Being pregnant brings with it, a lot of changes. Not to mention being inundated with a lot of information! Welcome to the world of being a parent and the decision making that goes with it.

When I was pregnant with the first of my three children, one decision I found difficult was how to choose a nursing bra. In fact, I was unaware there were such things and when I first came across them, I was horrified to discover just how unattractive they were. Starting my own maternity lingerie company made a big change to me personally and the lives of many pregnant and nursing women around the world. Nursing bras and maternity lingerie could be fashionable, sexy and supportive all at the same time!

So, what should you look for in a nursing bra? Your bra must allow you excellent support and therefore a beautiful silhouette. Choose maternity and breastfeeding lingerie which is tested on real, pregnant women. The nursing bra must have extra hooks and eyes, preferably six back adjustors to allow for the expansion to your diaphragm which you will experience at different stages of your pregnancy and beyond. Ensure there is extra width to the shoulder straps than you would normally have in your regular bra, particularly if you have a heavier bust. I firmly believe you should avoid underwire in your nursing bra. This wire can restrict milk flow and compress tender tissue areas, leading to mastitis and other infections which will probably need antibiotic intervention. In selecting your maternity lingerie, choose designs with hidden seams to prevent chafing of tender tissue areas and technologically advanced fabrics for support. But remember, they can still be fashionable and sexy.

You may be wondering when to buy your nursing bra. And is a nursing bra able to be worn during pregnancy? "Maternity lingerie", "breastfeeding bras" and "nursing bras" generally amount to the same thing – lingerie designed specifically to be worn during pregnancy and nursing your baby. As soon as you experience discomfort in your regular lingerie – including your underwear – it’s time to be professionally fitted into maternity lingerie. This will probably occur at around the end of your first trimester, at three or four months. Most women have another growth surge at around seven months too. A nursing bra is specifically designed to accommodate these changes and the extra hooks, shoulder straps and seam construction provide excellent support and comfort throughout your pregnancy. The one-handed maternity clips will be useful almost immediately after your baby is born as newborns are usually put to your breast very quickly. Having the nuisance factor of bunching up the fabric of your shirt or nightie and having to completely undo a regular bra is one less thing to think about when your hands are literally full and you will no doubt be a little overwhelmed in any case! Make sure you include your nursing bra and maternity nightwear in your hospital bag.

Having nightwear with built in nursing bras is another must for your maternity lingerie wardrobe. As we know, comfort is imperative for a good night’s sleep and not having to wear a bra at night and a nightie ensures both comfort and free hands at night-time feeds, due to the use of one-handed maternity clips.

And don’t forget, your pregnancy and nursing lingerie should be as gorgeous and sensual, romantic and refined, as your regular lingerie. You’re pregnant, not 90!