Measuring for nursing bra

[EggsMichelle]

Where do people recommend I get measured for a nursing bra? I have clearly gone up several cup sizes, and need new bras anyway, so nursing ones seem like the practical idea. Also when is the best time to get measured? I'm 35wks.

[Nigglenaggle]

Marks & Sparks :) They were bang on with me, I went just before my due date

[incyspider]

I got mine from M&S last time (practical but not that sexy!) and the lady who fit me said it was best to wait until two weeks before your EDD.
She seemed to know what she was doing. Much better than Mothercare who gave me two bras to try on, one that gave me the ultimate four boob effect and the other like a little girl trying on her mums bra (which isn't easy when you have G cups )

[debbie1412]

Hey get nursing vest tops with built in bras. I made the mistake 1st time round and felt really uncomfortable flashing so much saggy tummy while feeding. Also it's winter more layers the better :-)

[Kelbells]

I had an awesome experience at bravissimo 2 weeks before my due date... Got a gorgeous Freya bra that's nearly(ish) as lovely as my pre-pregnancy bras... I now have a 2 week old and they were spot on in getting a good fit for my ample bosom!!

[BananaPie]

Another vote for m&s. I know a lot of people don't like them, but they measured me around 20 weeks, told me to buy the next cup size up (not really a problem when they're non-underwired practical things), and they did me for the rest of the pregnancy and 15 months of breast feeding. The vest top ones didn't really give enough support.

[FatimaLovesBread]

I hate Marks and Sparks measuring. Bra's are ok but they have an odd way of measuring.
I can recommend the Miriam Stoppard range at Debenhams

[FatimaLovesBread]

I think you're supposed to get fitted for nursing bras at around 38 weeks, I got mine the other day at 38 weeks, just got a bigger cup size. Mine have gone up 3 cup sizes since 20 weeks and that's before my milk comes in

[marriednotdead]

Please don't go to M&S! Their general fitting is shockingly bad and in 5 years as a bra fitter, I can honestly say that not once has someone come to me that they have correctly fitted.

Ideally go to a good independent (one that stocks Panache or Primadonna is a fair gauge), or Bravissimo.

In simple terms, as you will be fitted whilst still pregnant, have the band as tight as possible on the loosest hook. Then the cups generous enough to put your hand in without wrinkling because they are so big. Although there are a few wired options available, non wired is safer as your boobs can be a cup size or two different across the course of the day, especially in the first month.

[Skellig]

I agree about M&S: I had a horrible experience with a vile woman who told me I shouldn't bother getting fitted for a maternity bra as I didn't need one at 4 months. I pointed out that my existing bra (which they had fitted) was too tight, and she grudgingly told me I could get a sports bra if I really wanted, but there was no need. I had felt so proud of being pregnant and my little bump, but I left the shop and cried, she was so horrid! As the M&S website states that you should get fitted for a maternity bra as soon as you know you are pregnant, my dh made me write a letter of complaint, and I ultimately got a snotty reply. I will NEVER get fitted for a bra there again.

On the plus side, I just today got fitted for a nursing bra by a lovely lady in Mothercare - thoroughly recommend them.

[EggsMichelle]

Thank you ladies, I'll have a shop around all your suggestions, but definitely better that my current search effort which was a Matalan special which left me crying in the changing room (hideous).

I am planning on wearing normal vest tops with the bra to spare passers by seeing my belly!