Maternity bras are now available in a range of styles, so whether you’re after a basic soft cup, a sexy lace number or a supportive sports one, there’s a perfect maternity bra for every occasion.
Here’s what you need to know about buying a maternity bra:
Finding the right fit
Most breast changes occur between the first third to fourth months of pregnancy so this is a good time to be fitted for a maternity bra. Keep in mind, you may also need to go for another fitting once your milk comes in and your breastfeeding.
A maternity bra is the same as a nursing or feeding bra. When trying on different styles, practice opening and closing the bra cup as when it comes to feeding you want one that’s easy to use.
According to CHOICE, you know you’re wearing the right maternity bra if:
- your breasts should sit fully inside the cups. Nothing should be spilling out of the top or sides.
& wide underbust elastic should fit firmly around your ribcage.
the back band should be fastened on one of the tighter hooks if purchased earlier on in your pregnancy to allow for your ribcage to expand.
the back band should be fastened on the loosest hooks if purchased closer to your due date so it can be tightened when your ribcage begins to contract after birth.
straps should feel comfortable on your shoulders – not too tight or loose.
nursing clips should be easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand. (Don’t forget you’ll be holding a hungry baby in the other!)
Are underwire bras safe?
The Australian Breastfeeding Association advises against wearing an underwire bra, especially when breastfeeding a extra pressure from rigid wires may restrict breast movement and increase the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis.
Some maternity bras include flexible low-gauge wire (or flexiwire) which provides similar support to regular underwire but is designed to flex with your changing shape.
Read on as Bounty Editors reveal the best maternity bras…
The goal of the Hotmilk range is to create an exquisitely sophisticated nursing lingerie brand – empowering, feminine, practical and SEXY!
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The Hotmilk Lingerie range, from $49.95. Pregnant or breastfeeding? You don’t need to ditch the sexy underwear with this line of stylish and practical maternity bras that you’ll actually want to wear.
Choose the Triumph Gorgeous Mama bra for support and comfort.
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The Triumph Gorgeous Mama, $49.95 features drop-down cups and convertible shoulder straps that can be worn standard or crossed for support.
This nursing bra provides a smooth contour, so it’s perfect to wear under a T-shirt.
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The Medela Maternity & Nursing Bra, $36.95, is a seamless and comfortable bra to wear during the early stages of nursing. Created in a stretchy, seam free fabric.
The GelWire™ bra is the only “underwire” bra recommended by lactation consultants.
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The Cariwell Seamless GelWire Nursing Bra, $99.95, features incredibly flexible Gelwire™ to give you support while still being soft and comfortable to wear.
The Everyday Maternity Bra will gently mould to your body, feeling like a comfortable second skin.
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The New Beginnings Everyday Maternity Bra, $49.95, features breathable double layer fabric for ultimate comfort and functionality.
