What you need to know about bra fit during pregnancy & nursing

If you're a new mom, or mom-to-be, you may find that your everyday bras don't fit like they used to, and that your size has changed. Here are some common questions our bra fitters get, and some helpful hints to see you through this time.

Can I wear wired bras while I'm pregnant?

Yes! You can continue to wear the same styles of bras that you would normally wear, just ensure that your bras still fit you well. The underwires should not be resting on your breast tissue at the side or the front, instead the wire should be wrapping all the way around your breast, laying flat against your torso. You may find during the first few months, and the last few weeks of your pregnancy that your cup size becomes larger, and it's important for comfort, support and your health to have a good fit.

Should I buy a larger sized bra for my breasts to grow into during my pregnancy?

It's hard to guess how much larger your breasts may grow during your pregnancy, so it's important to know the signs of a good fitting bra, and when it's time to adjust your size. Buying a bra too large in the band or the cup will not give you the support you need, and will add to any discomfort you may be experiencing. If you find your bra is becoming uncomfortable, be sure to check the fit. Is the band horizontal around your body and comfortably firm? Are the cups containing your breast tissue, or is there spillage under the arms or at the neckline? Are the wires laying flat at the centre front and under the arm? If you're shopping for bras in the earlier stages of your pregnancy, you may find it more comfortable to buy a slightly larger band size and wear your bra on the tighter row of hooks to instead loosen your bra as your baby bump grows. You can also always purchase a bra extender to add additional hooks to your bra to loosen if needed.

The wires are pressing on my bump, what can I do?

If your bra is becoming uncomfortable on your growing baby bump, you may want to try a bra style with a thinner underband, or a raised centre front. If the wires are pressing or digging, a wire free bra might give you the comfort that you need.

When should I buy a nursing bra?

Your breast size will change once you begin to produce milk, which is usually after your baby is born. This can be a very busy time and many women like to have a nursing bra in advance and you may find it easier to purchase beforehand. A non-wired nursing bra style may be a good investment before your baby arrives as you may find it comfortable to wear when you are sleeping if your breasts are tender or sore. Although we cannot predict how much your size may change, we would recommend trying 1 to 2 cup sizes bigger as this will also give you room for your nursing pads. If you've gone up in the band size during your pregnancy, buy a nursing bra that fits firm in the band so that you can continue to tighten it as your baby bump decreases.

Can I wear a wired bra when nursing?

More manufacturers are offering underwired nursing bras, which wasn't the case years ago. It's very important to make sure your bra fits well while your nursing, as cups that are too small, or pressing underwires can cause discomfort, damage breast tissue and may cause blocked milk ducts, known as mastitis. There are also many non-wired styles available that will have a more flexible fit throughout the day as your size changes due to nursing.

How will I know when I need to try another size?

Your breasts will fluctuate throughout the day while you are nursing, and you may find that one side is fuller than the other depending on which side you fed on. It's important that your bra is supportive and comfortable when you are at your fullest. Be sure that nothing feels too tight, or that underwires are not digging in and that there is no tissue spilling at the neckline edge.

LACE helps

If you have concerns about the fit of your bra, please visit one of our shops, call or Skype us for free fit advice.