportive and convenient.
BABYGO® Nursing Sports Bra
Sleep Bras
Soft, wire-free nursing sleep bras prioritise the most comfort and are ideal for nighttime feeding. They offer gentle support and easy nursing access however aren’t the best for activities where you are moving more or on the go.
T-Shirt Bras
T-shirt bras provide a smooth, seamless look under clothes. They’re perfect for casual wear but aren't always the most discreet. These bras are often like normal bras however for nursing, and so you may expose a bit more breast than you would with a bra designed especially for feeding.
Pumping Bras
Pumping bras are a dream for pumping mums, featuring hands-free designs that hold breast pumps securely. They’re ideal for multitasking during pumping sessions and are often comfortable, however again, they aren't always the most supportive.
BABYGO® Pumping Bra
Underwired vs. Wireless Bras
Underwired bras provide extra lift and support, making them ideal for larger busts. However, wireless bras are more comfortable and better suited for sensitive, tender breasts during pregnancy and postpartum.
Bras with Pads Vs. No Pads
Padded bras provide coverage and shape, great for hiding nursing pads or leaks. Unpadded bras are softer and more breathable, but if you’re looking for extra relief, silver cooling nipple cups can be worn in your bra for soothing comfort. They help to recover quickly from cracked nipples that are sore caused by breastfeeding.
Bras with Clips Vs. No Clips
Bras with clips are perfect for breastfeeding mums, allowing easy access during feeds. Clip-free bras are ideal for pregnancy or when you prefer a simpler design without nursing functionality.
BABYGO® Postpartum Underwear Set in Black
The Benefits of Nursing Bras
So we've talked about different bras, however what about the features of them. The material, how practical they are, if they're supportive or not. Let's break it down and delve into the benefits of each quality.
Comfort
Comfort is key in day to day life, never mind through pregnancy and postpartum as your body goes through significant changes. Maternity and breast feeding bras with stretchy fabrics, wide bands, and soft materials are essential for reducing irritation and accommodating growth. Wireless options are especially popular for ultimate comfort during tender stages.
Support
As breasts grow heavier, proper support becomes non-negotiable. Look for bras with wider straps, reinforced bands, and possibly cups to provide lift and reduce strain on your shoulders and back. For larger busts, underwired bras with soft linings offer added support without discomfort. A maternity sports bra would also be beneficial as bras used for exercise generally have more support.
BABYGO® Postpartum Underwear Sets in Pink and Slate
Practicality
The best bras for pregnancy and postpartum are designed with ease in mind. Nursing maternity bras with clips cups or front poppers make breastfeeding simple, while sleep bras and pumping bras cater to specific needs like nighttime feeding or hands-free pumping.
Material
Soft, breathable, and absorbent materials like bamboo is crucial for both pregnancy and postpartum. It not only helps to prevent irritation and wick away moisture which is great for absorbing milk caused by leaky boobs, but it's also hypoallergenic making it perfect for sensitive skin. Most BABYGO® bras are made from super soft bamboo fabric with new mums and mums to be in mind.
Style
From racerback designs for extra support to v-cut or plunge bras for a flattering fit and low-neckline outfits, there’s a style to suit every preference. Bras with adjustable straps grow with your body, while front-closure options or pull-over sleep bras offer practicality and ease. Stylish lace or patterned bras let you feel confident and put-together, even during motherhood's busiest moments.
BABYGO® Pumping Bra with Racer Back Design
Your Questions Answered
Are nursing bras necessary?
Not technically, but they’re a total game-changer! Imagine fumbling with a regular bra while your baby cries for milk—no thanks. Nursing bras make life easier, offering comfort and quick access. So while you could survive without one, why make things harder?
When should you buy nursing bras?
There's no time like the present, and why not get prepared and ahead of the game? Many mums opt to shop during their second trimester, when their size alters a bit. Bonus: nursing bras work during pregnancy too, so you might as well make the most of it!
Can you wear underwired bras while pregnant or breastfeeding?
You can, but choose wisely. Rigid underwires can press on sensitive breast tissue, potentially causing discomfort or issues like blocked ducts. If you love underwires, go for flexible or specially designed maternity ones. Comfort is the priority!
Can I sleep in a maternity or nursing bra?
Absolutely! Sleep bras are soft, wire-free, and specifically designed for nighttime. They keep nursing pads in place if needed and offer light support, so you’re comfortable without feeling squished.
How can I ensure that my baby is getting enough breast milk?
If your baby has plenty of wet nappies, is gaining weight, and seems content after feeds, you’re doing great! Frequent feeding is normal as babies are little snackers (aren't we all). And if you’re unsure, consult your midwife or health advisor. You’ve got this!
BABYGO® Postpartum Maternity Bra and Postpartum Knickers
Motherhood is a wild ride full of unexpected surprises! From maternity to nursing, sleep to sports, there’s a perfect bra for every stage and every moment.
Remember, your body is doing something truly incredible, so give it the comfort and support it deserves. Whether you’re tackling late-night feeds, sneaking in a quick pump, or just trying to survive the day, the right bra can make it all a little easier!
References
Mother&Baby - https://www.motherandbaby.com/mum/postpartum/bra-fitting-during-pregnancy-and-postpartum/
Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-bra#overview
Such an informative blog! I love how soft the BABYGO bras are and they really are a game changer 😍