Bra Sizing - plus size and very pregnant

[WaffleWiffle]

I am 36 weeks pregnant and plus size when not pregnant.

Under bust = 43 inches
Over bust when leaning forward = 53 inches.

Not forgetting that I assume the cup size will increase further when my milk comes in.

That's something ridiculously massive like 44I isn't it? I was hoping to get a couple of bras to see me through breastfeeding - what kind of size should I go for?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

OK, measurements suggest a 42GG/H or a 44G/GG. Everyone's boobs behave a bit differently but most people find that their cup size goes up more, and their band size goes down once the small person is removed from underneath their ribs. Also (and please don't think I am being rude!) it's very common for larger ladies to need a band size which is smaller than they measure as their torso is squishier and the band needs to be firm to provide support.

I'd suggest getting a couple of more flexible bras to tide you over and then remeasure once your milk is in

[WaffleWiffle]

I absolutely don't think you rude. I'd rather be told straight than have someone pussy-foot around the fact that I am larger. I'm going to have to order online since I none of the high street shops do my size, so I would like to get the size right first time.

So what size would you recommend that would see me through to breastfeeding?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I'd probably be inclined to try a 42H and maybe HH, and also to see how a 40 band fits (try a HH/J and thereabouts) - if you are looking at soft cup maternity bras then they are generally pretty flexible and stretchy, but I'd only buy one or two to tide you over with the absolute expectation that your size will change. The Panache Sophie has a good rep and goes to a 40J. Something to watch is that many nursing bra brands skip cup sizes - they don't do FF,, GG, HH etc so you would need a bigger cup size in them. E.G. an H is the 11th size in normal bras, so you would need whatever their 11th cup sizes is.

Once things are leveled out a bit, once you know if feeding works etc and you are a more consistent size you might want to consider underwired feeding bras. Contrary to what many midwives will tell you, underwires are totally safe - as long as they fit right! The problem is, most people wear bras which don't fit, so they end up with wires resting on breast tissue. Soft cups are never very good in reality and if you have big boobs they're a nightmare. I reckon when my milk came in I was around a 30L, so I know believe me

Options for underwired feeding bras are limited - a lot of ladies just buy normal bras and convert but the awesome Ewa Michalak, a polish company beloved of those with big norks, have recently brought out a lovely new underwired feeding bras here which goes up to a 40K or 42JJ. This bra is based on their style and they also do custom orders so once you know which size works for you they would probably be able to make any of the other S style bras for you with a drop cup. Ordering from poland is only mildly annoying!