This is a commonly asked question by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Wearing lingerie specific to being pregnant and/or nursing your baby may not even be something you had considered. However there are some significant benefits to wearing maternity bras during this time – both from the feel good factor and a health perspective.

I wanted to look and feel comfortable, glamorous and feminine all at the same time, both during my pregnancy and while nursing each of my three babies. I always choose my regular bras based on whether they are beautiful and feminine, have matching underwear and give me the right kind of support and choice of shape to wear under certain outerwear. Once pregnant, I was disheartened to discover there was very little available and my regular bras had become uncomfortable. I went looking for maternity bras. This lead me to starting my own maternity lingerie company as the bras I was offered were plain, dull and boring!

It is really important to wear a maternity bra during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding your baby, for a number of reasons. Firstly, these bras are designed specifically to accommodate the growth fluctuations and changes in breast tissue experienced by women during this time.

To make life easier for you here is a list of features you need to look for when you go searching for the right maternity bra for you. Make sure the style and brand you select includes these features:

• Wider bra straps for added support as your breasts become heavier

• Soft cotton lining for absolute support comfort of tender areas

• An option of A-frame or side sling support

• The ability to choose between ¾ or full cup styles

• Six rows of triple hooks & eyes to accommodate diaphragm expansion

• Cotton backing on front straps to prevent the straps of your maternity bra from over stretching & puckering

• One-handed maternity clips for ease at feeding time

• No underwire, which can restrict milk size & changes in breast size & volume

• Seam friendly cups to eliminate chafing

• Power fabric panels for extra support, particularly as breasts become heavier

And do choose maternity bras with sexy feminine styling, made from exquisite fabrics and laces. They are out there – I know!