Keep ‘em up: breastcare in pregnancy

• You may need to change bra sizes several times during your pregnancy
• Sports bras designed to keep large breasts under control are worth considering
• It is worth getting fitted properly for your bras. Find a trained assistant who can advise you on the best style for your shape and size
• Bra extensions (which fit onto the back fastening of your bra) are very useful when your bra becomes too tight around your ribcage but still fits everywhere else
• You will need to buy special maternity bras, if you are planning to breastfeed your baby. Buy these towards the end of your pregnancy (at around 34-36 weeks) and get an expert to fit you. Most big department stores have someone trained in fitting maternity bras, as do most hospitals and antenatal classes
• The best maternity bras are the ones with individual zips under each breast, which will allow you easy access to the breast when feeding.

Caring for nipples
Some nipples become larger and darker during pregnancy, and remain like this for up to a year after the baby is born. One old wives’ tale suggests putting white spirit on your nipples to toughen them up, ready for breastfeeding (and make them less vulnerable to soreness). This is definitely NOT something I would recommend. The main cause of sore nipples is incorrect positioning on the breast, and no amount of preparation will help with this problem. But, if you suffer from very dry nipples, it is probably worth investing in a good nipple cream.