Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

The first and most noticeable change to your body when you become pregnant is your breasts.  Within the first few weeks you might find yourself busting out of your favorite bras, especially if this is your first pregnancy.  But before you head off to Victoria Secret to indulge in some cute push up bras that show off your new found cleavage keep in mind your chest is going to go through some major changes, and, like an overworked mom, it’s going to need some support.

So once your tried and true bras have met their match, put them away with your skinny jeans, and instead of heading to Victoria Secret, make your way to a good maternity store.  There is never a more important time than your pregnancy to get properly fitted for a bra.  And if your husband grumbles about the cost, just let him know that one of the leading causes of future breast sagginess is poor support for the breasts during pregnancy.

When picking out a maternity bra swallow your pride and try to find the most practical styles.  You want support, and you also want a bra you can keep growing into.  Look for lots of hooks that allow room for growth.  And if you plan on nursing, purchase at least two bras that have convenient removable front flaps.   And those nursing moms can also pick up special nursing pads that fit into the bra to help keep things dry when your milk leaks.

Make sure you get a comfortable bra, because you deserve it!  Your chest is going to go through some major changes (could your nipples get any sorer!) and finding a soft cotton bra is going to make life easier. Don’t worry, you will make it back to the lacy push up bra one day, but right now, go for comfort.

How big your breasts will grow is anybody’s guess, though genetics do play a role in things, so you can get a gauge from your mother.  The most important thing to remember, not only for the sake of your breast tissue, but also for the support of your back, is to keep your breasts supported.  As your breast size expands you might even decide to wear your bra to bed. 

Make sure you are not busting out of that maternity bra in your ninth month.  If you think they are big now, just wait until your milk comes in!  As you get ready to deliver your baby, make sure you have at least two sturdy comfortable maternity bras that can reliably see you through your baby’s first few months (when there will definitely be no time for bra shopping).