If you are looking at maternity bras, congratulations! At Bendon, we want our mummas and mummas-to-be to feel comfy and supported throughout their pregnancy journey. Our maternity bras support your breasts as they grow and change. For a full guide on all things related to maternity bras, head to our guide on how to support your breasts during pregnancy
Features We Love In Maternity Bras
You may want your maternity bra to be wire-free. This will be the most comfortable option day to day as it is forgiving, stretchy, and skin-friendly on sensitive areas.
Maternity bras have clips and drop-down cups so you can use them when breastfeeding or pumping like this signature style in our Bendon Nurture Maternity Bra range.
When shopping for a Maternity Bra look for Full coverage cups as they ensure your breasts aren’t spilling out, even as they grow larger throughout pregnancy.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is essential to prioritize comfort and support as your body undergoes changes. Opting for soft cup and wire-free bras can provide the necessary flexibility and gentle support needed during this time. Embrace the comfort and ease of soft cup and wire-free bras to ensure a smooth transition into this new phase of motherhood.
Top Pregnancy Bra Guide Tips:
Around the six to eight-week mark for many woman milk ducts start forming in the first trimester of pregnancy. You may also begin to notice your bra isn’t as supportive as it once was or has started to dig into your skin—this is a sign it’s time to swap over to a maternity or wire-free bra which is pregnancy friendly.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, it's important to prioritize support by getting a professional bra fitting. As your body continues to change, finding the right size and style is essential for your well-being. Now is the time to Find your nearest Store for a Bra fit or Take our Bra Fit Quiz Online to find your perfect Fit.
Top Pregnancy Bra Guide Tips:
Pay attention to adjustable straps and back closures – they're essential to accommodate the changes in your bust size during pregnancy. A wide band in the bra is a smart feature, providing extra support and preventing any discomfort. Some women might like bras with removable padding or moulded cups for added breast shaping. These options make sure your maternity bra not only supports you well but also adjusts to your changing needs during this special time.
As you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, you can explore nursing bras. Maternity bras with adjustable straps and stretchy fabric can accommodate your growing bust size and provide the necessary support. Transitioning to nursing bras with convenient nursing clips or drop-down cups can prepare you for breastfeeding after delivery. Invest in comfortable and supportive maternity and nursing bras to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience during this transformative period of motherhood.
Top Maternity Bra Guide Tips:
Look for a bra with drop down cups or clips, if you choose to breastfeed or pump. You'll need access multiple times throughout the day and night. Wearing a traditional bra that doesn't contain easy-access is impractical and annoying for everyday wear. You may want to Invest in Reusable Nursing Pads for an added layer of protection against leaks, letting you focus on the more essential moments.
After the baby is born, the journey of getting to know your new baby begins. This time that can be overwhelming as you discover the joy of a new baby. This time can be tough, as you get into the rhythm of cuddling, feeding, bathing and changing your baby. Be kind to yourself as it takes time to get to know one another and adjust to being a mum or a mum with a toddler or two! After birth your body will take time to recover, so don't try and do too much. Looking after a tiny human is all-encompassing, but don't forget to look after yourself too. Make sure to eat and drink, sleep when you can, and leave the house for a walk or to meet up with friends.
Top Maternity Bra Guide Tips:
After a birth, your body and breasts will fluctuate. So you may need to check your bra size and fit. Our Bendon team are trained to fit bras and come highly recommended for post- partum bra fitting- with many women describing it as life changing!
Frequently Asked
The time to start wearing maternity bras can differ from person to person. However, a good time is generally around the 16-week mark or during the second trimester. There are a few signs you’ll want to look out for too, such as outgrowing your current bra and feeling uncomfortable. The straps may start to dig in and your breasts may begin spilling over the cups. Another sign to look out for is the feeling of fullness in your breasts.
A lot of women wonder whether they can keep wearing a normal bra throughout pregnancy. However, this can be quite difficult due to the fact that your breasts are continuously growing and changing throughout this time. Maternity bras have the advantage of being kitted out with features that cater to these ongoing changes. Some of these features include wire-free cup construction for comfort, as well as extra-long hook and eye adjustments so you are sorted before and after birth. Not to mention, the fabrics are soft, stretchy and supportive, with extra lining in the cups to protect from leakage.
Ultimately it is your choice. Even if you’re not planning on breastfeeding your baby, your body will still initially create both colostrum and milk, and your breasts will get heavier during pregnancy. Even if you don’t nurse, you will likely need to express until your supply wanes.
Your midwife or obstetrician can guide you on how to stop milk production post-birth if that is the decision you have made. If you don’t plan to breastfeed, you may still choose to wear a maternity bra for the comfort, adjustability and support they offer during pregnancy.
If you choose not to wear a maternity bra, we recommend at least switching to a supportive wire-free bra. Shop our wire-free collection.
A properly fitted bra should always fit you comfortably and make you feel supported. Maternity bras are designed to change with you, so will have stretch in them to adapt to your changing size. If you are buying your bra in the first or second trimester you may need to come back in later in your pregnancy to be fitted again. It is worth noting that the maternity bra you buy earlier in your pregnancy will likely come back into rotation later in your post-birth life as your body starts to return again to your pre-pregnancy life.
Colostrum production can start as early as 16 weeks. This milk is the first milk you will actually express for your baby once your baby is born. After this stage, you will naturally start to produce milk, this can vary in time depending on the person. It could be a day it could be a week, but your midwife or obstetrician will be able to guide you more about this.
Maternity bras are designed to change with you. We do recommend you buy a couple of maternity bras to use throughout your pregnancy as well as post-birth. Birthing bodies are amazing and can change from week to week, so having options so you’re always comfortably supported is a good idea!
If you are in your first or second trimester, you may need to buy a few different sizes to ensure you are comfortable. As you enter your last trimester, it’s likely that your breasts have started to get fuller or as full as they are likely to. Use our handy size guide to work out your new size, or call your local Bendon store to get help with finding the right fit.
It is not uncommon for people to go up at least two cup sizes during pregnancy, and two to four band sizes.
