Your body undergoes a massive transformation during pregnancy. Did you know your breasts can fluctuate up to 5 sizes throughout this journey?
Wearing the wrong size bra can lead to discomfort and even breast problems. This is true if the bra is too small, but also if it’s too big or you skip wearing one altogether, which can cause sagging and ligament damage.
Enter the multi-sized bra, designed specifically for these changes. It provides the support and comfort you need throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. With multiple cup sizes and adjustable bands, it adapts to your changing body.
Focus on the miracle you’re creating, not your bra. Multi-sized bras keep you comfortable and supported during this special time.
Changes During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
![breast changes diagram](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/breast-changes-diagram-1024x514.jpg)
To explain the benefits of a multi-cup fitting bra, we first need to cover the changes that your bust will undergo during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s worth keeping in mind that this can vary from person to person and even from breast to breast. It can also differ between subsequent pregnancies.
Stage | What To Expect |
1st Trimester | The size and density of your breasts increases as they get ready to produce milk. They can also be sensitive to the touch. |
2nd & 3rd Trimester | Your ribcage expands to make room for your growing baby. |
1-3 Days Postpartum | When your milk comes in it’s common for your breast size to increase 3-5 cup sizes. |
First 6-8 Weeks of Breastfeeding | Breasts fluctuate in size before and after each feed. They can feel hard and tender just before a feed, then soft and supple after a feed. |
Side Favouring or Alternate Feeding | If your baby favours one side or you alternate sides between feeds,t there’s periods of time where your breasts are different sizes from each other. |
6-8 Weeks Postpartum | Your breast size will stabilise by this stage as your milk supply has now regulated. |
Cluster Feeding | Once your supply has regulated, your baby may go through periods of cluster feeding. In response to this you may experience enlargement and engorgement as your body works to catch up to the demand. |
5-6 Months Postpartum | Over time your rib cage will reduce in size, though it’s rare for it to return to its pre pregnancy size so you may find you stay a different band size postpartum. |
Pumping | Your breast size can increase due to engorgement if you’re over pumping. This can happen regardless of whether you’re new to pumping or a seasoned pumper. |
6+ Months Postpartum | Once your baby starts solids your breast size reduces as your body gradually produces less milk. |
Now that we’ve covered the changes that you’re likely to experience throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey, let’s go into the many benefits of multi-cup sized bras and some of our most popular styles.
Comfort
During those first 12 weeks when your size feels like it’s increasing by the day, and the first 6-8 weeks postpartum where your breasts and baby are trying to find their groove, you’ll want to be in a seamlessly knitted bra that can offer you everything you need to ensure your breasts are supported without any painful restriction.
![tutti frutti padded nursing bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/tutti-frutti-padded-nursing-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Seamless style made from bamboo yarn, with a feminine lace trim and lightly padded triangular cups.
Perfect for: All day wear, low cut tops, sleeping, t-shirt bras.
![rock candy wireless nursing bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/rock-candy-wireless-nursing-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Seamless, double layered design with removable cups.
Perfect for: Everyday wear and a smooth silhouette under clothing.
24-Hour Wear
Mult-cup sized bras offer exceptional comfort due to their stretchy nature, which makes them perfect sleep bras. Overnight is when you’re most likely to experience engorgement as you’re going the longest time between feeds.
![milk bamboo sleep bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/milk-2-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Ideal for overnight wear with its racerback (goodbye slipping straps), built in pockets for nursing pads and seamless, accessory-free design.
Perfect for: Overnight wear and holding nursing pads.
![cotton candy seamless nursing bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/cotton-candy-seamless-nursing-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Seamless double moulded cups for capacity, racerback for support and optional padded cups.
Perfect for: The ideal bra for when everything is changing rapidly such as the first trimester and when you’ve just had your baby.
Support
Did you know a lactating bust is around 33% heavier than a non-lactating bust of the same size? So if you’re fuller busted before pregnancy, it’ll come as no surprise that you need extra support once you’re breastfeeding, but that support doesn’t have to come in the form of wires.
There’s multi-cup sized bras that are designed specifically for fuller busts, which have hidden support mechanisms to give you the lift and sizing flexibility that you need.
![popping candy busty maternity bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/popping-candy-busty-maternity-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Seamless design with hidden platform and side slings to support F cup and up.
Perfect for: Fuller busted mums who are looking for support without compromising on comfort.
![ribbon candy wire-free nursing bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/ribbon-candy-wire-free-nursing-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Satin seamless edge with all the same engineering as the Poppy Candy Nursing Bra.
Perfect for: Fuller busted mums looking for a stylish, wire-free option.
Adaptability and Versatility
There’s numerous physical changes that your breasts undergo during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It would be tiresome and expensive to purchase a bra in a different size every time one of these changes occur, which is one of the main benefits of a multi-cup sized bra. They fit you at every point of your journey!
![lotus pumping bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/lotus-pumping-bra-2-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Supports pump flanges hands-free and has pull aside nursing access.
Perfect for: Pumping, breastfeeding and light impact exercise.
![popcorn wire free nursing sports bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/popcorn-wire-free-nursing-sports-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: Spacer foam laminated construction with cotton lining and press stud opening for nursing.
Perfect for: Medium impact exercise and breastfeeding.
![chantilly lace nursing bralette](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/chantilly-lace-nursing-bralette-1024x819.jpg)
Why we love it: A delicate feminine bralette design that supports and grows with you.
Perfect for: When you want a bra that doesn’t look like a nursing bra.
![biscotti leakproof nursing bra](https://www.cakematernity.com/wp-content/uploads/biscotti-leakproof-nursing-bra-1024x819.jpg)
Biscotti Leakproof Nursing Bra
Why we love it: Absorbent cups eliminate the need for nursing pads and snap studs allow the bra to open completely for skin-to-skin.
Perfect for: Immediately post birth and if you are looking for a front opening bra.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your body undergoes many changes in your breasts, ribcage, skin, and overall form. These changes vary greatly between individuals, stages, and even across different pregnancies. To ensure comfort and proper support throughout this time, multi-sized bras offer a wide range of cup and band sizes, guaranteeing you’ll never be without the perfect fit, even as your body develops new needs. Whether you’re looking for support during high-impact activities or everyday wear, there’s a multi-sized bra to meet your needs at every stage.
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