It’s no secret that pregnancy can be a little uncomfortable, in fact for some it can be very uncomfortable! There’s all the classic symptoms that you expect, like morning sickness, tiredness, and aches and pains, but then there’s the really fun symptoms that no one seems to tell you about! Everything from itchy boobs, overheating, leaking (throughout pregnancy, not just postpartum!), insomnia and engorgement. Don’t even get us started on the rollercoaster of breast changes that occur postpartum.
Like any mama or mama-to-be, we know that you’d put up with anything to bring your gorgeous bub into the world, but wearing an ill-fitting bra along the way can make these symptoms a whole lot worse! Designed by our team of mamas, each style is created with these challenges in mind, to help you have the comfiest pregnancy and breastfeeding journey possible.
Itchy, Expanding Boobs
During pregnancy, your breasts and belly can undergo some pretty rapid growth! Since it’s happening so quickly, your skin is put under a fair bit of strain as it stretches, which can result in itchy boobs. Regular moisturisation can help, but one of the best ways to fight the itch is wearing a seamless non-irritating bra. *For 15% off your order use promo code MILKDIARIES*
Our Rock Candy Nursing Bra has a super soft, seamless design with no tags, nasties, and best of all, there’s no wires, keeping your underbust area itch-free. Plus each size covers up to 10 cup and band combinations so it’s going to fit you for most, if not all of your pregnancy and postpartum journey!
Expanding Rib Cage
Many of the aches and pains during pregnancy are due to your body changing shape. You’re housing a little human now so it’s no real surprise! All of our pregnancy bras feature extended hook and eye closures for this exact reason. As your rib cage expands to fit your little one, so do our bras. Then once bub arrives and your rib cage begins to contract, they’ll continue to morph with you as your body changes.
Our Croissant Nursing Bra has 5 rows of hooks and eyes, so you’re sure to get a tonne of wear, comfort and support out of this buttery soft bra. Plus, it’s particularly good at supporting your growing breasts as it’s made with our signature flexi-wire, which flexes with you without restriction. *For 15% off your order use promo code MILKDIARIES*
Hot Flushes
Did you know it’s actually normal to have hot flushes during pregnancy? They’re most common around the 30 week mark, but they can continue right until birth and beyond.
The best way to combat the burn is of course, take a quick dip, but if that’s not on the cards, wearing a breathable bra is a close second. Our Cotton Candy Nursing Bra is knitted from a super soft yarn which lets your skin breathe, all while providing comfortable support, without compression.
Leaky Nipples
Leaking colostrum during pregnancy is completely normal, but it can be a little inconvenient if you’re not prepared. A leakproof style like our Biscotti Birthing Bra is the perfect solution. Not only does it open completely to allow for skin to skin when bub comes along, it has built in leakproof cups that eliminate the need for nursing pads.
Oversupply/Undersupply
During the first 6 or so weeks post-birth, your breasts take a while to learn the ropes. Until they’ve figured out exactly how much milk bub needs, there’s a good chance they’ll either produce too little or too much. The solution for such problems? Pumping!
If you’ve got an undersupply of milk, regular pumping sessions can stimulate your breasts into producing more. Or if you’re on the other side of the spectrum, pumping can do wonders to relieve engorgement.
Now, we get it. You have a newborn that you can’t stop smooshing and you’re hungry literally all the time when you’re breastfeeding, so you’re going to want to keep your hands free! That’s where our Lotus Hands-free Pumping Bra comes in. It’s designed for the busy on-the-go mama who has things to do and ultimately needs to be hands-on. What mama doesn’t! It’s perfect for yoga, pilates, any form of light to medium exercise, or for just chilling at home. It’s essentially a pumping bra with a greater purpose, and better yet it, looks like a sports bra not a torture device.
Size Fluctuations
While your breasts change a tonne during pregnancy, you can pretty much predict that they’ll keep progressively getting larger — around 3 cup sizes on average. During postpartum, however, it’s a whole different ball game. When your milk comes in a few days post-birth, your boobs will suddenly balloon. Then as you get stuck into breastfeeding, you’ll be a totally different size each day, and at different times of the day!
We strongly recommend mamas wear bras that fit multiple sizes in one during this stage. If you’re F cup and up, you’re going to love Popping Candy. It has all the support and lift of a wire bra, without any of the pesky pokey wires. Perfect for your tender, postpartum breasts.
Blocked Ducts
One of the most unpleasant realities of breastfeeding is blocked ducts. These pesky buggers occur when the ducts become blocked and milk builds up, sometimes causing a sore red lump. There are a few things to help remedy blocked ducts, but prevention is key. And what’s one of the best ways to prevent them? You guessed it… Wearing the right bra!
During the first couple of months post-birth, it’s important to avoid restrictive bras and clothing. Tutti Frutti is one of our favourite bras for this stage because its soft padding gives you gorgeous support and shape, while its seamless, wire-free design is incredibly boob-friendly. For more on clogged ducts click here
Heavy Breasts
When your milk comes in, not only are your boobs going to look larger, they’re going to feel much heavier. In fact a breastfeeding boob can be up to 35% heavier than a non-breastfeeding one of the same size!
You’re going to need some serious support, but you’ll want to avoid anything with wires. You’d be forgiven for thinking our Taffy Nursing Bra is a wired bra with the amount of support it provides (and for fuller busts too!), but it is in fact a wire-free delight! The combination of a platform sling and a three-piece soft cup supports fuller busts, without discomfort.
So, regardless of where you’re at in your motherhood journey, you’re likely to experience a few, if not all of these symptoms, but rest assured knowing comfort is just around the corner, as long as you’re wearing the right bra. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own individual fit preferences and at the end of the day, the best judge of what works best for you and your body is ultimately, you. We’re just here to help if you need us. Best of luck mama, comfort is something you deserve.
Katie is the proud mum of two beautiful girls and has been responsible for all the designs, style and fit at Cake Maternity for over a decade now.
Katie is a nursing bra specialist and a fit, pattern and grading technician. She is passionate about breastfeeding and the many benefits it offers to both mum, baby and the environment.
She is determined to make the breastfeeding journey a comfortable, supportive and beautiful one for all mums, understanding that it doesn’t always come easy to everyone. That’s why she has made it her mission to empower women as they mindfully navigate the world of motherhood and help make breastfeeding easier, through experience-driven innovation.
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