You should wear a bra after delivery as soon as possible to provide support and comfort for your breasts. It is recommended to start wearing a nursing bra or a maternity bra during the third trimester of pregnancy to help your breasts adjust and prepare for breastfeeding. After delivery, you can transition to wearing a nursing bra full-time to accommodate the changes in breast size and shape that occur postpartum.
It’s important to note that wearing a supportive and comfortable nursing bra is crucial during this time, as it helps prevent discomfort, soreness, and potential damage to the breast tissue caused by lack of support. Wearing a well-fitted nursing bra also helps with milk flow and makes it easier for breastfeeding. Make sure the band fits snugly around your rib cage without digging in, while providing ample space for growth when your milk comes in.
A common misconception is that wearing any type of regular underwire bras after delivery is acceptable; however, this can cause discomfort and hinder milk production due to restricted blood flow. Nursing bras are specifically designed with stretchy fabric, adjustable straps, and easy access for feeding or pumping, which provides optimal support for postpartum breasts.
An interesting fact about postpartum bras is that they are engineered with features such as soft cup lining, wide sides, and extra hook-and-eye closures to accommodate fluctuations in breast size during the day. Knowing this fact can be useful because it will allow you to choose the right type of bra that best fits your body’s unique needs during this stage of motherhood. The next step would be to get fitted by a professional who specializes in maternity lingerie so you can find the perfect fit for your changing body.
Remember: taking care of yourself means taking care of both you and baby.
| Weeks Post-Delivery | Symptoms | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Swelling and tenderness | Wear a supportive, non-wired bra 24/7 |
| 3-4 weeks | Decreased swelling, mild discomfort | Continue to wear a supportive bra during the day |
| 5-6 weeks | Minimal tenderness, healing incisions | Wear a comfortable, supportive bra during daytime hours |
| 7-8 weeks | No tenderness, healing progress | Continue to wear a supportive bra during the day, consider sleeping without a bra |
| 9-10 weeks | Minimal discomfort, incisions healed | Gradually transition to wearing a regular bra as comfort allows |
| 11-12 weeks | No discomfort, healed incisions | Return to wearing regular bras as needed |
| 13-14 weeks | Full recovery, no discomfort | Resume wearing regular bras as usual |
| 15-16 weeks | Complete healing, no tenderness | Wearing any type of bra is comfortable |
| 17-18 weeks | Postpartum body fully adjusted | Continue to wear supportive bras as needed |
| 19-20 weeks | Postpartum body fully adjusted | Comfortably wear any style of bra |