When to buy a nursing bra? Buying a nursing bra is an age-old dilemma for pregnant women. Is it best to buy a nursing bra during late pregnancy or after giving birth?
And does size really matter? Here’s what you need to know about when to buy a nursing bra.
Buy at Least One Nursing Bra in Your Third Trimester
It is generally recommended that pregnant women purchase their first nursing bra sometime in their third trimester, or around the 28th week of pregnancy.
At this point, you will have started to experience increases in your bust size and may begin wearing extra support while sleeping or during the day.
It is important to find a supportive, comfortable and adjustable nursing bra that provides enough room for milk production when it comes time to breastfeed.
Buy During Postpartum
Once you have given birth, you can start looking for another supportive and comfortable nursing bra.
As your breasts adjust postpartum, sizes may fluctuate due to different levels of milk production and increased swelling.
Make sure the should straps don’t dig into your shoulders and look for bras with adjustable straps if possible – this allows you to adjust tightness as needed throughout breastfeeding sessions and changing sizes.
Look For Soft and Breathable Fabrics
When shopping for bras, look for ones made of soft elastic materials such as cotton or cotton blend fabric that stretch easily over the bust without any uncomfortable constricting feeling.
Tapered straps are recommended as they distribute weight evenly from the centre of your chest rather than the sides which can cause additional discomfort when breastfeeding.
Avoid any material that is too tight on your body or restricts movement such as spandex or synthetic fibres so that feedings are smooth and safe every time Far from being constrained by regular sizing rules, each body type will require its own set of dimensions according to cup size and rib circumference measurements.
Plus whatever special needs (e.g., extra support) that you might have based on personal preferences! Guided by these nurse-recommended aspects, pick out the right cut & fit combination that feels most comfortable on you before commitment!
Knowing when to buy a nursing bra may depend on your budget, but typically, you’ll want to purchase a bra before the fourth month of pregnancy.
Shop During Your Second Trimester
It’s recommended that you shop for a nursing bra during your second trimester.
The reason for this is because by this time in your pregnancy, you will have likely outgrown regular bras and will need additional support.
You should also wait until after 20 weeks of pregnancy so that you can get an accurate fit since most women experience significant changes to their breasts throughout the third trimester.
Choose a Bra with Fit Options
An adjustable fit is key for finding a comfortable nursing bra; some maternity bras come with adjustable straps or hook closures so that you can adjust the size as needed during your pregnancy journey and postpartum recovery.
Multiple hook options in the back are also great for accommodating fluctuations in breast size both during pregnancy and postpartum due to milk supply or other factors such as air temperature or exercise intensity.
Invest in Quality Material
When it comes to choosing the best material for a nursing bra, look for breathable fabrics like cotton over synthetics which can restrict airflow and cause irritation next to sensitive skin.
Also look out for light padding or cups made with spandex because they will provide supportive stretch without adding too much weight which could cause discomfort while breastfeeding.
Additionally, make sure that all hardware used on the bra is nickel-free since some moms may be sensitive to common metals used in standard closures such as steel.
Go up a Cup Size
When selecting the right cup size, many women find it helpful to go up one cup size from their usual pre-pregnancy size but still adhere to properly fitted measurements found through band length testing.
Most retailers recommend going up one cup size so that there’s more room when lactating — especially if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding.
But remember not too much extra room as this can signify an ill fit overall.
Get Correctly Fitted
Nowadays there are professional fitters who specialize in lingerie items and maternity wear who can help guide you through the fitting process if needed.
Websites such as Bravado Designs even offer virtual sessions so pregnant mothers can chat remotely with these professionals via video chat services like Skype or Zoom (depending on location).
These sessions often last anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour depending on what kind of information is being discussed—including possible measurement discrepancies compared against regular sizing charts associated with different brands.
But they do provide an essential level of personified support which online stores don’t typically offer themselves otherwise.
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