Motherhood is an incredible journey, filled with unique stages, from conception to postpartum and beyond. While we prepare for the arrival of our little ones, there's one aspect often overlooked—the transition from regular bras to maternity bras.
Wearing a maternity bra can provide much-needed comfort and support during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Five signs you are ready to start wearing a Maternity Bra
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Breast Discomfort
If you're experiencing breast tenderness, soreness, or discomfort during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, it's a clear indication that your breasts are changing. Maternity bras are designed to provide gentle support and alleviate discomfort.
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Changes in Breast Size in Pregnancy
As your pregnancy progresses, your breasts are likely to increase in size. If you find that your pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit or feel tight around your rib cage and breasts, it's time to transition to a maternity bra with a more accommodating fit.
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Visible Bra Lines or Irritation
If you notice visible bra lines on your skin or experience chafing and irritation due to an ill-fitting bra, it's essential to switch to a maternity bra that offers better support and comfort, as your body's shape changes.
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Breast Leakage
During pregnancy, you may experience breast leakage or colostrum production. Maternity bras often come with nursing pads or built-in pockets to help absorb leaked milk, keeping you dry and comfortable.
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Ready to Breastfeeding
If you plan to breastfeed, it's a good idea to start wearing maternity bras in the later stages of pregnancy. These bras are designed to accommodate nursing pads and have features like nursing clips or drop-down cups, making breastfeeding more convenient and comfortable once your baby arrives.
Breast Changes During Pregnancy:
While we'd love to offer a universal answer, each person is unique, and pregnancy experiences vary widely. Some may notice no changes in their breasts, while others might see transformations early on. Several factors play a role in these changes, including genetics, hormonal shifts, and overall breast health. Here's a general overview of what you might experience:
Early Pregnancy Breast Changes:
Some women notice changes in breast size early in pregnancy, often as a result of increased blood flow and hormones. Breasts may become tender and swell slightly.Later Pregnancy Breast Changes:
As pregnancy progresses, the breasts typically continue to grow and become fuller. By the end of the third trimester, it's common for breasts to be significantly larger than their pre-pregnancy size. This increase in size is partly due to the development of milk ducts and the expansion of mammary tissue in preparation for breastfeeding.Changes to Breasts During Breastfeeding:
- Engorgement: In the first few days after giving birth, breasts can become engorged as the milk comes in. This can cause a temporary significant increase in breast size, making them feel swollen, heavy, and sometimes uncomfortable.
- During Feeding: While breastfeeding, breasts can temporarily enlarge further when your baby feeds as the milk is released. They may feel softer and smaller after a feeding session.
- Between Feeds: The size of your breasts between feedings can vary. Some women experience little change, while others may notice a difference in size or fullness depending on how long it's been since the last feeding or pumping session.
Breast Changes After Weaning:
After you stop breastfeeding, your breasts will go through changes again. This process can take several months and varies from person to person. Some women’s breasts may return to their original size, while others may notice subtle or significant changes.
It’s important to understand that these changes are completely normal and a natural part of the body’s response to pregnancy and breastfeeding. While some breasts return to their pre-pregnancy size and shape, others may experience more lasting changes.
Finding the right support during this time is key to staying comfortable. Unlike regular bras, maternity and nursing bras are specifically designed to accommodate your body's changes from pregnancy through breastfeeding and beyond. Let’s explore why maternity bras are the perfect companion throughout your journey.
Nursing Clips:
One of the most significant distinctions between a regular bra and a nursing bra is the addition of nursing clips. These ingenious clips allow you to effortlessly lower the cup for convenient breastfeeding. At Hotmilk, we offer two types of nursing clips: a one-handed plastic clip for fuss-free feeding and a magnetic clip, discreetly designed in stylish gold and black colours to elevate your everyday attire.
Back Adjustors on Maternity Bras:
While standard bras typically feature three hook and eye adjustors, our nursing bras go above and beyond with six hook and eyes. This feature allows you to extend the band during pregnancy as your baby grows, and later, tighten it once your little one arrives.
Flexi Underwire Nursing Bras:
Flexiwire nursing bras differ from traditional underwire bras. They feature a flexible underwire that adjusts to your changing breast shape. This innovation offers exceptional lift and support without exerting excessive pressure, making them an excellent choice, especially for those with a larger bust. Flexiwire nursing bras can be worn throughout pregnancy and again once feeding is established. We do not suggest wearing a flexi underwire straight after giving birth, during this time opt for a wirefree nursing bra. Explore our range of flexi underwire bras.
Wirefree Nursing Bras:
For those early weeks of breastfeeding when your breasts may feel tender or sensitive, wirefree bras come to the rescue. These bras provide support through their thoughtful design and seam placement, ensuring comfort during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We have a number of great wirefree bras and often find mamas do prefer this style. Explore our range of wirefree nursing bras.
Contoured Nursing Cup Bras:
Contoured cup (t-shirt) bras, padded with fabric or foam, offer superior breast shaping and nipple concealment, giving you the confidence you deserve. The t-shirt bra is all about lift and shape.
Soft Cup Nursing Bras:
Designed without padding or contour, soft cup bras prioritise comfort. Internal seam concealment prevents irritation and ensures the structure and support you need throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Multifit Nursing Bras:
Our multi fit bras stretch across a range of cup sizes, accommodating the ever-changing body of an expectant or breastfeeding mother. They offer flexibility, sometimes spanning up to nine sizes, depending on the style.
A-frame vs Side Sling Nursing Frames:
A-frame feeding construction provides a triangle frame around the top of the breast when the cup is dropped down for feeding. Side sling feeding construction features a 'sling' of fabric on the outer side of the cup, supporting the breast during feeding. Both options offer discreet feeding and skin-on-skin contact with your little one.
At Hotmilk, we've designed our maternity and nursing bras to accompany you long into motherhood. Our discreet nursing clips, stylish designs, six hook and eye back adjusters, and flexible cup sizes make them suitable for wear after birth.
If you're uncertain about your current size or the best shape for your breasts, take our Fit Quiz to discover your perfect nursing bra. Motherhood is a journey, and we're here to ensure you're supported every step of the way.
We have a great blog about what nursing bra to wear during each stage of your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey.
