It is very important that your maternity and breastfeeding bras support and fit you properly because throughout your pregnancy the milk ducts are developing and growing.

There have been lots of technical developments in the design and fabrics of maternity and breastfeeding bras over the last few year and the bras are now so much more comfortable and supportive.

This year there are some fantastic maternity bras – wonderful bright colours and cool sexy lace trimmed bras – so there is no excuse to wear boring white or black bras any more. This season’s favourite styles are funky silver damask prints highlighted by silver trims, vibrant cherry red flower print and pink roses embellished with lace frills and a satin bow. Matching boy leg French knickers and bikini briefs have the same clean lines and are designed for comfort and have a ruched gathering at the back to enhance and sculpt your shape.

Most breastfeeding bras have one handed nursing clasps with drop down cups, soft comfy cotton lining, strong power mesh side panels for extra strength, wider bra straps and back adjusters for the fuller cup and double lined laminated cups for sensational support.

As your breasts start to grow, your normal bra will start to feel uncomfortable. This is usually when you are around 8-12 weeks pregnant. So that is the time to buy a nursing bra. Don’t wear normal under-wire bras as these can damage the milk ducts on the side of your breasts. Maternity under-wire bras are designed specifically for pregnancy with specially shaped, softer wire, which is still very supportive.

When trying on a bra fit the bra on the smallest fitting so the bra grows with you.

The cup should cover and support the breast with no overflow. If there is overflow you need to choose a bigger cup size. The strap at the back should be straight and fit snugly and not creep up your back.

It isn’t very easy with a big bump to bend over and lower your breast into the cup as one normally does when putting on a bra, so the best way when pregnant is to put the bra on and gently lift your breasts into the cups. If the bra is fitted correctly it should fit for the duration of the pregnancy, but if it is getting tight near the end of your pregnancy and the next size is too big, then try using a bra extender.

The best time to buy breastfeeding bras is when you are around 37-38 weeks. By this time your baby will have moved down and your rib cage will have slowly reduced in size. Fit the bra on the loosest fitting as the bra will need to be tightened after the birth. You should be able to fit your hand comfortably in your bra between the breast and the cup - this will allow for growth. Your breasts will grow when the milk comes in, but will then settle down with regular breast feeding.

Most specialist maternity shops offer a personal bra fitting service in their shops. To find your correct bra size in inches it’s best to measure under and across your bust. Try on the different styles of maternity and breast feeding bras in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and ask the help of expertly trained staff.

Until you have tried a bra on it is hard to tell if it fits correctly, so the best companies will always exchange a bra for a different size or style or give you a full refund within 14 days. For extra advice on bra fitting, specialist shop staff or customer service advisers of online and mail order companies will happily give you advice over the phone to help you find the perfect bra.