Why it is so important to wear a Maternity Bra during Pregnancy

WHY CAN’T I WEAR A REGULAR BRA OR AN OLD, STRETCHED ONE?
Traditional bras don’t have room for the diaphragm to grow during pregnancy and they also have an underwire which is not recommended to wear.  HOTmilk bras are soft cup bras and have six rows of hooks and eyes. This allows room for the diaphragm to expand during the months of pregnancy and the ability to tighten after the baby is born and the diaphragm settles. It also means you’ll be comfortable and have a beautifully supported silhouette!

WHY CAN’T I WEAR AN UNDERWIRE?
We strongly advise against wearing standard underwire during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for the simple reason underwires place pressure on the milk ducts and soft, tender tissue, potentially blocking milk flow and leading to plugged milk ducts. This may lead to nasty infections requiring antibiotic intervention, which can interrupt your breastfeeding routine.
HOTmilk bras are cleverly designed to give you all the support you need – even in larger cup sizes. We use technologically advanced power fabric and wider than usual cotton-lined straps – ruched with satin bows of course! Intensive research and testing on real pregnant women means the fit and shape provided by HOTmilk bras and underwear is superior.

MY SKIN FEELS TENDER AND IS EASILY IRRITATED. I NEED TO FEEL COMFORTABLE.
We know what you mean! Seams and stitching across the nipple area or unlined bras can cause irritation on already sensitive and tender breasts. All HOTmilk bras have either concealed seams or seams designed to avoid the nipple area and therefore the risk of chafing. We also use soft 100% cotton lining for the ultimate in comfort and support.

CAN I STILL WEAR GORGEOUS LINGERIE, EVEN THOUGH IT’S MATERNITY LINGERIE?
As important to us as the fit, support and practicality of our HOTmilk lingerie is that you will look and feel feminine, sexy and empowered! Pregnancy and being a new mother can be challenging and wearing plain lingerie certainly doesn’t lift the spirits. HOTmilk specialises in sexy, feminine lingerie made from exquisite fabrics and laces, embellished with satin and diamantes. Our bras and tops are beautiful and practical with no-fuss, one-handed maternity clips for quick and easy breastfeeding.

The increase in weight and size of the breast during pregnancy causes the skin to stretch and the breast to drop, which is why it is important to be fitted for a new bra regularly during your pregnancy.
3-4 months is generally when you will first notice an increase in bust size. We strongly recommend that you are measured and fitted professionally to make sure you have the perfect HOTmilk bra for you. Alternatively, check out our comprehensive online Fitting Guide.
A follow up fitting at 7 months, depending on the development of your bust size, is recommended. Don’t forget though, if your bra feels constrictive in any way, you need to be re-fitted.

HOW BIG WILL MY BREASTS GROW DURING PREGNANCY?
Every woman is different. It is not uncommon for a woman to go up 2-4 band sizes and 2-4 cup sizes in pregnancy. Your breasts should have stabilized at around 7 months and will increase when your milk first comes in, after the delivery of your baby. The extra hooks and eyes of our HOTmilk bras cater perfectly for this.

SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL AFTER MY BABY IS BORN TO BUY MY HOTmilk MATERNITY & NURSING BRAS?
The more you can do before your baby is born, the more prepared you will be! It is important to wear a maternity/nursing bra from 3 months as the milk ducts develop during pregnancy and wearing a normal underwire bra during pregnancy can place pressure on the ducts. This can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis during and after pregnancy. HOTmilk bras have excellent features allowing you to cater for the expansions experienced in your bust and diaphragm, so you can purchase before you breastfeed.

WHICH NURSING BRA IS BETTER, A-FRAME OR SIDE-SLING?
Our bra’s have either an internal A-frame or side-sling support for feeding. This really is a matter of personal preference  and what you find the most comfortable.
The A-frame provides a triangle frame around the breast when the cup is dropped down for feeding. This option provides more coverage and support so they are more suitable for larger bust sizes and in full-cup styles.
The side sling cradles the bust from the side of the cup during feeding. As there is less coverage they can be used in 3⁄4 cup styles. This option provides more skin-on-skin contact between mother and baby during feeding. You may like to change between the two.

HOW MANY HOTMILK BRAS DO I NEED?
Our surveys have shown that a woman will need at least 2-3 HOTmilk maternity/nursing bras. You will need your first HOTmilk bra in your first trimester and then another couple at your re-fit at 7 months. This will see you through the birth of your baby and your milk flow arriving. It also ensures you will always have a clean, dry bra available when nursing. And we know that when you visit collections you’ll want to choose more!

IF I BUY A MATERNITY/NURSING BRA AT 3 MONTHS, WILL I USE IT AGAIN IF I GROW OUT OF IT?
The HOTmilk bra you buy at this stage will more than likely be useful again post pregnancy, when the amount you are feeding has decreased and your breasts have reduced in size. Follow the washing instructions carefully and it will still be in beautiful condition.

SHOULD I BUY MY HOTmilk BRA ONE SIZE TOO BIG TO ALLOW ROOM TO GROW?
NO. The bra will be unsupportive, not to mention uncomfortable. All of our bras have 6 rows of hooks and eyes to allow room for expansionin the diaphragm. And our fabrics all have stretch in them for support and comfort. An initial fitting at 3-4months and a follow up fitting at 7 months should ensure that you are wearing the best fitting and most supportive size for your bust.

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY HOTmilk LINGERIE?
Always wash in cold water with regular detergent. NO bleach, NO additives.
Hand wash in cold water with like colours or place inside a lingerie bag using your washing machine’s cold- water delicate cycle with like colours. All hooks, clips and fastenings need to be closed before washing.
Hang-dry out of direct sunlight to extend the life of the lingerie. Using a tumble dryer can stretch and distort the shape of lingerie.
 

SO, YOU’VE FIGURED OUT WHAT SIZE YOU ARE AND NOW YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT FIT!
These are the steps which need to be taken to make sure your bra is a perfect fit and can be used to re-adjust your bra at any time you feel you need to. But remember, if it continues to feel restrictive, it’s time for a new size and/or shape…

Every bra will fit slightly differently and not every bra will suit every bust shape, so make sure you try a few different styles of HOTmilk bras. Have you checked out your Sister Size bras? This will reassure you of the best fit.

1. Before fitting the bra, extend the shoulder straps out right to the end.
2. Slip the straps over your shoulders  and whilst holding both ends
of the bra, lean forward into the bra so your bust will fall naturally into the cups.
3. Stand up straight and fasten the back closure to the second tightest set of eyes. All HOTmilk bras have 6 rows of hook & eyes to provide room for expansion in the diaphragm, which will allow for the bra to be loosened (on average) one set of eyes per month during pregnancy.
Note: If you are 7-8 months pregnant when you are being fitted, the bra should be fastened on one of the looser set of eyes.
4. Pull the bra down firmly to position the back fastening underneath the shoulder blades.
5. Lift your bust into the bra cups by using the opposite hand to the breast. This ensures the breast is correctly positioned in the cup and isn’t sitting under the band or spilling over the top of the underarm.
Note: There should be enough room in the cup for you to slide your hand into the upper cup for expansion when the milk flow arrives.
6. Lastly adjust your shoulder straps so they give a firm but comfortable uplift to your bust.

What an exciting fantastic time for you, albeit a little overwhelming.  Our aim here is to help guide you along the way, we’re mothers, we understand that there are a lot of decisions to make and we want to make it as easy as possible for you, keeping you looking fabulous and sexy along the way!