Intimate Apparel for Expectant and Nursing Mothers
By Maria Valencia

Finding the perfect intimate apparel is never easy, and it’s twice the chore for pregnant and nursing women whose bodies change everyday. Luckily today’s woman has many quality options when choosing maternity and nursing bras and panties. But whether selecting underwire or soft cup bras, over-the-belly or under-the-belly panties, expectant and nursing mothers need well-fitted, supportive garments made of comfortable, functional fabric.

Bra Basics
Department stores have an adequate selection of maternity intimate apparel, but they don’t have the resources to focus on fitting. A certified bra fitter at a maternity specialty shop can help women find just the right bras. This is especially important as current statistics show that 80 percent of women wear the wrong size bra!

Bra specialists recommend expectant and nursing moms be fitted for a bra each time their current one feels too tight or too loose, and should purchase at least two bras during various stages of pregnancy and post-partum. But moms should not throw out bras that become “too small” during the third-trimester. As mom returns to her pre-pregnancy figure, the cup and band size will reduce.

A bra fits when it lifts and separates the breasts, with the cup actually “cupping” the breast. Shoulder straps should be non-stretch, rigid and firm, yet comfortable. Some designers offer padded rigid straps for women size D and up. Also, the bra’s band should be horizontal to the floor. The first sign of an ill-fitted bra is a band that rides up in back, close to the shoulder blades.

Nursing moms should consider bras with an inner support frame, or “inner cup.” It doesn’t cover the whole breast, but it makes nursing in public more “private.” The inner cup is underneath the outer breast cup, or “drop cup.” Most nursing bra manufacturers offer a choice of bra closures, so mom may still choose what she likes — a hook-and-eye closure or a front or back clip closure.

Nursing moms don’t need a “nursing” bra, but it makes life a lot easier— both during feedings and breast pumping sessions. Some breast pump manufacturers make hands-free pumping kits that work in conjunction with specific nursing bras. This is convenient for moms who pump regularly because of a full-time work schedule or a premature baby.

Common Bra Myths
Many women mistakenly believe 100 percent cotton is the best and most breathable fabric for bras. 100 percent cotton bras, however, easily lose shape through stretching, which occurs almost all the time. And bringing a 100 percent cotton bra back to its original shape requires everyday washing.

Bras made of Lycra, spandex, and active clothing fibers like Cool Max™, treated for wicking away moisture, actually breathe best. These fabrics contract and expand, allowing for better movement, comfort, and fit.

Women also mistakenly believe they need underwire bras for support. However, healthcare professionals ask certain women to refrain from wearing underwire during pregnancy and nursing. For example, women with under-arm breast tissue may experience discomfort while wearing a bra. Underwire resting on excess breast tissue only exacerbates the problem, inducing pressure, discomfort and, occasionally, risking health.

Even a die-hard underwire fan can find a soft cup bra with maximum support. Bigger busted women (size D and over) who may want to sleep in a bra should buy a soft cup, as there is risk for medical complication when sleeping in underwire.

Not Just Your Plain White Panties
Pregnancy and early post-partum panties come in many styles, fabrics, and colors. From the classic over-the-belly full panty to the latest under-the-belly bikini panty, pregnant women have a lot of choice in underwear.

For optimal comfort and fit, moms should seek panties in breathable, gently shifting cotton/Lycra or spandex/nylon blends. A lightweight, seamless boxer or brief is universally popular. The elimination of seams helps prevent irritation when there is weight between the legs. And some styles have “belts” knitted in to lift the belly for additional lower back and abdominal support.

Maternity clothing designers have become more fashion- and trend-focused in recent years. Maternity intimate apparel makers are following suit, creating undergarments to accommodate pregnant women wearing low-rise jeans and hip-hugger pants. Below-belly panties to show off the tummy, and even thong styles, are growing in popularity.

During early post-partum, when moms experience heavy bleeding and discharge, and sometimes during the last trimester of pregnancy, moms like disposable panties. Brands made of a mesh spandex/ Nylon allow air to circulate while holding pads firmly in place, keeping mom comfortable.

Related Products
When mom begins to lactate, bra pads can help. Manufacturers often make three types of bra pads: disposable, washable cotton, and washable lace. Disposable pads are often self-adhesive and attach against the bra cup. Easy and sanitary, the super absorbent materials in disposable pads work much like diapers and sanitary napkins to keep nipples dry.

All non-disposable bra pads should be regularly washed, as to not irritate infected nipples and prolong infection. A lace bra pad stays securely in place because the lace causes friction between the bra and the pad. 100 percent cotton pads, while soft, may shift and become loose in an ill-fitted bra.

Breast shells help moms with sore or inverted nipples. The holes in a breast shell keep the bra and bra pad fabric away from sore nipples, allowing air to circulate. If mom has inverted nipples, the shell helps draw out the nipple for nursing. Moms should always consult with their healthcare professional and receive a physician’s recommendation before using breast shells.

Keep this in Mind
While it’s an added bonus when manufacturers stay fashion forward, first-rate fit and comfortable fabrics should be priority when selecting your inventory. Time and again, a garment with good properties is most important to expectant and nursing mothers. Designs that place a premium on function and support and that offer women a range of styles will best suit customers’ immediate needs.

Maria Valencia is the intimate apparel technical designer for Medela, Inc., a leading manufacturer of breastpumps, breastfeeding accessories and maternity intimate apparel.