help with nursing bras

[bluemousemummy]

This might sound like a daft question, esp as am expecting dc3 now, but how do you get the size of a nursing bra right? I'm trying to get everything organised as am now 38 weeks pg, but is there any point in buying a nursing bra in the size I am now only to find it's too small once my milk comes in? Suffered from blocked ducts last time due to ill fitting bra so don't want to make that mistake again, but equally not sure how I am going to find the time to get fitted when the baby arrives when I live 25 miles away from nearest bra shop and have 2 other children to look after!! What did everyone else do??

I went to Marks and Spencer. I was 35 weeks and they said it was too early and that they only measure from 38 weeks for nursing bras so I landed up going a few days after DD was born. When they measure you, they bear in mind that your breasts will be increasing in size and allow space for breast pads. So just go to a shop that is used to measuring for nursing bras and they should get it right. If you are unsure, just buy 2 and then you can order more online once your milk has come in and you are sure they are the right size.

I went to John Lewis for a fitting around 38 weeks and then again after DC was born to check the fit. They were great -- really helpful. And in my case, the fit at 38 weeks was still accurate once my milk had come in, so maybe if you can get to a good shop before your baby arrives, you won't have to go back right away after the birth since you live so far away from shops.

hmm might have to venture to town this weekend then and see what they reckon. Annoying. Thanks guys!

Please avoid M&S. In my experience they have Absolutely No Idea. Mothercare ditto.

Better off to find a small independent shop, or if you have one near you try Bravissimo or Leia. I think the NCT offers a fitting service as well where the fitter comes to your home (this might depend on area/availability though).

Not a chance round here sadly! Am stuck with Debenhams, M & S or Mothercare I think.

Debenhams is the best of those you've listed although their fitting can be hit or miss.

In simplest terms, you need the nursing bra to fit as tightly as is comfortable on the loosest hook as your back will get smaller. The cups then need to be roomy without being baggy to allow for expansion.

Don't let the size labels put you off- they may be vastly different to what you're used to.

HTH

I got a couple of these while I was pregnant - they are really stretchy so don't dig in when you are engorged etc. and are sized small, medium, large rather than bra sizes so you don't need the exact measurement. Then, after a few weeks when things had settled down, I went out and got some proper fitted ones. Still use the Bravado ones as sleep bras :)

I got a similar one to curlykate here
You don't need your exact size - just work out whether you need Original, Original Plus, or Double Plus. They flexible so can cope with boob size fluctuations and really comfy. No need to go to the shops and they have a good returns policy i seem to remember

I got the same one as curlykate too - sooo comfortable. Worth every penny. They are very stretchy so size maybe less important than for everyday bras which for me are much more difficult to buy.

You will need two as they get very milky messy in the beginning!