Fitting Tips for Maternity and Nursing Bras

Did you know that approx 80% of women wear the wrong size bra! And whilst you are pregnant and nursing it is even more important to get the fit right to allow your bust to grow healthily. Below are some fitting tips for Maternity and Nursing Bras.

Fitting Tips for Maternity Bras

Maternity Bras are simply bras that you wear whilst you are pregnant. They are designed to give you a little more support as your bust grows. But don't worry, they can still be pretty, and can even have wires!

• For Maternity bras you should allow a little bit of room for growth in the cup, enough to fit your hand in. And you should ensure that the Maternity Bra fits snugly when fastened on the tightest hook and eye setting. This is so that as your rib cage expands, you are able to loosen the bra.
• At Eloise Mama, we would recommend that you get fitted every 6-8 weeks especially if you choose to wear underwired Maternity Bras throughout your pregnancy. This is to make sure that the wire is not constricting any of the delicate tissues or glands in your growing bust. Even if you don't feel that you have changed, you should make sure you get fitted every couple of months.
• Some of our Maternity Bras feature nursing / feeding clips. These are fine to wear throughout your pregnancy, however please note that you will not be the same bra size for the duration of your pregnancy and may be significantly larger when nursing.

Fitting Tips for Nursing / Feeding Bras

Nursing Bras feature clips that attach the cup to the supportive sling inside. These clips allow you to nurse easily and discreetly, and can be undone with one hand while you cradle your baby.

• Try to be fitted for your Nursing Bra as close to 38 weeks as possible, this will give the fitter the best estimate of your bra size for when you come to nurse your baby.
• The Nursing Bra will be firmer around your under bust as the ribs shrink back, but the cup size will be 1 to 2 sizes larger as your milk comes in.
• The hook and eyes will be fastened on the loosest setting so that as your rib cage shrinks, and the bra loosens with age you can easily tighten the bra up to make sure you are comfortable and supported.
• The Nursing Bra will have plenty of stretch in the cup as your bust will increase and decrease throughout the day, as well as for breast pads.
• We recommend you have at least three nursing bras so you have one to wear, one in the wash, and one in the drawer!

Eloise Mama offer a specialist fitting service for pregnant and nursing mothers. Contact us for a free appointment.