An Open Letter to My Maternity Bra

I had no idea that from 16-20 weeks and onwards there would be small amounts of milk being made every day in my breasts.

In some ways, I secretly enjoyed turning into Pamela Anderson once my baby was born. But, I also found that squeezing into my old bras became uncomfortable. I had even heard it this could lead to plugged ducts, mastitis and decreased milk supply!

The benefit of a comfortable stretch maternity bra was that it grew with me. The deliciously soft fabric made me comfortable when other bras and tops suddenly didn’t feel the same.

Let’s look at a few of my top tips for buying and using maternity bras…

Get Accurately Measured

It’s funny how being a size small stuck in my head when I set out to buy a maternity bra. It didn’t take me long to realize that the small size would have felt like a 12-year-old’s bra in comparison to the comfortable large I am now wearing.

For so long, I had just known my bra size. Now, over the last few months, I’ve needed to be measured each time as my breasts have changed and grown.

I no longer fit in anything from just those few months ago. It’s incredible how not only your tummy but also your breasts change throughout your pregnancy.

Practice Unhooking the Nursing Bra Section with One Hand

This may sound weird, but, when you are juggling a baby with the other hand, you need to master this skill!

Double Check That There is No Underwire

At times, I felt that I had reverted to my 12-year-old self in my “training” bra… but, with a bra size at the complete opposite end of the spectrum!

My Maternity Bra and I Have Had Good Times, Bad and Absolutely Hilarious Times

One experience that stands out to me is the time that I forgot to hook up my bra after feeding. My neighbour’s impromptu visit could not have come at a worse time!

However, after a difficult morning with an unsettled baby, my tears of laughter, as I realized my mistake, were just what the doctor ordered!

I certainly enjoyed the added comfort of the fabric. I was even tempted to continue wearing the bra once my breastfeeding journey had ended. Don’t judge me until you’ve tried it!

In all honesty, I think the journey of having a baby is wonderful. However, it’s also an exhausting time and often we focus so much on our baby, while forgetting to take care of ourselves!

So, make the choice to take care of you. Treat yourself to a gorgeously soft and comfortable maternity bra!

Medela will even give you 30% off and there’s are among the best! Use the code BRATANK30 on the Medela website.

Did you have a maternity bra when you were breastfeeding? What tips on the topic of maternity bras would you like to offer to the other women in our community? Let’s have a chat here or on the Medela Australia Facebook page.