Breast health and brasduring pregnancy

and breast feedingFor more information

Parent Helpline Phone: 1300 364 100 www.cyh.com

Non-English speaking: for information in languages other than English, call the Interpreting and Translating Centre and ask them to call The Department of Health. This service is available at no cost to you, contact (08) 8226 1990.

© Department of Health, Government of South Australia. All rights reserved. Printed January 2010.

Healthy Breasts

Feed Best

Caring for your braIt is best to hand wash your bra with mild soap or >washing detergent, or use a gentle cycle on your washing machine.

Let the bra air dry, rather than tumble dry, to avoid >weakening the elastic fibres in the fabric.

Extra tipsIt is always a good idea to try a bra on >before buying it, to make sure that it is a good fit.

Specially designed silicone bra strap >pads can be used to cushion the straps so they don’t dig in to your shoulders.

Bra hook extenders can be added to give >extra length to the body size of a bra.

Gaining or losing weight, can impact >on your bra size.

If you are unsure whether your bra fits you correctly, >you can seek advice from staff at specialty bra stores or lingerie department in department stores.

Make sure the front band is not riding up and sitting >on top of your breasts. The band should sit against the chest wall, under your breasts, not sitting off your chest.

Made from soft fast drying microfibre that does not stiffen from dried milk.

Wide elastic band for maximum support and comfort.

Inner lining provides a protective layer between the zipper and the skin to prevent any pinching.

Cut high so there is no pressure on the milk ducts.

Three hook closure position for a good fit.

Supportive inner lining holds breast in place, yet provides a discreet opening.

Cut of cups is designed to hold securely in place, even when lying down.

Soft wide straps for comfort and support.

Bra flaps open to the side away from milk leakage.

What to look for in a bra

Bras are important during pregnancy and breastfeeding

A well fitting maternity bra will support your breasts >comfortably, and help reduce neck, shoulder and breast discomfort.

Your breasts may increase in size and feel tender during >pregnancy however most breast changes have occurred by 12 - 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Your breasts may change in size before and after a >breast feed. Maternity bras are specifically designed to support your breasts during these changes. Disposable or washable breast pads can be inserted into your bra to manage breast milk leaking.

An incorrectly fitting wire may put pressure on and >damage delicate breast tissue leading to complications such as blocked ducts and mastitis.

If your bra is a good fit, your nipples should be sitting >roughly between your shoulder tip and elbow.

Overnight, you may prefer to not wear a bra, or choose >a softer crop top style.

Bra fitting guidelinesYou can start wearing a maternity bra once you have >noticed breast changes in early pregnancy and you may need several bras of different sizes throughout your pregnancy to keep up with these changes.

If your bra feels tight at any time, it is important to >have the fitting re-checked.

If the cup size is too big, the cups will be loose and >wrinkly. This will not provide support for your breasts.

It is recommended to avoid wearing underwire bras >during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Make sure that your bra is comfortable before a feed >when your breasts are at their fullest.

Approximately 80% of the support from your bra comes > from the band under your breasts and around your back.

Healthy Breasts Feed Best

What to look for in a bra

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The band should sit firmly, but comfortably around your chest.

Tight, narrow shoulder straps will dig in, causing pain and indents.

Your breasts should be well supported and contained within the bra cups.

If the bra is too small, the band will dig in and cause bulging.

If the bra is too big the back band will ride up.

Bras are available with wider straps, to prevent digging in.

When the cups are too small, your breasts will bulge over the top/sides. This can compress breast tissue and cause blocked ducts.

The shoulder straps should be wide enough to sit comfortably on your shoulders.