How to Choose a Pregnancy Bra That Lasts Beyond Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, usually around the second trimester, you might feel like the regular bra you are wearing is now too tight or uncomfortable. This is a sure sign that it’s now time to get yourself some pregnancy or maternity bras.

But what happens beyond pregnancy? 

Mummy Isabel at 28 weeks pregnant, wearing Chloe Dream Love Organic Bra.

No longer using the maternity bras after just a few months seems wasteful and inconvenient. Here’s how you can choose the right maternity bras that will last you through your pregnancy and beyond.

Do you really need a maternity bra during pregnancy?

Some women might feel that once your regular bra is tight, you can simply get a regular bra in a bigger size. However, this doesn’t work. A regular bra is not designed to give your breasts the support and comfort they need when you go through physical changes due to pregnancy and early motherhood.

A maternity bra, on the other hand, gives you good support and also has a soft fabric that is gentle on your sensitive skin and nipples. These bras are stretchable and thus have room for growing breasts. Your breasts might continue to grow larger throughout pregnancy and after childbirth when the milk comes in.

How to choose a maternity bra that lasts longer?

Here are a few tips to choose a maternity bra during pregnancy that will last beyond pregnancy too.

1. Choose a bra with nursing access.

Some nursing bras are designed to be worn during pregnancy, too. These are ideal since they support you during breastfeeding, too. All the bras at Lovemère are handcrafted to provide comfort and support during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding. For example, the Lovemère Seamless Nursing Bra is a versatile bra that can be worn right from pregnancy to breastfeeding.

Flat lay of Lovemère Seamless Nursing Bra.

2. Look for stretchable fabrics.

Maternity bras that are made from stretchable fabrics don’t become unusable when your breasts grow. Instead, they make room for your breasts to change comfortably. Regular bras are made from synthetic fabrics that don’t have enough stretch.

At Lovemère, the fabric is responsibly sourced and is a blend of the softest cotton to give you optimum comfort and stretch.

 
3. Choose good quality bras.

Soft, stretchable, breathable fabric of good quality will ensure your bras last longer. Bras tend to lose their elasticity with usage. But good quality fabrics and elastic will ensure that your bras will support you even beyond pregnancy. When the milk comes in, your breasts feel heavy when they are full. After the baby has fed, the breast size might reduce a little. Stretchable fabric will support the breasts in all cases.

4. Straps of the bra matter, too.

When you choose maternity bras, pay attention to the straps, too. A wide underband will stay flat against your body and will help retain shape even when the breast size increases. Similarly, the shoulder straps should be adjustable so as to loosen or tighten depending on the variations in the breast size. The elastic used in the straps should be of high quality so that the straps don’t become loose due to usage.

Unclasping of Love, Juliette Nursing Bralette.

5. Take good care of your maternity bras.

A little care goes a long way in making your maternity bras give you good mileage. Simple changes such as using a mild detergent and drying the bras on a flat surface help improve the longevity of the fabric and the elasticity. Also, whenever possible, handwash your bras. If you have to machine wash, consider using a laundry mesh.

Always store washed bras in a clean and dry lingerie drawer. Used bras, especially if they have milk stains on them, should never be put away in a dark or damp place since they can develop mould.

Read more tips here.

Choosing the right maternity bra

• Here are a few tips to help you choose the right bra to wear during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding.
  
  
• Choose cups that offer full coverage.
  
  
• Avoid underwires.
  
  
• Light padding or removable padding is good since it offers a soft cover for the nipples.
  
  
• The bra should not ride up at the back.
  
  
• Your maternity bra shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. You should be able to stick in two fingers under the shoulder straps and the underband.  

Do you need a maternity bra even if you don't plan on breastfeeding?

Even if you don’t plan on breastfeeding, your breasts still need support. During pregnancy when the breasts grow, a maternity nursing bra will help you reduce the discomfort and soreness in the breasts.

Similarly, after childbirth, as a natural process, your breasts will start producing milk. A maternity bra will have enough room to insert breast pads to absorb leaking milk.

Mummy Rachel and Isabel wearing Chloe Dream Love Organic Bra.

If you decide on pumping, your breasts will go through similar changes such as during breastfeeding. To prevent sagging breasts and retain the shape of the breasts throughout pregnancy and beyond, a maternity or nursing bra is ideal.

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