What size nursing bra will I need?

[SmithTheCat]

Does anybody know what the standard M&S or Blooming Marvellous formula is for calculating what size breastfeeding bra I'm going to need? And does this formula work? I hear it's something like take 2 inches off vastest pregancy size and add a "fistsworth" of cup size? I have to find this out in advance to do mail order as I live far from civilisation. I also seem to have a far bigger rib cage than most women, I started out a 40C pre pregnancy and now am 44C/D at 36 weeks. Thanks for any clues!

i would leave it as late as possible to buy them and then go and get measured! hth

I would maybe buy two Bravado bras, if you don't need loads of support. Their sizes are pretty flexible - it's a simple bra, a lot like a sports bra.

The thing is, your bra size is a bit random after pregnancy. Buying lots before the first six weeks of bf is done, is silly.

Once things have settled down, you can measure your proper size, and get something else, if you're not happy with the Bravado ones.

Thanks. I've just had a look at the Bravado ones and they look quite comfortable, but possibly not supportive enough. Will probably take up the idea of getting a couple to begin with. Can't really wait until after the birth as live miles from decent shops, (Bath) - and we're coming up for the dreaded Christmas shopping season - a great reason to shop online. Also if you buy it in the shops and it's wrong you can't post it back to exchange. You either have to buy and exchange in the shop, or buy and exchange online. I may just go in and get measured and then buy online.
I do wish there were more bras of the non-totally utilitarian variety for wider-backed women. The ElleMcP ones everyone was raving about only go up to 36" - havn't been that since I was 16! Thanks for your help.

The Bravado ones aren't great for support, but they're good for the early days, and then good for sleeping in, if you want to sleep in a bra (engorgement and leaking makes it tempting). I don't mind the Emma ones, from John Lewis.

The Elle McP ones aren't that great in my opinion. The one I have is very very lacy, which isn't a good look for me, really, and a bit itchy, too. Oh, and not that supportive.

Your local NCT branch should have someone who should be able to measure you & order them for you. You don't need to be a member either.

John Lewis did an excellent job of fitting mine. She fitted it at 36 wks on looks alone - leaving a wee bit of room for my milk coming in and a breastpad.

However,even still I needed a bigger size as they grew more than expected! JL do bigger cup sizes (up to a L) so I would think they would cater for the bigger back size market too.

Leave it as late as poss and make do with one & a less supportive/easier fit one until you get going.

blooming marvellous website has size guide. BTW, don't go for mothercare bras! I finally listened to all the MN advice and purchased some BM bras and they are SO much unbelievably more supportive & comfortable compared to the poor excuse of a bra made by mothercare - basically couple of sacks roughly connected by skimpy bit of elastic! I've wasted SO much money on them as I ended up buying so many (partly because each time I was measured to wrong size by Mothercare staff ranging from 40DD - 36C wtf??)

Try bravissimo (they do online ordering) they are great for bigger sizes, i'm sure you could ring one of the shops for advice before you order too as they are really helpful.

I would leave it just now. It all depends on how generous the titty fairy is 5 days after giving birth.