Virginia Maternity and Nursing Bras Analysis
A maternity bra is worn while you are expecting a baby. In comparison, a nursing bra is worn while you are breastfeeding.
A nursing bra has fasteners/clasps that allow the front of the cup to drop down for easy breastfeeding access.
A nursing bra can be used both as a maternity bra during pregnancy and nursing bra during breastfeeding (National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
Think of a maternity bra as an enhanced version of a regular bra that is designed to provide comfort as your breasts grow throughout pregnancy (KCWW, 2018; Leonard, 2019; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
During the first trimester of pregnancy, most women’s breasts go through significant changes. Individual women experience tenderness and discomfort. Some women notice their breasts start to broaden as early as week six of pregnancy. Generally, there is a rise in size and weight of breast tissue (KCWW, 2018; Leonard, 2019; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
The expansion is because of a rise in progesterone levels. Another reason is growing of your milk ducts (KCWW, 2018; Leonard, 2019; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
The hormonal and weight changes prepare the breasts for lactation. The breasts can become very uncomfortable if they are not properly supported. All of those changes also mean your old/ordinary bras may not fit (KCWW, 2018; Leonard, 2019; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
In addition, many women notice they are wider across the back. The reason is that your rib cage expands to make room for your baby (KCWW, 2018; Leonard, 2019; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
Both Virginia Maternity and Nursing Bras from Canagoza are designed to provide the breasts support and comfort. The bras are designed such that they do not impose pressure on your breast tissue. The bras can assist with relieving breast pain, back pain, and sagging (Drugs.com, 2021; KCWW, 2018; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
Wearing a bra helps to prevent stretching of delicate breast tissue that contributes to sagging. The bra stretch to accommodate your expanding bust. It is also gives a better shape to clothing (Drugs.com, 2021; KCWW, 2018; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
During post-pregnancy life, your nursing bras are perhaps the most prized items inside your wardrobe. These useful undergarments make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient. As your breasts fill and empty, the bras provide and maintain the needed support (Drugs.com, 2021; KCWW, 2018; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
How Many Cup Sizes Shall I Go Up Throughout Pregnancy?
Each woman expecting a baby differs in terms of their breast size. Some ladies will change considerably; others will not (Leonard, 2019).
It is common to go up one or more cup sizes throughout pregnancy and several band sizes larger: Your diaphragm area shall apparently increase during pregnancy (Leonard, 2019).
Why Should I Purchase a Maternity or Nursing Bra?
The reason is that they are designed to offer a different magnitude of support to ordinary bras. Every woman expecting a baby thus needs the maternity/nursing bra (KCWW, 2018).
The bras are better constructed. In that regard, Virginia Bras are characterized by more “engineering” and design built in them. They have more hook and eye options behind the back of the band in comparison to ordinary bras. Hence, they provide more room to expand the band as your body undergoes changes (KCWW, 2018).
The maternity and nursing bras provide support and lift, although they do not have underwires.
Meanwhile, ordinary bras are designed for non-lactating breast tissue. The ordinary bras can frequently have fashion and appearance as a top priority (KCWW, 2018).
How Many Maternity Bras Must I Buy?
The most important aspect for you is having a correctly fitted bra. The bra should be comfortable during the day as well as night.
During the first two (2) trimesters (up to 6 months), two (2) to three (3) bras would suffice. With that number of bras, you will be able to rotate. In the last trimester, you might require another one (1) to two (2).
Nonetheless, provided your bras are fitting well and comfortable, you should aim to wait until towards the end of pregnancy before having your last fitting. During this time, you will be able to have a better idea about your post delivery and band size.
You may also need to use Shauna Nursing Pads from Canagoza during post-pregnancy to cope with any milk leakage.
Is it Possible to Wear the Same Maternity Bras for Every of My Pregnancies?
Yes, you can wear. You can on two conditions: The first is that the bras are still in good shape. The second is that the bras have not lost their support properties.
Please keep in mind wearing and washing of bras (and other clothing and cloths) wears down fiber tension. Do not, therefore, be afraid to downgrade any eroded bra/s to the bin and invest in a new one/s (KCWW, 2018).
You will perhaps discover you require purchasing new bras at least two times during your pregnancy (KCWW, 2018).
Every pregnancy creates new demands and hormonal changes on a woman’s breasts. You might discover the growth rate of your breasts is different for every pregnancy (KCWW, 2018).
Bra Fitting Tips
You need to ensure (especially when purchasing) the maternity/nursing bra fits you. It must be comfortable when the hooks are closed.
Allow for rib and diaphragm expansion as you breathe and as your pregnancy progresses. Usually, this occurs roughly during the second trimester onwards. The bra should not be firm and tight (KCWW, 2018).
Do not purchase a bra with the viewpoint that when you are lactating, you will fit it. Instead, use hooks and eyes and straps in order to personalize the bra to your specific breast size and shape. Simply ensure you are able to slide your hand in the bra to make an assessment of whether there is sufficient room for expansion (KCWW, 2018).
Fluid retention in the breasts might mean they swell and feel tense, although they are not producing milk. The scenario is more common as the third trimester comes to an end (KCWW, 2018).
In case you purchase a nursing bra to wear during pregnancy and after, ensure there is enough room for your breasts to grow. That is because your breasts have a tendency to enlarge further after your baby arrives (KCWW, 2018).
Engineering Materials Used to Manufacture Virginia Bras
Virginia Maternity and Nursing Bras are made from breathable and soft natural fiber fabric/lining, cotton. Such fabric is crucial as some women become sweatier than usual beneath or between their breasts. The natural fiber fabric helps keep the women cooler (Canagoza, 2021; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
Some other features comprise straps, are not underwired (a wire that lies under the cup), and among other features (Canagoza, 2021; National Childbirth Trust, n.d.).
Caring For/Cleaning your Maternity and Nursing Bras
If you take good care of your maternity and nursing bras, they will obviously last for long – you will preserve their lifespan. Properly taking care of your bras ensures they retain their shape and high level of support (KCWW, 2018).
Washing your bras needs some special considerations:
1. Prepping
Always wash your bras with similar colors to avoid having any dye moving and staining the bras.
Aim to prevent straps or other components of the bras from getting twisted. To achieve that, close every clasp and hook and eye before washing.
Always use a mild (gentle) detergent. Many commercial detergents are harsh on bras. They are thus capable of damaging delicate fabrics (including their elasticity) and causing skin sensitivities. Apparently, the elasticity plays an important role in a bra’s support level.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softener(s).
2. Washing
It is advisable to hand-wash your maternity and nursing bras. Hand-washing is important given that the bras have additional features, like clasps and drop-down flaps. Such additional features might easily get damaged inside a washing machine (KCWW, 2018).
If you choose to wash using a washing machine, ensure to select a delicate cycle. Place your bras in a lingerie bag or small mesh laundry bag. The bag would protect the bra/s from getting tangled with each other or other clothing items you are washing using the washing machine (KCWW, 2018).
Use (select) cool water. Hot water is capable of causing shrinkage or fading the bra and wearing away. The hot water will destroy the elastane fibers and any included lace. Overall, the outcome is reduction of bra lifespan.
Do not use bleach as it will, too, reduce the lifespan of your Virginia Bra/s (KCWW, 2018).
3. Drying
Dry in a warm place. Please do not use a machine (tumble dryer) to dry your bra/s, as doing so will damage your bra.
References
Please click on (or tap on) the following link to access/view the "References": References -- Virginia Bras.doc