Nursing bras
Picture: https://blogs.babble.com
During your pregnancy your breasts will undergo many changes. Anywhere from six to eight weeks into your pregnancy you may notice your nipples appear larger and the veins in your breasts are more prominent. Maybe most notably, your breasts will increase in size. Though the biggest increase in breast size takes place in the first three months, your breasts will continue throughout your pregnancy. It's common to go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby.
Because of your new-found size, you will need to purchase new bras to support you throughout your pregnancy. You can use our size table for help finding your new size.
Other notable changes to your breast occur after the first few months of pregnancy. You will find that your areolas will become larger and darker. You may also notice newly visible bumps on your areolas. These bumps are oil-producing glands (called Montgomery's tubercles) secrete a lubricating and protective substance that promotes nipple health.
After your baby is born, nursing bras become a necessity. A good nursing bra makes breastfeeding your child easy and discreet. Here are some important considerations to remember when you are buying a nursing bra:
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Wait until the final weeks of your pregnancy to purchase your nursing bras. Don't try to purchase a nursing bra with room to grow. You will end up with a bra that fits you poorly and gives you many problems even pain.
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Look for a bra with easy access to the breast so that you baby can easily latch on.
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Look for a bra with one-hand cup openings so that you can start your breastfeeding with even when you are holding your baby.
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Look for a bra with wide, cushioned straps as they will make wearing a bra more comfortable by better distributing the weight of your breasts.
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Look for a 100% Cotton bra with a lining in the cup. This allows for maximum airflow to the nipples and breast.
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Make sure that the bra fits you well on the tightest hook setting. This way when your bra stretches with wear you can fasten it tighter if needed.
Underwire vs. no underwire
There is some debate over whether you should or should not wear a underwire nursing bra. Given your increase in breast size, an underwire bra will support you better than a soft cup bra. On the downside, if the underwires press on the milk ducts, they can interfere with your milk flow. If your ducts become clogged, they can then become infected leading to either blocked ducts or mastitis.Both of these conditions will lead to painful, swollen breasts. In the case of mastitis, you should consult your doctor to see if antibiotics are necessary. This being said, if you have very large breasts, you may have no other option than an underwire. Just make sure your bra fits properly and don't sleep with your underwire bra on.
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Nursing flaps
Nursing bras with flaps provide one of the easiest and most discreet ways to nurse. These "flaps" are just bras designed with cups that are detachable at the top. When you want to nurse, you simply release the flap (held on by a clasp) exposing your breast allowing your baby to easily latch on. You should look for a clasp that is easy to unhook with one-hand to make it easy on you when you are juggling a baby. Flaps make breastfeeding in public a snap.
There are nursing bras with no flaps and they utilize soft, stretchable fabrics which allow wearers to pull the bra to the side to access the breast. This style is very comfortable and makes a good bra to sleep in but they offer little support and may not be an option for large-breasted women.
Nursing in public is made a lot easier by the combination of a nursing bra with nursing clothing that allows for easy and discrete access to the breast. If you feel like you need more privacy, there are nursing shawls available that will provide the extra privacy you need. I, for one, appreciate the extra coverage a shawl provides.
Another helpful accessory for any breastfeeding mother is a tag that they can use to help them remember which breast was last used. You can either make your own or go out and buy them, but they are invaluable. After I breastfeed, I simple move the tag to the strap on my bra over the breast I last used.
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Source: https://brasizecalculator.net/nursing_bras.html