Alright, listen up pregnant ladies – we need to talk about the big “B” word. No, not “baby” – I’m talking BRAS! Trying to force those pre-pregnancy underwires and demi-cups to work overtime once your belly and bosoms start blossoming is a rookie mistake I’m here to prevent. You better experience comfort and confidence with our maternity bras.
When I was newly knocked up with my first, I naively thought I could just size up in my regular t-shirt bras as needed and call it a day. Well, let’s just say my poor, engorged girls were not having it! From underboob sweat and chafing to total lack of support and lift, it was a boob-bra battle I was losing miserably.
It wasn’t until I threw in the towel (and those pilled, stretched out underwires) and switched toMaternityBras that sweet relief was had. That’s when everything changed – the clouds parted, angels sang, etcetera etcetera. No more poking wires, elastic digging into my poor rib cage as my bump expanded, or daily back and shoulder agony.
Still need some convincing to make the switch? Here’s a head-to-head of conventional bras versus maternity and nursing bras:
Straps: Underwire Edition
Regular Bras: Those dinky little bra straps aren’t reinforced enough to withstand the weight of your rapidly growing breasts, which means lots of digging, pinching and red marks. And if you have to go up several cup sizes like I did? Forget it – those straps will be working overtime as your bust sags and pulls your whole torso forward.
Maternity Bras: Padded, wider set straps that criss-cross over the back and get thicker towards the neckline are designed to evenly distribute breast weight while preventing that annoying front-shoulder hunch. Some styles even have hidden panels of extra reinforcement stitched right into the straps for added lift and side support where you need it most.
Cup Construction: Containment or Comfort?
Regular Bras: Rigid, molded cups start feeling more like minimizers the more your breasts swell and spread out over those wide, flat plains of lace and underwire. And don’t even get me started on having to perform an escape act every time you need to nurse or pump!
Maternity Bras: Flexible, structured cups made from soft cottons and stretchy spacer fabrics gently contour and shape your changing breast shape while still allowing room for growth. Even better, many styles incorporate discreet inner sling for extra lift and support. And those clips or pull-aside cup openings make feeding baby so easy!
Bands: Breathing Room or Rib Cage Torture?
Regular Bras: I remember one morning feeling extra bloated and swollen and struggling to get that stubborn band clasped around my ribs without contorting myself. It just kept digging deeper into my poor obliques as my bump expanded over those rigid bands.
Maternity Bras: These soft but sturdy bands incorporate multiple rows of hook-and-eye closures that can expand or tighten to accommodate your fluctuating ribcage and breast measurements throughout pregnancy. Stretchy side panels also prevent any uncomfortable pinching or indentations as your waistline grows. Breathe easy, mama!
Extras: Basic or Bougie?
Regular Bras: Sure, those underwires and thin memory foam liners might have seemed sexy and supportive pre-pregnancy. But as your hormones surge and breasts become more tender, you’re way more likely to experience painful pokes, chafing and irritation.
Maternity Bras: Designed with your absolute comfort in mind, most maternity styles use soft brushed microfiber blends that wick away moisture and allow for airflow underneath. Some even have inner slings for natural shaping or lush linings to prevent those pesky “headlight” moments.
Aesthetics: Soccer Mom or Smokeshow?
Regular Bras: I remember feeling so frumpy and unsexy towards the end of my first pregnancy, thanks in no small part to those sad, stretched out bras that offered zero lift, shaping or feminine details.
Maternity Bras: Long gone are the days of maternity lingerie meaning weird patterns and ugly utilitarian designs! Many of today’s bumpin’ bras come in gorgeous lace trims, fun prints, and pretty color palettes perfect for feeling like a total MILF. Certain styles even incorporate sexy keyholes or deep-V fronts for major mommy-to-be cleavage!
So there you have it, mamas – the ultimate bust-supporting showdown. While that trusty t-shirt bra might have been an old faithful for years, it’s simply not designed to handle the myriad of breast changes that come along with pregnancy. Do yourself a favor and invest in some high-quality maternity and nursing bras early on to keep your girls happy and supported every step of the way. Trust me, your bodacious body will thank you!m