An adequate diet during pregnancy is fundamental as it has
a direct influence on normal healthy development of the unborn child and is an important
factor in successful breast-Feeding.
The Routine examination of the mother’s breast at the first
antenatal clinic visit includes an assessment of the suitability of the nipples
for breast-feeding. The breast and nipples are re-exanimated at regular
intervals.
It is important to note that the size of the breast before
pregnancy has no influence on the mother’s ability to breast-feed successfully on
the mother’s ability to breast-feed successfully. Antenatal care aims at
promoting and maintaining cleanliness of the breast particularly the nipples
the breast and nipples should be carefully washed and dried each day,
particular attention being paid to the under surface of the breasts and to
removing any crusted sections on the nipples.
It’s almost impossible to predict exactly when and by how
much your bust will expand. The hormones that are released in early pregnancy
often cause the breast to enlarge quickly in the first few months. After this,
your breast may stay much the same but will increase in size again a couple of weeks
before your baby is due, and right up until your milk comes in after the birth.
So by the end of your pregnancy you can expect your breast to weigh much more
than normal.
With all this weight to carry, you need to wear a special Brassiere
(bra) that gives you good support. The right one will help to prevent stretch marks
and stop Your Breast from sagging, making it easier for you to Regain your
figure after the birth. Wearing the right nursing bra can make Breast-feeding
easier and more enjoyable.
Which
Bra to Buy
Choose a bra that you like the look of but make sure that
it is comfortable and provides you with firm support without fitting too
tightly. You can select from the following.
A) Prenatal Bra: an optional buy for the early months of
pregnancy to give you extra support as well as added comfort. You may need a
larger size later, though, if your breast get bigger.
B) Sleep Bra: again an optional extra. If your breast become
very large, you may feel more comfortable wearing a softer bra at night. Sleep bras
are of lightweight design and give very gentle support.
C) Nursing or feeding Bra: an essential if you wish to breast-feed.
A nursing bra should give easy access to the breast and support you even when
open for feeding. Buy about six weeks before your baby is due, and choose one
cup size larger than your normal size larger than your normal size to allow for
when your milk comes in. there are several types of nursing bras available in
the market nowdays.
·
Front
Opening
·
Drop
Cup
·
Keyhole
opening
·
Zip
Cup
Try on different bras and buy the one that suits you best.
Points
to be considered
When selecting a maternity bra, there are certain points to
be considered.
a)
Thick
straps for Greater comfort but not too stretchy or heavier breasts may sag.
b)
Extra
Hooks at the back to allow for the expansion of your rib cage.
c)
Cotton
Content to let your skin breathe since you perspire more pregnancy.
10
Tips for buying the best Bra
1.
Very
Gently Lift each breast into the bra and check that nipples sits comfortable on
the centre line of each cup.
2.
Lift
your arms above your head. The bra should not move. If it rides up your back. It’s
either too big or you have hooked it up too loosely
3.
Touch
the top of your breasts. The Skin Should Feel Firm and relaxed. If the skin
feels stretched, the bra may not be giving you enough support.
4.
Look
for a bra that lifts you, cup your breasts in your hands while wearing the bra.
If you can lift them at all, your bra is not giving firm support.
5.
Do
the Jiggle test there should be very little movement, if your bra is giving you
adequate support and coverage.
6.
Your
Breast Should fit snugly in the cups. If the cups wrinkle they are too large.
7.
Shoulder
Straps should sit comfortably without twisting or cutting into skin.
8.
Does
The Bra fit you when worn o the tightest hook to allow you maximum room for expansion?
9.
Imagine
you are holdings your baby cradled in one arm. Are you happy with your bra’s
fastening and can you undo it using one hand.
10. Undo the bra as if
feeding. Does your other breast feel supported in the bra?
Useful
Tips for you
- 1)
Check
your breast size about once a fortnight make sure that your bra is not too
tight.
- 2)
There’s
no need to wear breast pads unless your breasts start leaking.
- 3)
If
you are wearing a zip cup bra. Always put your thumb between your flesh and the
zip to avoid nicking your skin.
- 4) Get used to wearing your feeding bra before the birth.