Monday, January 24, 2011

An Expectant Mother's Guide To Choosing A Nursing Bra

By Anna Lawson


For many expectant mothers, clothes shopping can be fun and exciting. While a woman is picking out new pants, shirts, skirts and other clothes she also needs to take time and consider buying a maternity or nursing bra and underwear as well. This will mean that she is comfortable and has the support she needs to look her best while she is expecting and breastfeeding.

Women often underestimate how much their bodies will change during pregnancy. Many of these changes take place in the abdominal region and in the breasts. Because of this, it is not unusual for a woman to need to purchase new undergarments as she prepares for the birth of her child.

Although breastfeeding brassieres can be worn during pregnancy, there are differences between maternity and nursing models. While both are built for support, comfort and modesty, models that are made for nursing are designed so that a woman can un-clip the cup and open it in order to let the baby have access to the breast.

If you normally wear a bra that does not fit properly, the time during pregnancy and immediately during postpartum is not one that you should ignore. It is at this time, when a woman's breasts are much larger, heavier and tenderer than they may be at any other time that she needs a brassiere that fits well and provides great support. Check for wide, comfortable straps, a back band that does not ride up and cups that are soft and comfortable. It should not be necessary to tuck the breasts into the cups and there should be no tissue spilling out of the tops or sides.

Many women find that they end up buying two different bra sizes. One generally comes in late pregnancy. The breasts have started to grow and are likely fuller than they were before conception. Although a woman may think that this is the largest her breasts will get, she may be surprised when her milk supply fully comes in. Some new mothers may find that they increase by as much as a cup size and will need to purchase larger bras because of this.

Women may worry that they will not be able to find models that suit their personal style. There are nursing versions of many different bras. Some examples include sports styles that have fuller coverage and thicker straps, under wire models that have beautiful fabrics and lots of lace, and full-cup models that provide comfort and support for women with larger breasts. If you like the idea of a model that has an under wire, you want to make sure that it does not pinch or compress your milk ducts since this can interfere with breastfeeding.

Many women overlook the importance of trying on bras before purchasing them. There are a few tests that you need to do with a nursing bra. You need to make sure that you can open the flaps one handed. Some may be difficult to do. Remember that you will usually be holding a baby in one hand while you try and undo the flap with the other. As well, make sure that a large portion of the nipple and surrounding breast tissue can be seen through the opening. This can make it easier for new babies to determine where they are supposed to latch on.

There are many different places that you can find a nursing bra. Many women think that the only place to find them is in a maternity store but they can also be found in department stores, some lingerie stores and on websites that offer maternity clothing and undergarments. Wherever you buy them, it is important to try them on, especially if it is a style or model that you have never purchased before. Once you know the right size you can begin to look for bras that make you look and feel beautiful and feminine.




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