The changes that pregnancy and postpartum life involve are simply unbelievable – not just emotionally and physically, but even in terms of minor aspects, such as the type of bra you wear. Since your body is adapting to your new life, comfort and pragmatism are the order of the day. Maternity and nursing bras are there.
Both terms are used interchangeably, especially when you have ever visited an online store or a maternity store in a neighborhood. However, are maternity and nursing bras the same thing? They may appear to be the same and have some common features of design, yet each of them has its purpose, as they are available to use at different stages of your motherhood.
We will discuss the main distinctions, when to wear any of the types and how you can find good maternity bras that will be comfortable and safe for your breasts.
The Core Difference: Functionality vs. Timing
The biggest distinction between maternity and nursing bras is the purpose and time of wearing them.
- Maternity bras are made to fit the pregnancy period, and they are comfortable and supportive as the breasts continue growing and become sensitive.
- Instead, nursing bras are designed during the postpartum period and have special access to the breast to use during breastfeeding or pumping.
That is: maternity bras will help you through to motherhood, whereas nursing bras will take you through it.
Maternity Bras: Focus on Pregnancy Support
Some of the changes that happen during pregnancy are an increase of one to two cup sizes in your breasts and an expansion of your rib cage to house your expanding baby. A maternity bra is designed to accommodate these changes.
A maternity bra will have the following characteristics:
- Broad straps and bands to distribute weight better.
- Stretchy fabrics that the body adjusts to.
- No underwire, no restrictive seams to create less pressure.
- Hooks that can be changed in size.
Maternity bras should be supportive and not squeezy – this aids in minimizing pain, tenderness and backaches.
Nursing Bras: Designed for Postpartum Access
When the baby is born, convenience is very important. Nursing bras are designed such that you can access the breast easily and conveniently by accessing it in one hand and not necessarily having to take the bra off altogether.
Some of the common characteristics of a nursing bra are:
- Easy to nurse drop-down cups or front flaps.
- On-demand feeding to avoid the use of a spoon.
- Elastic, resorbent materials to fit the breasts of varying sizes and masses filled with milk.
- Anti-swimming suits on the breast to maintain form even as the breast size varies during the day.
Nursing bras can also be good, provided that you have wearable breast pumps, such as the Momcozy Hands-Free Pumping Bra can be used with portable pumps, and you will not experience any inconvenience when feeding, working, or resting.
Overlap and Versatility: The “Hybrid” Bra
Lots of current brands (such as Momcozy) are producing hybrid maternity and nursing bras nowadays – maternity cards that can be used when pregnant and when breastfeeding.
These hybrids are a blend of the stretch and comfort of maternity bras and the access panels or clips of nursing bras that are nursing-friendly. They are also an awesome investment when you want to have a growing bra between pregnancy and postpartum.
Benefits of hybrid bras:
- This saves money since it removes the necessity of having two different bras.
- Bump to baby 24/7 comfort.
- Offer the ease of pumping or breastfeeding when your baby is born.
Why the Distinction Matters for Breast Health
The hybrid bras are perfect when you are in your third trimester- at this stage, your breast size would have stabilized to such an extent that you can start wearing a nursing-type fit.
The Importance of the Distinction to Breast Health.
Wearing the inappropriate kind of bra when pregnant or during breastfeeding may lead to problems such as:
- Obstructed ducts caused by too-tight bands or underwires.
- Sickness or pain due to bad support.
- Irritation or reddening by non-breathable materials.
A well-fitted maternity or nursing bra will carefully support the breast, keep the circulation going, and avoid undue strain in the breast. Comfort is not a luxury; it is an essential aspect of breast health at this delicate period.
The Best Time to Buy Each Type of Bra
For Maternity Bras:
When your normal bras start to feel tight or uncomfortable, normally at your second trimester, start shopping. Find customizable styles that will not go out of shape when you get bigger.
For Nursing Bras:
Several specialists advise purchasing one or two during your last month of pregnancy when the size of your breasts is no longer changing. After determining your milk supply (1-2 weeks after having the baby), you can readjust your size and may add some.
In case you want to keep it simple, you can use a hybrid maternity/nursing bra that will cover both phases, and it will provide you with long-term benefits and comfort.
A Good Recommendation Maternity Bra
Momcozy Nursing Bra Collection is worth trying in case you are in need of a maternity or nursing bra that is comfortable, supportive, and stylish.
Their bras are:
- Continuous and wireless, reducing the levels of irritation at sensitive stages.
- The stretch-and-breath garments that fit your changing body.
- They have nursing clips and are thus ideal during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Are you planning to get pregnant in a more comfortable way or postpartum in a more comfortable way? The collection of Momcozy has trusted options that will expand with you – from bump to baby and beyond.
Key Takeaway
Maternity and nursing bras are used to achieve different types of goals; however, the former is used to support a pregnant woman, and the latter is essential to access the breast, but it is mostly determined by personal time and lifestyle.
A hybrid maternity and nursing bra is the ideal solution for many moms: flexible, convenient, and appropriate at all the motherhood phases.
With convenience and comfort, it will benefit your body (as well as your baby).
