When should l get a Maternity Bra? Helping women from Geelong to Warrnambool make better bra choices.

Your Maternity Bra Questions Answered by JUST LOVELY. Helping women from Warrnambool to Geelong make better bra choices

1. How soon should I be fitted for a Maternity Bra? A. No two pregnancies are alike, and wearing a maternity bra in the early stages of pregnancy is optional. Most important is that you are fitted for a new bra as soon as there is a noticeable increase in size of the bust, which occurs as weight increases over time. The skin of the breast begins to stretch and the increased weight allows the breast to drop, which results in the change of bust size. While every woman’s development is different, we find that bust changes occur around the 3^rd to 4^th month of pregnancy. While there are many different bra options available on the market for women who are pregnant, a professional fitting will help you understand your shape and level of support needed.

1. How big will my breasts grow during pregnancy? Every woman is different. It is not uncommon for a woman to go up 2-4 band sizes and 2-4 cup sizes in pregnancy. The only way to know is to check your fit at 3 – 4 months, and then again at 7 months, when generally speaking, bust size has stabilised. If a bra feels restrictive at any time, we’d advise that you return or contact the shop or online store where you purchased and speak to someone about the restrictions you are experiencing.
2. How often should I have my fitting checked? A. Depending on bust development, you should have another fitting at approximately 7 months.
3. How many maternity bras do I need? We generally find that most women need at least 3 bras from pregnancy to delivery. Another way to think about it: one in the wash, one in the drawer, one on the body.
4. Can I wear an underwire bra during pregnancy? A. Again, every woman’s body is different. Your GP or midwife may offer you specific recommendations regarding your body and needs. However, the general advice is not to wear a traditional underwire bra after around 3-4 months, when breast changes occur. This is when we recommend you stop wearing a traditional underwire bra as it can place pressure on milk ducts and soft tissue, potentially blocking milk flow and leading to nasty infections. Traditional  underwire bra bands also do not properly accommodate the diaphragm growth that occurs during pregnancy. Flexiwire maternity bras have been developed and these are reasonable options for pregnant women, however it is most important to be fitted for any type of maternity to give yourself the proper support.

1. Should I wear my maternity bra while sleeping? A. If you are feeling uncomfortable you should wear a maternity bra. Wear a maternity bra that stretches with your movements. It is especially handy for those night time feeds.
2. How long should I wear my maternity bra following delivery, even if I’m not planning to breastfeed? A. For approximately six weeks following the birth of your baby, you will still need the support of your maternity bra for your breasts, shoulders, neck and back.
3. I’ve finished breastfeeding my baby. When can I wear an underwire bra again? A. We recommend that you wait 3-4 weeks from the time of your complete, final feed of baby. No feeds at all. We’d love to help from this point on.

Please feel free to come in and discuss any questions you may have.

Just Lovely, Colac. Helping mothers slip into motherhood comfortably