Josie Gagliano

Finding the right maternity bra during pregnancy is like the trying to find the best maternity jeans – seems impossible, but when you do it’s a pregnancy wardrobe staple you simply can’t live without.

I have a confession: during my twin pregnancy around five years ago my best friend gave me her maternity bras. They were pre-loved ones, cotton, seemingly comfy and supportive, but looking back now, I probably needed far more support for my fast-growing breasts.

Since getting to know the Mamaway brand I have been privy to the entire range of their maternity bras – and even tried some on. I wanted to keep them – and I am not even pregnant!

The Mamaway range includes their ‘Flexiwire’ maternity bras.

Although there’s no evidence showing that the use of underwire bras cause mastitis or blocked ducts, Mamaway believes that mums or mums-to-be should be on the safe side, and so, after much sampling and workshopping and trialling on real-life mums, Mamaway have come up with the concept of the ‘Flexiwire’ maternity bras range.
They are designed to give you a superior shape, support and better overall breast health.

So, what exactly is a ‘Flexiwire bra’?

Flexiwire bras are designed to flex and change the position with breasts changing shape and are less likely to cause problems with milk ducts and mastitis.

The thing that I found during my pregnancy is that wireless bras with insufficient support flattened my chest and compressed it. Over the long term, they some sagging occurred [I am now so religious with keeping my breast shape, well, perky, that is always wear a bra to bed, and at home even when I have no plans to go out].

The biggest question often is: when to change to a maternity or nursing bra from your regular bra?

There is no ‘right time’ to be fitted for a maternity bra while pregnant - for some it will be sooner than others, depending on how soon your breast change size and shape. You may find you outgrow your pre-pregnancy bras fairly quickly, or you may not need to purchase a maternity bra until much later.

And how do you choose a maternity or nursing bra?

Here are some tips from Mamaway:
1) The channel of the cup should sit around the base of the breast tissue, not on the breast tissue
2) The top part of the cup should not cut into the breast
3) You should not feel that you breast is compressed, flattened or restricted by the bra cup fabric
4) The side of the bra cup should encompass the breast tissue and not be placed on it
5) The horizontal band should not ride up your back when fastened, struggling to take the weight of your breast.

Bonus tip to examine if you are fitted properly: when you lift up your arms and move around, the bra should still be sitting properly and the position should not change.
And finally, how often should you change your nursing bras?

Mamaway recommends when your baby starts to be introduced solid food, a bra fitting
should be considered since less milk is produced at this stage. Moreover, the worn life of a bra is in general to be six months due to regular wash and wear, its elastics and fabrics lose the elasticity and strength.

So there you have it!

Here are some fine examples of Mamaway maternity bras – pretty impressive and not as ‘mumsy’ as you may have expected, yes?









About the blogger:

Josie Gagliano is a blogger, and she blogs on all things multiples and more here: www.twinnieworld.blogspot.com. She also blogs for maternity and babywear hub http://www.mamaway.com.au and can be found imparting pregnancy and post-baby fashion advice here.