Life changes, are we right? So much of a person’s body undergoes change and transformation during pregnancy. Notably, an expectant parent might see and feel differences in their chest as their body prepares for birth.

You might be emotionally attached to that gorgeous bra and panties set you ordered from a certain famous singer’s lingerie line, but as you inch into your second trimester, you might want to reach for something more tailored to your needs.

The benefits of supportive underwear made for nursing, or soon-to-be-nursing parents greatly outweigh the loss of a few bows and sparkles. Embracing the sexiness of motherhood means embracing the unique changes to your body and the type of underwear it needs!

It’s Time for Some Changes

Hey, miss new mama, what’s going on with your chest? Typically during your first trimester, the chest becomes swollen, tender, and can feel tingly. Your body is starting to create all the extra hormones and structure needed to feed a baby.

Into the second trimester, your chest will probably grow more noticeably and begin to feel heavy and weighted. As a result, veins often become more visible, and the areolas grow darker in color. Ultimately, your body is gearing up to breastfeed.

The final sign before it’s time to nurse can be the appearance of a yellow discharge called colostrum (that may appear in the hospital just after giving birth as well). Next step… lattes! Just kidding. No espresso, just milk.

So, What About My Underwear?

If you’d like to keep your expensive trendy bras in good condition, it might be best to invest in some maternity underwear. There are incredibly made pumping and everyday nursing bras that prioritize comfort and nursing ease. Investing in specialty underwear will save your regular items from leakage stains and make it easier for your baby to access your chest for feeding.

There are many options available: classic support throughout your workday, seamless coverage without the hardware for easier, comfier cuddles with your little one, and bras with interchangeable inserts that make for easy clean-up. By prioritizing good quality underwear, you are exercising self-care.

Plus, if you love a matching set, you can still rock that. Grab a box of undies to match your favorite maternity bra. With double-layered fabric and the softest OEKO-TEX® certified cotton, protection is the name of the game.

The Miracle of the Pumping Bra

It is fairly common to pump every two to three hours in the first week after giving birth. Depending on your baby’s needs and your body’s supply, you could be pumping more or less than eight times a day. Whatever your specific case calls for, pumping is like a part-time job.

The benefits of a pumping bra are numerous:

You get a hands-free personal assistant in the form of a bra. You can fix a snack, keep working on your novel, you could even juggle if you wanted to, all while getting in that fourth pump of the day. Go mama!

The Best Support (Besides Love, Of Course)

Give yourself the gift of comfort and ease and invest in the right underwear for your pregnancy. Your body is putting in a lot of work; support it with a bra that feels seamless and with undies that feel like a hug on your belly. From early growth to nursing and all the pumping in between, wearing the right pieces will keep you feeling comfy and prepared.

Sources How Often Should I Pump? A Breast Pumping Guide for New Moms | Healthline Breast Changes During Pregnancy | Michigan Medicine Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk for Your Baby | Very Well Family