Breastfeeding can be a challenging task, and choosing the right maternity bra can make it easier for you. With so many styles and types of bras available in the market, selecting the one that suits your needs can be overwhelming. In this post, we will guide you on how to choose the right maternity bra for breastfeeding.
Get Professionally Fitted for Your Bra
It's essential to get professionally fitted for your bra to ensure you have the right size. Breasts start preparing for breastfeeding early in pregnancy, and some women will outgrow their usual bra size earlier than others. Generally, most of the changes to breasts occur by around four months (16 weeks) of pregnancy, so this is a good time to be fitted. A correctly fitted bra gives you the most comfort and support.
Avoid Underwire Bras
Although underwire fashion bras provide good support, they aren't recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As your breasts may increase and decrease in size during the day, an inflexible underwire may put pressure on your breast when it's full. This pressure may cause inflammation, increasing your risk of mastitis. However, some maternity bras come with flexible low-gauge wire support, designed to move and change position with your changing shape.
Look for Easy-to-Manage Bra Cups
When trying on different styles, check out the bra cup by opening and closing it. Look for bras where the whole cup folds away, rather than rigid 'trapdoor' styles which can put pressure on a full breast while feeding. You can get bras with a clasp in either the front center or on the shoulder. Choose the one that you find most comfortable and easy to manage.
Look for Pumping-Accessory Bras
Some bras come with additional accessories that are able to be clipped on to the bra to allow the pump flanges to sit comfortable and snug against the nipple. It allows for a constant contact between the flange and skin as well as giving mums the freedom to be hands-free during pumping.
Consider a Sleep Bra
Whether or not to wear a bra to bed is a personal preference. Some women prefer wearing a sleep bra for support or to hold nursing pads in place, while others find it uncomfortable. There are special sleep bras that you can buy, or you can just wear a crop top or other soft-cup bra.
Take Care of Your Bras
It's a good idea to have at least two or three bras as your breasts may leak milk, and you'll need to change your bra more frequently than usual. Hand-wash your bras in mild soap and avoid soaking them in bleach or nappy treatment solutions. These solutions can weaken the fabric and may cause skin irritation. If unable to hand-wash (because who has time looking after a newborn), alternatively get a garment bag to place your bra into before placing it into the washing machine. By taking proper care of your bras, they should last through your breastfeeding journey and beyond.
The Ideal Bra to go with your Jellie Collect
There is no need to purchase new bras or adaptors for the Jellie Collect, it should fit in your pre-existing nursing bras. Ensure that the pump is placed securely in the bra and it is comfortable. The stretch of nursing bras should hold it securely without being uncomfortable.
If you notice that the collect is not sitting securely or there are gaps between the pump and your breast you may need to tighten the straps or use an stretchy/elastic type nursing bra, rather than a structured bra. If the Jellie collect feels too tight or uncomfortable, try loosening the bra straps until it fits securely with no gaps and feels comfortable.
You can still use the Jellie Collect without a bra, however, it would defeat the purpose of it being handsfree! Most of our mums find that it works best in a bra as it keeps the Jellie Collect in a secure position.
