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Shopping for bras is challenging enough, but when it comes to nursing bra shopping it can seem nearly impossible. There are so many variables to bra fitting when shopping for a nursing bra including whether or not you are still pregnant and then trying to guess what your size you will be after you deliver your baby and begin nursing. Whether or not you plan to nurse your baby full time also factors into your prospective nursing bra size. Also, every woman’s body reacts differently to nursing, some women may go up one cup size third trimester pregnancy when they begin nursing, others may increase as much as 2 cups sizes and still others maybe only a half cup size difference if any. Here are a few suggestions and recommendations in shopping for your nursing bras to try to make this task a little less daunting:
If you are expecting your first baby, it is hard to know what to expect with your future bra size when shopping for your nursing bra as you have no history to draw on. The best rule of thumb is to wait until as close to your due date as possible before buying a nursing bra so that you can best gage what your size will be. If you do plan to nurse, you can expect your milk to come in within 2-3 days after you deliver. When you milk does first come in, some women experience a huge temporary uptick in their cup size. However, once your hormones settle down and your milk supply adjusts to a more predictable demand, your size should settle down. You should expect some natural size fluctuation during the day and before and after nursing, so it is best to pick a comfortable stretchy bra which will accommodate these changes while providing the support that you need for heavier lactating breasts.
The second rule is to not buy too many bras until your size has settled down after the first few weeks. You will probably only need about 3-4 bras at most that you can wash and wear so you always have one on hand to accommodate those early weeks. My best advice is to find several styles you like, that are very stretchy and can accommodate several cup sizes to safely fit your fluctuating and uncertain size. The Bravado Original Nursing Bra is an excellent choice. This bra comes in 3 size categories and 4 band sizes to accommodate a range of cup and band sizes and stretches easily while offering good support. Since there are no hooks on the back and a stretchy wide T-back fit, you can even comfortably sleep in this bra if you choose. If you are larger busted, I do recommend buying sleep bras for evening and nighttime wear which will also fit a range of cup sizes. The Majamas Easy Bra is an good choice which comes Small to XXL and fits from a 32A to a 48G. This bra has no hooks in the back and is a simple pull down style for nursing. The Easy Bra now also comes in an Organic Cotton which is very comfortable fabric for sleeping and loungewear.
Once you have survived the early weeks of nursing and motherhood, you will probably want to find a bra that is flattering to wear under T-shirts and gives you a bit more support and shape. Melinda G has a number of bras to choose from that come in a range of sizes. Melinda’s G’s Tee Shirt Soft Cup Nursing Bra is a smooth cup wireless bra that gives a clean look you can wear under a tee shirt or tight fitting shirt. This bra also has support comparable to an underwire bra without the associated risk of mastitis from an underwire bra. The Tee Shirt Soft Cup bra also stretches to fit several cup and band sizes which makes it an excellent nursing bra.
If you are bigger busted and really need the support of an underwire bra, Melinda G’s T-shirt Underwire Nursing bra is a very good choice. Like the Tee shirt soft cup bra, this bra also provides a clean seamless and smooth look that can be worn under a tight fitting shirt while also giving your breast shape and definition without restrictions. This bra comes in sizes 34C to 38F and is cup and band size specific, so it is best to buy this bra after your milk supply has settled down and you are a more exact size. The hooks on the cups do allow you to adjust the size of the cups to smaller or larger for before and after nursing to help with that size variation and superior fit.
If you are looking to get back your pre-pregnancy figure and hit the gym, you will probably feel more comfortable in a nursing sports bra when exercising. Bella Materna offers a highly supportive and comfortable Nursing Sports Bra that stretches to accommodate up to 2 cup sizes for your normal size fluctuation. The quick drying Italian Lyca/Nylon fabric will not pill or fade or show sweat marks. This bra has a 4 hook closure on the back for maximum support and adjustable wide straps with clip nursing access. You will probably want to wear this bra even after your baby is weaned for its support, comfort and flattering uplifting design.
Once you find comfortable supportive nursing bras to accommodate your size variations and daily life routines, you will find your quality of life improves tremendously as you reclaim your body, your life and embark upon the joys of motherhood.
Maternal America is a leading brand for maternity fashions. They design great products for maternity shirts and tops, maternity swimwear, maternity evening dresses and nursing wear. Maternal America has been featured on the NBC Today Show and in many magazines like Pregnancy Magazines and Fit Pregnancy. They have been seen on many celebrities and stars in Hollywood and around the country.
One of the great things about Maternal America tops is that they are truly stylishly engineered to take you all the way through your pregnancy without looking frumpy. Their maternity tops are cut extra long to give full belly coverage and often cut with a body hugging design or bottom bands to avoid a tenting effect. Maternal America tops are known for their pretty necklines rushing detail across the chest, bust or shoulders which draw the eye away from the belly and flatter your curves. Maternal America is also know for their high quality fabrics and manufacturing.
Some great fashion piece for Maternal America’s Winter 2007 collection are the following:
Maternal America Flutter Top – Like the Flutter Dress, this ¾ sleeve scoop neck maternity top is a repeat hit in new colors for this season. This Maternal America signature design will fit you in style throughout your pregnancy. The heather brown and rust colors go with everything and can be dressed up or down with a skirt, dress slacks or jeans.
Maternal America Cowl Neck Top – This maternity top has casual elegance and style with an exaggerated cowl neck and figure hugging cotton fabric. The taupe color goes great with all winter colors. This maternity top is great for the office, dressed up with a skirt or casual with jeans.
Maternal America ¾ Sleeve Nursing Top – This top is excellent for transition wear, maternity and nursing. It comes in a beautiful teal color as well as classic black. The rushing cross over design is both flattering and functional with discreet nursing access. The soft flowing fabric drapes over the belly with pleats that can easily stretch for maternity wear and gives you non-clingy postpartum coverage. Maternal America Love Peace Babies Scoop Tee – This is a long sleeve tee made with Maternal America’s extra soft and stretchy ribbed cotton fabric which provides for extra room as you grow. It has the trendy peace sign on silk screened on top. It’s a great shirt for layering or wearing just by itself. The taupe color makes a really good choice for wearing with a pair of casual jeans.
Maternal America Kangaroo Pocket Sweater — This sweater is great for your urban life. It has that casual yet chic look in a cement color that matches jeans or any color pants. There is a stylish accent stitching around elbows, neckline and Kangaroo Pouch. Throw your hands into the pouch to keep warm in colder.
These styles listed above are just a few of Maternal America’s many exciting designs for this Winter Season. Stay tuned for more exciting Maternal America fashions to come this Spring 2008!