Just as there are specific items of lingerie for various occasions in your life, so too is there a range of intimates categorised under maternity lingerie. And yes, you do need them to support you in a variety of ways. Lingerie for pregnant and breastfeeding women is designed specifically for a time when your breasts grow in size and change shape, when you need the ability to quickly and easily release your breasts for feeding and your skin is particularly tender. Here is a checklist of nursing and pregnancy lingerie which will help you through this wonderful time in your life.

What is maternity lingerie?

This is lingerie which is designed specifically to cater to the needs of your changing body. Only buy cleverly designed, technologically advanced maternity lingerie which will be made from soft, supportive – yet fashionable! – fabrics. This is identifiable by the following points:

• Bras for pregnancy and nursing which have features which enable you to nurse your baby and to allow for the size fluctuation of your breasts and diaphragm.

• Nightwear with inbuilt bras and/or support thus negating the need to wear an extra bra to bed.

• Underwear which sits snugly under your baby belly or right over, each providing a smooth profile. Options of g-string, French knicker and bikini brief are available.

• Camisoles can be included in maternity lingerie too – worn as outerwear or underwear, these camisoles have built in bras, offering freedom from having to wear a bra as well, yet giving you the benefit of excellent support.

What features does maternity lingerie have?

• One-handed maternity clips

• No underwire which can restrict milk flow and put pressure on milk ducts and tender tissue, leading to infections.

• Hidden seams to avoid chafing to tender skin and soft cotton lining for comfort and absorption.

• Power fabric panels for extra support.

• Wider bra straps with cotton lining for both support and comfort.

• Either full or ¾ cup, side-sling or A-frame support – maternity lingerie provides options in shape and silhouette too!

• Six rows of hooks and eyes on a triple hook depth band to allow for the diaphragm to expand.

• Sexy and feminine styling.

Some FAQs about maternity lingerie:

When should I buy my maternity lingerie?

All women are different and no two pregnancies are the same but generally you will need to be fitted for your pregnancy and nursing bra at around 3-4 months and again at around 7 months.

How big will my breasts grow?

It is not uncommon for a woman to increase 2 – 4 band sizes and 2 – 4 cup sizes during pregnancy and beyond. This is why your maternity lingerie needs to allow for expansion and so it can be worn when your bust size reduces again once your milk flow settles.

How much maternity lingerie will I require?

You will need at least 2 -3 maternity/nursing bras – one on, one in the wash, one clean. This rule goes for your nightwear as well.

Should I buy my maternity lingerie a size larger so I can grow into it?

No! The lingerie will be unsupportive not to mention uncomfortable.

Do ensure you are professionally fitted when you buy your pregnancy and nursing lingerie. Your shape and size will have changed and lingerie fitters are trained to fit and advise you on the benefits and features of fashionable, quality maternity lingerie.