Maternity bras

Maternity bras, also sometimes called nursing bras, are supportive bras with cups which clip open and closed at the front, to enable easy breastfeeding. Women who are not planning to breastfeed their baby may simply wear a bigger, more comfortable normal bra. Although you will not start breastfeeding until your baby is born, and thus will not need the easy-open cups until that time, there are many reasons why you may choose to start wearing a maternity bra during pregnancy. Even if you are not intending to breastfeed, your breasts will start producing breastmilk during pregnancy, and as they do so, they will increase in size. Sooner or later, you’ll probably have no choice but to buy a new, slightly larger bra and if you need a new bra anyway, it may be a good time to invest in a proper maternity bra.

The right maternity bra should not only feel great to wear, it should also minimise any breast symptoms you experience during pregnancy and give your breasts, which will get bigger as you progress through your pregnancy, all the support they need.

Maternity bras for relieving the breast symptoms of pregnancy and breastfeeding

Breasts undergo many changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding such as becoming sore and enlarged. Wearing a good fitting maternity bra can help relieve some of this discomfort and make it simpler to deal with leaking breasts. Find out more about maternity bras for relieving the breast symptoms of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Buying maternity bras

You’ll probably need 2-3 maternity bras to see you through pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you’ll find them at most department stores and lingerie shops. But how do you decide which maternity bra fits best and is the right one for you? Find out more about buying maternity bras.

When to wear a maternity bra

Maternity bras are specially designed to support breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When you decide to start wearing one depends on your breasts. Find out more about when to wear a maternity bra.

Breast and maternity bra care during pregnancy

Maternity bras and the breasts they support both need care and attention during breastfeeding, to prevent complications like cracked nipples and pain. Find out more about caring for your breasts and maternity bras in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

References

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3. Exercise during pregnancy (online). Washington, DC: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; August 2011 (cited 24 August 2013). Available from: (PDF File)
4. Packing for the hospital or birth center (online). Irving, TX: American Pregnancy Association; January 2013 (cited 24 August 2013). Available from: (URL link)
5. Breast changes during and after pregnancy (online). London: Breast Cancer Care; March 2012 (cited 24 August 2013). Available from: (PDF File)
6. Ricci SS, Kyle T. Maternity and pediatric nursing. China: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2009. (URL link)
7. Postnatal care in the first week guideline (online). Clayton, VIC: Southern Health; September 2010 (cited 24 August 2013). Available from: (PDF File)
8. Mayo Clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy. Intercourse, PA: Good Books; 2011. (URL Link)