During your pregnancy, everything changes, from a newfound nesting obsession to using your belly as a table. And don’t forget your breasts - when you think they’ve changed shape for the last time, they change again. Gone are the days of the ugly, styleless maternity bras. Today there are so many styles, forms, and designs to choose from that it can become a little overwhelming and confusing.
We have spoken to DeBra’s Senior Fitting Consultants, who have shared tips for buying maternity bras to help you along the way.
Debra's Maternity Bra Guide
Timing Is Everything
There is no hard science as to when is the right time for a maternity bra, as every woman is different and develops differently during pregnancy. We’re all different, so when it comes to the best time to find your maternity bra, it’s a ‘you kind of thing’. There are some facts to bear in mind in terms of timing. Your breasts get busy gearing up for lactation early in pregnancy. Most changes in the breast usually happen within the first ten weeks; however, you should listen to your body. You’ll feel and know when you’re growing out of your regular bra.
Within four months of gestation, your breasts will have adapted and done most of their changing. If you haven’t already needed to, this is a great time to get professionally fitted. The key to a great maternity bra is buying one that works now; if it’s too big or too small, it’s useless. It would help if you had the proper comfort and support now, not later.
The breasts start to prepare for lactation quite early in most pregnancies. Around 16 weeks gestation is when most changes to the breast have occurred and is a recommended time to get fitted.
Your Body Knows The Best
Maternity bras might not be for you, and we are not here to change your mind. As your body changes through your pregnancy, you may feel your breasts becoming heavier. If you find wearing a bra, in general, to be annoying and limiting, you may not be filled with joy at the thought of buying a maternity bra. But until you find the right bra, they’ll always feel wrong. During pregnancy, wearing a bra can save your breast tissues from stretching and the resulting sag. On the flip side, if you get a poor fit, you may experience strain in your shoulders, neck and back, resulting in damaged breast tissue.
A Seamless Decision
The fewer seams, the better. To steer clear of chafing around your nipples, choose a bra without seams of stitches across them. Maternity bras have cup linings made from cotton or natural fibres, which is good for ouchy, sensitive boobs. If you want to sleep in your maternity bra – they can be a bed-friendly option if your breasts hurt while you’re lying down due to hormonal shifts and fluid build-up. Go for a great sleep bra like the Sugar Candy Fuller Bust Nursing Bra. If you’re reluctant to try a maternity bra or a maternity singlet, try the Toffee Nursing Tank: all the support without the seams.
Find Fiddly-free
Not all maternity bras are Bridget Jones-y; all structure and no style. There are plenty of choices now, and they’re beautiful too. It’s important to feel like you, so pick the look to boost your breasts and sense of self. Go for something with easy closures because – who’s got time for all the fiddling? Make sure they function like a finely oiled machine; practise opening and closing the tabs and bra flaps. You’ll be doing this a lot, so it needs to work for you.
A Growing Solution
Maternity bra sizing is the same as for regular bras. But – your boobs won’t be, so a fab fit is a key to comfort. Fingers crossed, if you get your maternity bra fitted at the right time in your pregnancy, you may only need to shop once. But more often than not, your breasts will tell you if your bra is getting too small, so get ready to go bra-shopping more than once. If you buy in trimester one or two, the tail end of your pregnancy may see you back for another bra. Maternity bras are unique – they have up to seven rows of hooks at the back, so they can extend as your baby grows and pushes everything up. Then after bub is born, you can tighten it up again.
We Have Helped Thousands Of Women
Check out DeBra’s Maternity Bra collection. If you’re not confident about buying a maternity bra online, DeBra’s offers a Virtual (Zoom) Fitting service, phone consultations or support on live chat, so you can stay at home and still get the best bra for your changing breasts. Don’t let sizing uncertainty stop your boobs from being snug and supported. DeBra’s can help online and in person.
Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our Live Chat customer service team during business hours.
