Pregnancy from a Bra Fitter's perspective
Working at Brava for 10+ years and having fit hundreds of women on their pregnancy journey, I thought I was well equipped for the changes my breasts and body were about to experience through the nine months of my first pregnancy. However, everyone’s journey is unique, and I wasn’t conscious of the exceptions faced by me and others.
I was aware that my breasts would swell a lot in the first trimester, but I didn’t expect that it woujld be almost instantaneous, we conceived and a week later BAM!
Very sore, firm breasts and 1-2 cup sizes bigger, it was an instant boob job. Navigating that during a time when it was still a secret was tricky, luckily I had everyday bras that had been too big for me, they got me through and working from home meant I could hide the fluctuations easier.
Also my back band size changed, and I didn’t expect this would happen in my first trimester. The only way to get through morning sickness for me (more like all day sickness) was eating, and the baby really liked ice cream! So, I was gaining weight earlier in the pregnancy than expected and having to add to my bra band with trusty extenders!
The second trimester was when I delved into my first maternity bra, it should have been earlier, but the pregnancy was still undisclosed. Once the secret was out, I started trying every nursing bra in the wide range at Brava. My size was always tricky and getting pregnant didn’t make it easier. I was a size 6E prior and had grown to 8F/ 8FF and my biggest struggle was finding brands that started smaller than a 10 back, and that can be a struggle when it comes to my comfort. However, I am thrilled to have I found the following three styles that I’m loving!
Hotmilk Temptation Full Cup Nursing Bra (D-J Cups)
This was one of my favourite bras to fit on customers so when I tried it, it did not disappoint. It’s pretty, has forward projection and cotton lined cups. It's super comfortable to wear through my day.
Cake Maternity Popping Candy Crop (fits F-H cup)
Love this style for when I want comfort but require more support than a crop. The double lining helps prevent nipple show and the thick band gives great support and lift. The cup is nice and stretchy but still supportive.
Cotton Candy Nursing Bra (fits D-G cup)
My go-to around the house and sleeping bra. It’s not for a day when you need a lot of support, but just to control the girls. I’ll grab another two for after the birth and for my hospital bag, I can see myself living in these!
Currently into my 3rd trimester and starting to get ready for the arrival of our little one, I’m thinking of the last few changes to my breasts and body but also the changes that will happen in the 4th trimester: Did I read that babies can grow from 1kg-3/4kgs in the last trimester? Will my current maternity bras see me through? Will I need to change into another size?
I will change sizes in the Temptation before the end of my pregnancy as I'm already on the last hook and the back band has started to feel a little snug with still baby growth to come, and I definitely want to be comfortable. I am confident the other styles will last through my pregnancy and beyond due to the stretchy cups and back bands that will move with my bust as my milk comes in.
Pregnancy is confusing enough without your bra causing boob pain, shopping for maternity bras is often challenging, so let our expert Bra Fitters assist you with an instore or virtual fitting.