Tracey Montford was 32 when she fell pregnant with her first child. An Australian creative arts teacher living in London, she was used to wearing quality, fashionable clothing and she expected to be able to do so when she was pregnant also.
But it was while she was searching for a maternity bra that was still feminine and stylish – as well as comfortable and functional – she realised that such a creature didn’t exist.
So what do you do when you can’t find what you’re after? Do it yourself of course - and that’s precisely what Tracey did with the establishment of CAKE Lingerie in 2008.
“I had no idea about the bra industry when I started out,” says Tracey, now mum to two sons. But she was convinced there was a market for “fashionable, comfortable but yet functional maternity bras.”
Spending every spare minute finding out what she could about maternity bras and manufacturing options, she finally found the right manufacturer after six attempts.
Tracey says a poor-fitting bra worn during pregnancy and nursing is not only incredibly uncomfortable, it can lead to back and neck strain.
“Hormonal changes results in rapid growth and fluctuations of the breasts. The skin and tissue is placed under a considerable amount of strain. This is followed later by loss in elasticity and volume.”
Structured and supportive maternity underwear is designed to protect breasts against ligament damage and provide a much desired relief and comfort for pregnant women and new mums.
“There are six different types of bra tailored to suit a woman’s body shape and requirements based on the stage of her pregnancy. This begins from as early on as 0-3 months, up until she finishes nursing.”
0-3 months- An increase in cup size begins early on in a pregnancy with hormones creating glandular development and leading to engorgement in the first three months. Tracey advises on a stretchy, seamless maternity bra. “This will grow with you and will provide relief as you begin to develop,” she said.
3-6 months- The breast growth will start to slow during this period, however the ribcage will begin to expand. Tracey suggests: “Select a flexible-wire, non-wire or contour bra with six hooks and eyes. This will provide greater support and will allow extension with the body to manage growth.”
6-9 months- Cup-size at this stage will last into the first four weeks of nursing. “Purchase a minimum of three supportive nursing bras providing you with one to wear, one in the wash and one for your drawer. I recommend a flexible-wire, soft cup, contour, or fuller figure bras,” Tracey says.
Nursing - Flexibility is a necessity. “Your breasts will swell and rapidly change size as they try to regulate milk supply. Use a non-wired, stretchy, seamless maternity bra that grows with you. A comfortable, non-restrictive bra can help avoid complications such as mastitis.”
Tracey’s top 6 tips for maternity underwear shopping
1. Select a bra that fits comfortably to the near-tightest hook to accommodate the ribcage as it expands from the second trimester onwards.
2. The bra should provide good bust support and, importantly, doesn’t flatten or squash your breast. Your breasts should appear separated and fit clearly into each cup.
3. A bra must comfortably fit towards the loosest hook. This will accommodate the ribcage as it contracts to its original size.
4. If you only need to increase your band size, remember to drop a cup size and vice versa. Bra bands are designed relative to body size.
5. Properly fitted flexible-wire bras provide superior, unrestricted support. When selecting one, ensure it sits under and behind the breast tissue.
6. Importantly, your size will most probably vary with each pregnancy. It’s best to be re-sized to ensure you receive the right levels of comfort and support.
Tracey’s bras, underwear and sleepwear sell across 45 countries and CAKE Lingerie has offices in Sydney, London and San Francisco and have been worn by Pink, Heidi Klum, Penelope Cruz, Jackie O and Chrissie Swan. CAKE Lingerie won UK Maternity Brand of the Year at the Inaugural UK Lingerie Awards in addition to the prestigious Parent Tested Parent Approved Award in the US.
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Shop online at CAKE Lingerie and also check out the interactive bra fitting guide and online size calculator.
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