Are you feeling a bit confused by the world of maternity and nursing bras? We totally get it! The amount of information for expecting mamas to take in can be overwhelming. To reduce the overwhelm and keep it simple, we've put together the ultimate guide to finding the perfect maternity and nursing bras.
Why Maternity Bras Matter
Let's start with maternity bras. As your body changes throughout pregnancy, so do your breasts. They might become tender, swollen, or just downright unpredictable. That's where maternity bras come in. Designed with extra stretch and in soft fabrics, these bras accommodate the rapid changes happening to your body. Our Emmy Nursing Bra has been designed by mamas who have navigated their own pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys (five times!), so we like to think it's up there with some of the best on the market. Made from buttery soft, stretchy bamboo, the Emmy Nursing Bra is the perfect balance of comfort and beauty.
Nursing Bras: A Breastfeeding Essential
Now, let's talk about nursing bras. Once your little one arrives, you'll quickly realise that easy access is key when it comes to breastfeeding. But, it doesn't just end there. Things like nursing clips that are easy and fast to unlatch (trust us, every second counts when you have a hungry baby crying!) and soft fabrics that don't dig in are also key. Our Emmy Nursing Bra ticks all of these boxes.
How Many Nursing Bras Do I Actually Need?
Okay, now you know why nursing bras are important and which features to look out for, but how many nursing bras will you actually need? This is a question we get asked repeatedly. We like to suggest that mamas invest in a minimum of four nursing bras. Here's our logic: One for the day, one for the night, one in the wash and one on standby (trust us, there will be times where you get covered in milk and/or baby spew and need to change your bra as well as your clothes!).
Finding the Perfect Fit
When it comes to maternity and nursing bras, size matters more than ever. Tight bras can contribute to mastitis (ouch!) and loose bras are downright uncomfortable. But how do you go about buying a particular size when your breast size is changing all the time? The key to finding a maternity and nursing bra that will go the distance is investing in a quality piece that has a decent amount of stretch to accommodate the rib expansion and breast growth you will experience throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Measure yourself at home using a fabric measuring tape and compare your measurements to our size chart. We cannot stress enough how important it is to actually measure yourself, and not just buy the size you have always worn. A staggering 81% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, we don't want you to be one of them!
Tips for Shopping Online
Now that you know the ins and outs of maternity and nursing bras, it's time to go shopping. But with so many options out there, how do you know where to start? Start by doing your research – read reviews (ours can be found here), check size charts (here), and don't be afraid to ask questions (DM us on Instagram - we love chatting to other mamas!).
There's a perfect bra out there for every mama that will not only support your pregnancy and postpartum body, but also your confidence – and we're here to help you find it.