When to Buy Nursing Bras & How to Fit Them
Ladies, it’s time to talk about bras… specifically, maternity & nursing bras. When to buy them, how to fit them & which ones you’ll need.
With over 18 years’ maternity fashion experience, we’ve learnt a thing or two about the subject. So we’ve put together a complete buyers guide, breaking down everything you need to know. Welcome to maternity bras 101!
Maternity & Nursing Bras – Is there a Difference?
Short answer: No. At Seraphine, all of our bras are made to offer a comfy, flexible fit for pregnancy as well as built-in access for breastfeeding, so you’ll be ready when the time comes.
Check out our full range of maternity & nursing bras online now
When to Buy Nursing Bras
As you may have already discovered, during pregnancy your bra is often the first thing you’ll be ‘busting’ out of… if you’ll excuse the pun!
We suggest buying two sets of maternity bras at different points in your pregnancy…
Set 1 – 2nd Trimester: Generally, your cup size will grow over the first 20 weeks or so of pregnancy, and your rib cage will start to expand after that from 20 weeks onwards.
We recommend buying your first maternity bras at some point in your second trimester, once your cup size is more or less stable.
Set 2 – Final weeks of pregnancy: Your cup size will then grow again when your milk comes in after baby arrives, before settling back to a ‘new normal’ once you establish a breastfeeding routine.
We suggest buying a second set of bras, a couple of weeks before your due date for those final weeks of pregnancy & first weeks of nursing.
Fitting Your Nursing Bras
Set 1: As a good rule of thumb: Add one cup size and one back size onto your usual pre-pregnancy bra size. So if you usually wear a 32C, start by trying a 34D.
These bras should feel comfortably secure on the tightest setting, giving you plenty of room to adjust the fit as you grow.
Set 2: Take your pregnancy bra size, add 1 cup size and subtract 1 back size. So if you are wearing a 34D near the end of your pregnancy, you should try a 32DD for nursing.
These should feel comfortably secure on the loosest setting so that you can adjust the fit as your body settles back to normal.
Which Maternity Bras to Buy
Daytime: We recommend something soft & breathable with a flexible fit & great support (non-underwired is best). Our Bamboo Seamless Maternity & Nursing Bras with elasticized support are a fantastic option.
At Night: Nothing beats our Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bras for comfort & convenience. They’re ultra-soft, with no clips or hooks that could dig in & keep you up at night. They provide the perfect support through pregnancy & the cups simply pull aside for breastfeeding after baby is born.
Something Special: If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, a little lace goes a long way! Our selection of gorgeous lacy maternity bras are expertly crafted with all the shape & support of the everyday bras, plus that little extra confidence boost that comes with wearing sexy lingerie.
Getting Active: Staying active through pregnancy has proven benefits for both you & your baby, so a beautifully fitting maternity sports bra is a must. With easy drop down access for nursing, these are also perfect for when you’re ready to start easing your way back into shape after baby is born.
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful! Once you’ve found your perfect bra, why not check out our nursing collection.