Supportive Maternity Bras

Pregnancy changes everything, especially how a bra should feel. At Liza Clifford, we understand that it's not just about size. It's about soft support, ease, and feeling like yourself again. Expectant mom's should be very clear on whether they want to breastfeed or simply need the support to accommodate their growing breasts during pregnancy. At Liza Clifford, we highly recommend seeking advice and guidance from a lactation consultant to ensure this journey is both comforting and simple. Your breasts will become heavier as your hormones change through the different stages of pregnancy. What we have found is that if body weight excluding baby weight does not differ too much your size does not change, provided you have been fitted properly and are wearing the correct size before pregnancy. During lactation size can change between feeds and from one breasts to another but this is accommodated by the type of maternity/nursing bra you choose.

Smart Choices for Nursing Bras

Nursing bras can vary from a spacer fabric t-shirt bra to cut and sew paneled bra for bigger cups. There should be a one-handed clasp for easy nursing in private or public places. While most lactation specialists will recommend non-wire nursing bras, nursing bras are now available in a flexible wire bra. We caution that wire nursing bras should be strictly fitted by a professional bra fitter and not purchased at woolworths or any retailer that doesn't offer professional bra fitting by appointment that includes more than a measuring service. Wires that are misplaced in lactating mothers can cause duct and lymph drainage issues and must be avoided if you do not want to invest in a professional bra fitting service.

Bras for nursing offer comfort and support. There is no reason why you as an expectant mom who wants to transition into nursing cannot find a cup size that will serve you throughout your pregnancy and post-birth breast growth.

Easy-to-Wear Maternity and Feeding Bras for New Mums from Liza Clifford

New mums need bras that fit. Ensure your band size is correct before looking at the cup. If you neglect this important step your support will come from your shoulder straps and cause discomfort. A snug band will lift and shape your breasts ensuring support and comfort, ultimately relieving you of the weight of heavier breasts . Ensure the nursing bras come in a wide range of sizes otherwise you will be placed in a size that is not correct. Your bra should expand with the growing needs of your baby while nursing to support your sensitive bust engorgement and bust emptying post nursing. The spacer fabric seamless bras offer this expansion to accommodate the changing needs of expectant and nursing moms with a supportive A-Frame in the cup lining to ensure additional support. It is important that your bra expands to avoid buying a different bra for every stage of pregnancy and nursing.

Your breastfeeding bra should hold everything in place as an everyday bra does and adapt to your changing everyday needs. Compression to aid in support should be avoided at all costs as this can cause mastitis as it puts pressure on the breasts and impacts the milk ducts. Breast separation is so important to reduce heat production, coupled with breathable material makes nursing more manageable. Wireless options should be kept to nighttime or on cooler days as this does not support breast separation.

We recommend the non-wire Carriwell for night time use as its design supports for non impact activities and allows for minimal compression while nursing.

Your breastfeeding underwear needs to be your perfect fit as it supports your delicate and sensitive breasts. Bras for breastfeeding are designed to fit the changing shape of your breasts from pregnancy to nursing. Every seam and clip is carefully engineered to consider every sensitive and delicate step of your maternity journey. From stretch lace to smooth finishes, padded support to soft cotton like night comfort, your fitter will offer you all these options in your fitting. Maternity bras should not impact your style as you transition into motherhood. Shop empowered with knowledge to support your journey.

FAQs

What features should I look for in a good maternity bra?

The first feature is to truly look at the size, does this bra actually fit you? Then ensure the band is thick enough to offer support and comfort. You should feel supported without the adjustable straps. Remember this is an extension of your already well fitted underwear range. Your bras should be comfortable because they support you and not because you can hardly feel them. Make sure the nursing bra is designed for nursing and is not simply an everyday bra converted into a nursing bra. Make sure the fabric accommodates the many changes you will experience in your maternity phase. Look for stretch laces and stretch spacer fabrics that are designed to allow for growth and breathability.

When should I start wearing a maternity bra?

Breasts start changing as early as 6 weeks pregnancy and often are the reason why some women will have a pregnancy test. Breasts don't necessarily get bigger they just get heavier as the milk ducts prepare for nursing. Breasts get larger with weight gain (not baby weight gain) Fitted clients will be able to wear their everyday bras to 28 weeks provided they do not gain any body weight. At 28 weeks we find that a bigger band is necessary as the organs get moved up towards the chest area with the expanding uterus. We recommend an extender or two at this stage but not to change the band unless you have gained body weight. This is how you will know if your bra truly is your perfect fit. At 28 weeks clients who have been fitted will purchase or pre order their nursing bras.

If you have not been fitted its important to get fitted as early as possible for a everyday bra that you will wear post-nursing. Not supporting your breasts in early pregnancy may result in long term breast tissue damage.

Do maternity bras have underwires?

Wired maternity bras have flexible wires to accommodate changing breasts in maternity. These bras are hard to find in retail stores. You should never purchase a wire nursing bra without a professional fitting where the service offers more than a measuring service. That’s because wires can be misplaced and rub on delicate breast tissue and milk ducts. Soft cups or non-wire bras are recommended for women who have not been fitted professionally or for sleep.

Do I need to wear a bra 24/7 while breastfeeding?

The weight of your breasts will be uncomfortable as it applies pressure to muscles that are not designed to support the breasts. It is not unusual to suffer from backache and neck spasms while in your nursing phase. If you are not supported properly this will make you want to take your bra off. Heat generation is also a problem for nursing moms and can result in you not wanting to wear a bra. Rather invest in a proper support to reduce heat generation and back and neck pain. Most women cannot sleep without support due to this. Rather wear a light support that accommodates breast pads and the odd cold cabbage leaf.