How to find the right maternity bra.

Finding the right size and style of bra to fit your body can be difficult at the best of times but when your body is changing shape during and after pregnancy, it is even more challenging.

A professional bra fitting is always recommended when you are pregnant so you can make sure your breasts are getting the right support. However, due to coronavirus restrictions this service is not currently available to expectant mums.

Happy Parents.Happy Baby spoke to Alma, a bra fitting specialist from Coco-Boo, who answered some questions about how to find the best maternity and nursing bras for your breasts.

When is the right time to get fitted for a maternity bra?

Alma recommends getting measured for your first maternity bra when you are three or four months pregnant because this is when your milk ducts start to develop and wearing a normal underwire bra may become uncomfortable.

She advises getting measured again at seven months for a non-wire bra to take you through the last stage of your pregnancy and the initial postnatal period.

Buying two bras could be a sensible idea at this point so you can make sure you always have one which is clean! This will be especially important when starting to breastfeed because you are likely to experience some leaking.

Once your breasts and diaphragm have started to return to their pre-pregnancy size you should be able to fit back into the bra you bought at three months so it shouldn’t be a wasted purchase.

Can I measure my bust myself if I can’t get to a shop?

Yes, you just need a non-padded bra, mirror, pencil and tape measure.

First, put the tape measure under your breasts and around your back. The tape should be snug so you can’t fit any fingers underneath it. Once you have the measurement refer to the chart below to find out your band size e.g. 30, 32, 34. 

Next, measure across your nipples, the fullest area of your breasts, to get your cup size. Hold the tape measure with one hand so you can use the other to press the tape to your chest between your breasts to get the most accurate measurement. 

To find out your size you need to subtract the band size from the cup size and the chart below will tell you if you are an 34A, B, C and so on.

What types of maternity and nursing bras are there?

Maternity bras will have a number of features which will differ from a traditional bra. They will either be non-wire or have what is called ‘flexi-wire’ which flexes with your body as your diaphragm expands in the latter stages of pregnancy.

The bras will all have six hook and eyes, rather than the usual three. This allows you to loosen the band as your ribcage expands.

New mothers are advised not to wear a flexi-wire bra for the first few weeks after having your baby. Your breasts will be changing size at this time as your milk supply adapts to your baby’s needs and you do not want to risk any milk duct blockages as this could lead to mastitis. 

There are other features nursing bras have which should make life easier when feeding your baby. The bra may have an A-frame which provides a triangle frame around your breast when you drop the cup down to feed. This suits larger busts as it gives more coverage and support. The alternative is a side sling which cradles the bust from the side and offers less coverage but more skin-on-skin contact with your baby.

Most bras will be cotton-lined and have hidden seams to avoid any irritation or chafing.

 As with all things you buy during your pregnancy what really matters is what is comfortable for you and makes you feel good.

:: You can find out more about Coco-Boo at www.coco-boo.co.uk

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