Pregnancy, Breast Changes, And Maternity Bras

Admin • August 13, 2018
Pregnant Woman — Flowood, MS — Sal-Liz Foundation & Lingerie Salon

Your belly isn't the only body part that changes during pregnancy. As your baby grows, so does your body. This means gaining weight (which is completely necessary during this time) isn't necessarily the only difference between your pre-pregnancy shape and what you experience during all three trimesters.

Even though you may have the ultimate pregnancy glow, it's also possible that you don't feel comfortable in your rapidly changing body. For many pregnant women, their breasts are one of the main points of contention.

What happens to your breasts during and immediately after pregnancy? Take a look at the changes your body goes through and what you can do to make yourself feel better emotionally and physically.

Breast Tenderness

Breasts that feel achy, sore, or tender to the touch are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you experience breast tenderness before or during your regular menstrual period, it's easy to confuse this symptom with PMS.

The change in your hormones (from your pregnancy) can cause an increase in blood flow to your breast area. Increased blood flow can result in swelling and tenderness or extreme sensitivity. While you can’t do much to eliminate the tenderness, you can feel some relief by choosing the right bra.

If you're buying new bras, choose something with supportive straps that feels comfortable against your skin. A comfortable bra may help to alleviate some of the tenderness, or at the very least, your bra won't make it worse.

Size Increase

As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice that your breasts don't fit in your regular bras. This means you'll need to buy a new set of bras — maternity bras. Fortunately, maternity bras are purchases that can become an investment. You'll be able to wear the bras during pregnancy and afterwards while nursing.

Again, the more blood that flows to your breasts, the larger they grow. Along with increased blood flow, weight gain and mammary glands may contribute to a larger breast size. Many women report their breasts growing a size during their three trimesters and then again after pregnancy.

When choosing a maternity or nursing bra, the proper fit is absolutely essential. This makes a professional fitting not just an option but a necessity. The expert can make the correct measurements and guide you towards a maternity bra that meets your needs. Even though it's tempting to choose the same bra you already adore but in the next size up, size isn’t the only thing that matters.

To get the added support you need right now (and in the not-so-distant future), you may also need wider/thicker straps. You may also find that your old underwire bras dig into your pregnant body, making you feel uncomfortable. The bra professional can help you select an undergarment that is specially designed for a growing mother's needs.

Nursing Mother

Your larger breasts aren't the only reason to get new bras as you get ready to give birth. If you plan on nursing, your old bras will have several flaws. If your bras don’t adequately support your breasts, they can cause aches, pain, or even back problems. But your ready-to-nurse bras need to do more than just hold in your ever-growing breasts. They need to help you nurse.

Nursing with your old padded or underwire bras is a tricky. You'll have to pull the bra up or down, putting your body in an uncomfortable position. Nursing bras typically have detachable panels that allow you to breastfeed without completely disrobing.

Do you need new bras now that you're pregnant? Contact Sal-Liz Foundation & Lingerie Salon for more information on maternity fittings and products.

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5 Tips For Choosing Bras After A Mastectomy

By Apolinario Bacurin • July 11, 2018
Undergoing a mastectomy was one of the most challenging things you've faced as a woman. The challenge is ongoing as you recover from surgery. An important stage in recovery — both physically and emotionally — is choosing your first post-mastectomy bras. With the right bras, you will begin to feel whole, confident, and empowered once again. As you navigate this selection process, here are five tips to keep in mind. 1. Give Yourself Time Your surgeon will let you know when you have healed enough to get fitted for a prosthesis and mastectomy bra. However, he or she will only note when you are physically ready for this step — not when you are emotionally ready. You do not have to rush out to buy a prosthesis and bras the day your surgeon approves you to do so. If you need to take another week or two to work up some emotional courage, that is okay. If you have been seeing a therapist during your mastectomy and recovery, talk to him or her about your worries and concerns associated with bra selection. Many women feel that selecting a bra makes their situation feel more real. Others fear that their feelings of lost femininity will be magnified by the process of bra selection. Talking about these feelings can help strengthen you emotionally so you are better able to face the challenge of bra selection. 2. Visit a Certified Fitter When you are emotionally and physically ready to select post-mastectomy bras, meet with a certified fitter. Even women who have both of their natural breasts often choose the wrong size bra. A fitter will ensure you go home with bras that make you look natural and feel comfortable. Certified fitters are discrete, kind, and can answer any questions you have about the bra-fitting process or which bras might be best for you. 3. Bring Along a Trusted Friend or Partner Even if you feel strong going into your first post-mastectomy bra fitting, emotions might come flooding out once you start trying on bras. This is nothing to be ashamed of. However, you may want to have a friend or your partner attend the bra fitting with you so that you can depend on them for support throughout the process. Your partner or friend can remind you that you are a strong, beautiful, whole, and empowered woman. They can also provide a second opinion when you're not sure which style looks best. 4. Select Several Different Styles Many women who have had mastectomies eventually settle on one or two styles of bras that they like best. However, when you are getting fitted for your first bras, play around with a few different styles to give yourself a chance to discover which ones suit you. At a minimum, look for a smooth, soft t-shirt bra that you can wear when you need smooth lines under clothing. Also, find a lacier bra you can wear when you want to feel feminine. With either style, front closures are usually easiest to manage after a mastectomy. 5. Don't Be Afraid to Try Something New Just because you liked a certain style of bra prior to your mastectomy does not mean you have to stick with the same style now. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with a new color or style. This is a time to reclaim your femininity in the way that feels most authentic to you right now. That might mean wearing a silky pink bra even though you used to be a white-only girl. Follow the tips above, and rely on the certified fitters at Sal-Liz to find a mastectomy bra you love. Our consultations are always free, and we offer custom-fit bras and prosthetic bras for women of all shapes and sizes.
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6 Signs Your Bra Does Not Fit Properly

By Apolinario Bacurin • July 11, 2018
As a woman, you probably have your bra size memorized, much like your social security number and email password. However, the size you think you are may not be your true bra size. If you have not been measured in years or have never been professionally measured for a bra, there is a good chance you are wearing the wrong size. Keep an eye out for these six signs that your bras don't fit properly. 1. Slipping Shoulder Straps If you are constantly having to reach down and pull your shoulder straps back up, your bra does not fit properly. Tightening the shoulder straps might help a little. If they continue to slip once tightened, you are probably wearing too large a band, causing the straps to be positioned too close to the edges of your shoulders. 2. Back Pain Back pain is particularly common in larger-chested women who wear bras that are the wrong size. You may over-estimate your cup size when really you need a larger band with a smaller cup for better support. Alternatively, you may be wearing too large a band, which allows the band to ride up your back and pull on your shoulders. Back pain caused by a lack of bra support is usually more noticeable at the end of the day or after spending a long time on your feet. 3. Neck Pain and Headaches The pressure that an ill-fitting bra places on your shoulders can also cause neck pain and even headaches. Many headaches can be attributed, at least in part, to muscle tension. A properly sized, supportive bra takes the stress of your shoulders, allowing the muscles through the shoulders, neck, and back of your head to relax. 4. Space at the Top of the Cups When a bra fits properly, the cups should be completely filled. If there's a big gap at the top of your cups, you are too large a cup size. For instance, you might be wearing a C when you're really a B. Space in the cups can cause them to rub and buckle under certain clothing. The extra space may also lead to the need to tighten the straps excessively, which can put too much pressure on your shoulders. 5. Unappealing Appearance A properly fitted bra gives you a sleek, attractive look under your clothing. If you can see bulges of skin around your bra when wearing a t-shirt, your bra is probably too small and tight. On the contrary, if your breasts appear flat and unsupported under your clothing, you might be wearing too large a band. There are different styles of bras suited for different clothing, but if you consistently have to try on three or four bras before finding one that looks presentable with your attire, it's time to get re-measured. 6. Tingling in the Extremities There are many possible causes for tingling in the extremities, including nervous system disorders that need to be managed by your doctor. But if your doctor has looked you over and ruled out medical explanations for tingling in your extremities, your bra may be to blame. Bra straps that are too tight can put pressure on the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that run from your spine to your arms. This pressure can lead to tingling and numbness in the hands and arms. Some women even complain of weakness or swelling in their arms. If you notice any of the signs above or if you simply find your bras uncomfortable, visit Sal-Liz for a session with one of our certified bra fitters . Wearing a properly sized bra should feel like luxurious, not burdensome.