Pregnant bodies undergo quite dramatic changes week by week. Says Tracey Montford, founder of Cake Lingerie, a luxurious line of bras, panties, and sleepwear specifically designed for pregnant and nursing mothers, “It’s imperative one wears a suitable and well-fitting maternity bra, especially designed to suit the distinct requirements of your body during pregnancy and post-birth.”
Say goodbye to ugly maternity underwear and hello to comfortable and dare I say, sexy, lingerie. I had the opportunity to talk with Montford about the hows and whys of fitting undergarments during the myriad changes a body goes through while pregnant. Here’s what she had to say:
Stoehr: Before all of the good stuff about fitting, fabrics, and beautiful undergarments, I understand you had no experience in the fashion industry when you first had the notion there was a market for products like yours.
Montford: I was a creative arts teacher. I never dreamed of having my own business, let alone creating one from my personal need. I was 32 at the time, based in London, and about to have my first child. Used to having nice things and wearing quality, fashionable clothing, my search began for quality maternity and nursing lingerie that was feminine, stylish, comfortable, functional—and fit correctly. A non-event, to say the least. It did not exist!
Stoehr: So, what next?
Montford: My existing undergarments and nightwear no longer fit [as my body changed]. I wanted to buy some underwear, similar to what I was used to wearing before I was pregnant. Why did I have to compromise? I had searched high and low on the web, in stores—I even called friends in other countries! It became clearly evident the product I was looking for was not available. It actually saddened me and made me more conscious about my body. Other women I spoke to had the same complaint. I had no idea about the bra industry, but I did know there was a market for fashionable, comfortable but yet functional maternity bras.
Stoehr: So it was a learning curve to begin.
Montford: Learning about the product detail was key, which forced me to fashion school. While managing my home and young child, I spent every spare moment researching options for manufacturing. Eighteen months and seven manufacturers later, I finally found one who was capable of meeting my stringent product and quality expectation.
Stoehr: Hooray! So, let’s talk about the changing body. Or, for the benefit of my readers, I have encapsulated the very handy interactive chart you have on your website at cakelingerie.com. Here’s a look:
|
Months along, in stages |
Bust development |
Bra needs |
|
0 to 3 months (Stage 1) |
Pregnancy hormones lead to glandular development. Most women will experience rapid breast growth |
Select a non-wired, stretchy, seamless maternity bra that grows with you |
|
3 to 8 months (Stage 2) |
Your breast growth will slow; your ribcage will begin to expand |
Select a flexible wire and/or contour bra with horizontal six hooks and eyes, for greater support and extension |
|
8 to 9 months (Stage 3) |
Your breast size at this stage will most likely be your nursing cup size in Stage 5 |
Purchase a minimum of three supportive nursing bras at this point. A flexible-wire, contour, or fuller figure bra is recommended |
|
0 to 4 weeks post-natal (Stage 4) |
Your breasts will swell and change size rapidly as it regulates its milk supply |
Use a non-wired, stretchy, seamless maternity bra that grows with you |
|
4+ weeks post-natal (Stage 5) |
Your milk flow will have now regulated itself and your cup size will have stabilized, apart from regular daily fluctuations |
Wear your choice of flexible wire, contour, or fuller figure bras, with plenty of top cup stretch |
Montford: This is right. Hormonal changes during these stages will result in rapid changes to your breasts, putting skin and tissue under considerable strain. A structured and supportive maternity bra will protect your breasts against ligament damage and provide you with much desired relief and comfort.
Stoehr: Let’s just briefly expand upon the types of bras you mentioned in your information on various stages of change.
Montford: Yes, there are five types.
The seamless is great for the first trimester, as well as immediately post birth. Being it has no wires, it’s ultra soft and expands and contracts well with your fluctuations. You can also use it as a sleep bra. And with a T-shaped back, it maximizes lift and support. The soft cup is for the woman who is looking for a supportive, non-wired undergarment. A full figure bra is for those women who have a fuller bust and [the bra] can be worn at all stages. It’s engineered to provide strong supportive, great shape and relieving comfort. The flexible wire bra is ideal during the second and third trimesters and also once your breasts have settled post-birth. It provides great shape and support without restriction of movement. Finally, the contour bra is ideal for women looking for shape, a smooth exterior, and versatility. A product we offer, Mint Toffee, also has a converter strap to wear with halter tops.
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Find the right fit
Here are some tips from Tracey Montford on how to determine your best fit
• You should be able to comfortably run your finger underneath and along the front band. Adjust the hook and eye further apart if you cannot do this, or go up a size.
• Ensure your straps do not dig into your shoulders by adjusting the lengths
• Don’t allow the back band to cut into your back tissue. Loosen the hook and eye, or go up a size.
• When you hold your arms above your head, your bra back should not ride up. Tighten the hook and eye, or go down a bra band size if it seems too loose.
• Your breasts should not appear to bulge out of the top, sides, or bottom of your bra. Consider going up a cup size if so.
• Conversely, if the cup seems baggy or loose, not completely filled out, going down a cup size is wise.
• Properly fitted wire bras will generally cause no problems as long as it sits under and behind the breast tissue.
• When purchasing a maternity bra, select one that comfortably fits to the second to the tightest hook to accommodate the rib cage as it expands from month four onward.
• When selecting a nursing bra, whose one that comfortably fits to the second to the loosest hook to accommodate the rib cage as it contracts to its original size.
