Maternity Bras... no longer need to be dull!
One of the things I hated most during my pregnancies was the incredibly dull maternity and nursing bras. Back with my first, second and third the choice was white... or white. Nothing nice in sight. I remember when I finished breastfeeding all of my children, one of the things I really looked forward to was getting nice, sexy underwear again. It was one of the few things I really hated about breastfeeding, wearing ugly 'boulder holders'.
Well those days are long gone. With fantastic ranges from HotMilk and Cake Lingerie - being pregnant or breastfeeding no longer means wearing dull ugly bras! These ranges are just so lovely, you would barely know they were maternity or nursing bras. It is a little known secret that most of the Baba me staff {the female ones!}, have all purchased some of the bras.. and only one of them is pregnant!
But it is REALLY IMPORTANT to get the fit right and get it measured often.
When will I need a maternity bra?
Sooner than you think! Many moms may not realise that they need a maternity bra from very early on in pregnancy, usually about 12 weeks. Most people advise getting fitted at 12 weeks and then again later, usually 6 months or whenever your bra starts to feel uncomfortable. A maternity bra helps support the delicate tissue of your breasts and also help support the additional weight - your breasts can gain up to 10lbs!!
At 36 weeks we recommend getting fitted for your nursing bra.
In our Baba Me Baby Store in Newry, our staff who have been specially trained to fit you professionally throughout your pregnancy and during nursing. Pop in and ask for a special one to one fitting service. If you cannot pop into us in Newry, try the following tips.
Maternity Bra Fitting Tips
Band Measurement
Take the measurement in inches under the bust to give the band size. Traditionally you would needed to add 4 to this but most modern bras you do not need to do this, although you will need to confirm with each brand.
To measure under the bust, measure around your rib cage putting the tape under your arms and snug under your breasts.
Cup Size
Take the measurement in inches at the fullest part of the bust, measuring across your back to the largest part of the bust. Do not pull or restrict your breasts in any manner whilst taking this measurement.
Work out the difference between the band and the bust measurement.
For each inch in difference, add a cup size. Eg 0 inch = A, 1 inch = B, 2 inches = C, 3 inches = D, 4 inches = DD, 6 inches = E.
Nursing Bra
To measure for a nursing bra whilst pregnant do it no earlier than 36 weeks. Then add in a pair of breastpads and go for the biggest fitting, and allow plenty of room for your breasts to go.
Then Check:
Every brand is different so whilst the above are good guidelines, it is important to try every bra on and check the following:
1. No tissue is spilling out over the breasts.
2. The bra is not uncomfortable and is not too tight – this can cause mastitis is nursing mothers.
3. The bra should not ride up your back (the band is too big).
4. No pulling on hook and loop fixtures (the band is too small).
5. The straps should be in a nice V shape.
6. If the fabric is sagging around the breasts, go down a cup size.
7. If the breasts are overhanging go up a cup size!
8. For the correct cup size you should be able to put 2 fingers under the underarm and straps, the band and the cup.
Well those days are long gone. With fantastic ranges from HotMilk and Cake Lingerie - being pregnant or breastfeeding no longer means wearing dull ugly bras! These ranges are just so lovely, you would barely know they were maternity or nursing bras. It is a little known secret that most of the Baba me staff {the female ones!}, have all purchased some of the bras.. and only one of them is pregnant!
But it is REALLY IMPORTANT to get the fit right and get it measured often.
When will I need a maternity bra?
Sooner than you think! Many moms may not realise that they need a maternity bra from very early on in pregnancy, usually about 12 weeks. Most people advise getting fitted at 12 weeks and then again later, usually 6 months or whenever your bra starts to feel uncomfortable. A maternity bra helps support the delicate tissue of your breasts and also help support the additional weight - your breasts can gain up to 10lbs!!
At 36 weeks we recommend getting fitted for your nursing bra.
In our Baba Me Baby Store in Newry, our staff who have been specially trained to fit you professionally throughout your pregnancy and during nursing. Pop in and ask for a special one to one fitting service. If you cannot pop into us in Newry, try the following tips.
Maternity Bra Fitting Tips
Band Measurement
Take the measurement in inches under the bust to give the band size. Traditionally you would needed to add 4 to this but most modern bras you do not need to do this, although you will need to confirm with each brand.
To measure under the bust, measure around your rib cage putting the tape under your arms and snug under your breasts.
Cup Size
Take the measurement in inches at the fullest part of the bust, measuring across your back to the largest part of the bust. Do not pull or restrict your breasts in any manner whilst taking this measurement.
Work out the difference between the band and the bust measurement.
For each inch in difference, add a cup size. Eg 0 inch = A, 1 inch = B, 2 inches = C, 3 inches = D, 4 inches = DD, 6 inches = E.
Nursing Bra
To measure for a nursing bra whilst pregnant do it no earlier than 36 weeks. Then add in a pair of breastpads and go for the biggest fitting, and allow plenty of room for your breasts to go.
Then Check:
Every brand is different so whilst the above are good guidelines, it is important to try every bra on and check the following:
1. No tissue is spilling out over the breasts.
2. The bra is not uncomfortable and is not too tight – this can cause mastitis is nursing mothers.
3. The bra should not ride up your back (the band is too big).
4. No pulling on hook and loop fixtures (the band is too small).
5. The straps should be in a nice V shape.
6. If the fabric is sagging around the breasts, go down a cup size.
7. If the breasts are overhanging go up a cup size!
8. For the correct cup size you should be able to put 2 fingers under the underarm and straps, the band and the cup.
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