The question often arises, can pregnancy lingerie double as nursing lingerie. And the answer is an emphatic yes. There are a number of features incorporated in pregnancy lingerie which make the wearing of it during pregnancy and beyond, practical.

These days pregnancy lingerie can be found in fashion forward, exquisite fabrics, made by companies which have spent a lot of time on research and development to ensure women achieve excellent support and ample choice in styles and colour-ways. This was not the case when I was pregnant with my first daughter. My frustration was such that I was driven to set up my own pregnancy lingerie company, to make sure women around the world did not face the same problems I did.

The changes to your body during pregnancy generally remain for some time after the delivery of your baby. The initial fullness to your bust which you experience around the end of the first trimester and again at around seven months is something which continues post partum as your milk comes in and begins to become established. This fluctuation in the size of your diaphragm and bust means the wearing of bras with underwire becomes restrictive. Some lingerie companies advise pregnant women not to wear nursing bras and pregnancy nightwear with underwire, as it can restrict the milk ducts and lead to mastitis and other painful infections.

Another feature of well designed, fashionable yet functional pregnancy lingerie is that it has ample room for the afore-mentioned expansion of diaphragm and bust. Extra hooks and eyes, wider then usual shoulder straps with plenty of room to expand – these features make the wearing of pregnancy and nursing lingerie imperative.

Being fitted professionally during your last trimester is very important to avoid that last minute panic or having to get out to the lingerie store with a newborn in tow and a fluctuating cup size. Babies have a habit of arriving when they see fit and it can be inconvenient to deliver your baby and then be faced with not having correctly designed lingerie which enables you to feed and make adjustments for the changes in bust size you will encounter. Nightwear with drop down cups incorporated into the bodice and pregnancy bras with the same functions – look for one-handed maternity clips for fuss free feeds – all promote your comfort and support. Choose from the exquisite designer pieces available in pregnancy lingerie collections available today and you will feel feminine and gorgeous too!

Well designed pregnancy lingerie will be lined with 100% cotton, perfect for absorption, comfort and breathability during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Temperature fluctuations are easier to deal with and the tender tissue around the nipple is well catered for. Look too for maternity lingerie with hidden or flat seams to avoid chafing.

Equally important, is the silhouette you are able to achieve with beautifully designed pregnancy lingerie. Whether ¾ cup or full, side sling support or A-Frame - there is a style specifically for you, one that will enhance your shape and complement your proportions beautifully. You will generally need around three bras and two mix and match nightwear options during your pregnancy and beyond. Choose carefully, take advantage of being professionally fitted and know that you can – and should – select gorgeous, feminine and even sexy options to wear during this time.