Advice for Moms-to-Be

During pregnancy, figuring out your bra size can be quite a challenge. Most expectant women find that their regular bras don't fit any more; however, rather than going out and buying several new bras at once, just buy a couple at a time, as your bra size can fluctuate throughout your pregnancy. As early as the first trimester, your breast tissue expands as it produces milk ducts. Your breasts can continue to grow right up until you have your baby or even after.

When to Buy a Nursing Bra

It's important to wait until two or three weeks before your delivery date to find the right nursing bra. At that time, your measurement should be the same as when you deliver; however, some women's breasts still continue to grow after the birth of their child. Keep this in mind when buying bras before delivery. Don't buy too many bras of the same size at once. If your doctor tells you that you may grow more after delivery, buy a couple of bras in a larger size as well. You can always return them later. Check out the Gigi's Closet Fitting Room to find your accurate size, and then visit the Maternity department for some great-fitting bras.

What Nursing Bra to Buy

You'll want to buy a nursing bra that gives you good support, is comfortable, is easy to undo and makes you feel good about yourself and nursing. That being said, there are several different types of nursing bras. You can get bras with or without underwire; however, the same advantages and disadvantages apply. Underwire nursing bras will provide more support for women with larger breasts. You can also buy nursing bras with or without flaps. The flaps cover up the nipple, and can be taken off whenever you're nursing. Some women prefer to purchase a bra with no flaps and just pull the bra up or to the side. Either way works; however, the ones without flaps are often made with a softer, less supportive material.

Things to Consider

• Make sure that you can easily unhook and re-hook the flaps on your nursing bra or easily be able to pull it to the side, using just one hand.
• You will most likely need nursing pads. Any crying baby in your vicinity - whether it's yours or not - can stimulate your milk letdown
• If you plan on pumping, you may want to consider a nursing bra that will work well with a hands-free pumping system.
• If you want to wear a nursing bra to bed at night, buy one that's comfortable and doesn't have an underwire.
• Make sure to buy a couple of nursing bras, so you always have a clean one handy.