How to choose your nursing bra in the right size?
Baby is arriving soon and you still don’t know which maternity bra to choose and especially which size will suit you? Smoon guides you step by step to be sure to choose the nursing bralette or bra that will allow you to breastfeed with peace of mind.
Choosing your nursing bra in the right size: why it’s important
For expectant mothers who want to breastfeed, choosing a nursing bra is a real step in preparing for your baby’s birth. From the first milk letdown at the maternity ward, it is very important that you have the right nursing bra size, with a model that suits:- to your chest
- and your needs as a new mom.
Whether you usually wear a bra or not, choose lingerie that fits your size; indeed, breasts undergo many changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and a bra designed specifically for this period of life provides protective support for your chest and will reduce the risk of damage. So don’t wait until the last month of pregnancy to choose your maternity and nursing bra! Luckily: in addition to its menstrual panties, Smoon now offers its postpartum range including postpartum menstrual panties!
Choosing your nursing bra based on the right criteria
Not sure where to start or how to do it? Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you and give you advice on choosing the right nursing bra model. We know how these moments in a woman’s life raise many questions, so let yourself be guided and you’ll soon be an expert on:- support
- measurement
- nursing bra sizes
- cups
- nursing pads
- underwires (or not)
What is the use of a nursing bra?
Comfort and support
From the first months of pregnancy until the end of your child’s breastfeeding, the breasts of expectant and new mothers undergo changes that can cause:- tugging sensations
- pain
- and real discomfort.
Practicality
A baby nurses between 6 and 10 times a day – and at night! – especially at the start of breastfeeding. Wearing a suitable bra model offers easy access to the breasts thanks to a special opening system that allows you to feed your baby easily and discreetly.Protection and aesthetics
All expectant mothers share the same concern: stretch marks. Wearing suitable lingerie during your pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the right cup and size, is the best way to prevent skin sagging and thus minimize the risk of stretch marks. It also helps maintain a beautiful breast shape and feel good in your body during a time in a woman’s life when it’s not always easy to do so.What criteria to choose the right maternity bra?
Depending on your bust and needs, there are several models of nursing bras.What level of support?
You will find nursing lingerie with varying levels of support. Choose the one that seems appropriate based on your breast size. If your size is already large before pregnancy, opt for stronger support, as your breasts are likely to become heavy quickly. If, on the other hand, you have a smaller bust, you can choose lighter nursing bras or bralettes.With or without underwires?
This is a common question for maternity and nursing lingerie. Of course, underwires provide more support and a flattering breast shape. However, make sure they are wide enough and fully cover the breast. If they’re too small, they may press too hard on your breasts, cause pain, and even trigger unexpected milk letdowns! At night, opt for a wireless nursing bra or a comfortable bralette.Which fabrics should you choose for nursing bras?
Models made with soft and stretchy fabrics are obviously best for your nursing lingerie. This will prevent itching and other discomforts that you’d rather avoid during this phase of your life as a woman!How to choose the right size nursing bra?
We recommend buying nursing lingerie during your pregnancy to get the most out of your purchase. However, don’t invest too early either, as your bust size will noticeably change during pregnancy and even afterward. Also, know that nursing bras and bralettes are designed with extra hooks in the back to allow for better size adjustment.How to accurately measure your bust when pregnant or breastfeeding
It’s not always easy to know how to measure your bust under normal circumstances, and it’s even harder during pregnancy or breastfeeding because of:- weight fluctuations
- increase in breast size
- milk letdowns.
- Take your measurements about every two months to be sure you haven’t changed size too much.
- Underbust measurement: wrap a measuring tape under your bust. Hold it snugly without tightening too much to take the measurement. This gives you the number of centimeters.
- Chest measurement: wrap a measuring tape from one nipple to the other. Hold it snugly but not too tight. This gives you a number in centimeters corresponding to a cup size (using the size chart)
How to know if a maternity bra fits well?
Too much breast compression can cause milk letdown or even engorgement. It is therefore very important that your nursing bra model fits well and supports your breasts without compressing them. If you feel discomfort or even pain that can cause large red marks along the bra seams, it’s probably too tight and you should consider changing size.How to use a nursing bra?
When to wear a nursing bra?
Feeding your baby will be one of your main activities for many weeks. The simplest and most practical thing is to wear suitable lingerie all the time, at least during the first months, when your child is breastfeeding on demand and your breasts are undergoing many changes.A bra at night or not?
It is common for women not to wear a bra at night. It’s a bit different when breastfeeding, for several reasons. First, because it’s not uncommon to have milk leaks during the night, which quickly become very uncomfortable or even embarrassing. It’s therefore useful to have nursing pads to absorb them, and these pads are much easier to place in a suitable bra or nursing top. Next, because breasts change quickly and can be painful, especially during the early stages of breastfeeding. Wearing a nursing bra or top helps better support them and reduce this nighttime discomfort. You’ll have many other reasons to sleep poorly during this period, so it’s best to choose comfortable clothing! As we’ve already said, opt for a wire-free nursing bra to sleep in at night.How many bras should you plan for?
If you wear your nursing lingerie day and night as we recommend, it may wear out faster than your regular lingerie. Especially since milk leaks are common, and it will often get stained and need washing. Plan to have three or four lingerie pieces in your wardrobe so you can change regularly without any hassle. In your first months as a new mom, you might not always have time to think about laundry! This allows you to vary styles, pleasures, and looks:- balconette bra
- with or without underwire
- bralette
- solid or patterned styles…
