Best nursing bra to tide me over the first few weeks?

[economymode]

I'm 35 weeks with my second child and thinking I should probably get something sorted to tide me over for the first few weeks of motherhood. I'm heading to town tomorrow and plan to get measured at Bravissimo.

Last time round, I got some M&S bras, which, in retrospect, were pretty ill-fitting and not that comfy.

Also, breastfeeding didn't go entirely to plan last time and, while I want to give it my best shot again this time, I also don't want to shell out loads on nursing bras until I know I will actually be using them. I expressed for a few months last time, but could have done that without a nursing bra, to be honest. Assuming I do get the hang of it this time, I'd like to get measured a few weeks in, when my boobs may have (hopefully) settled down a bit.

I need something that is stretchy, supportive, not mega-bucks but is suitable for purpose.

So, what would you recommendations be? It's beg

Many many thanks!

I have the panache Sophie bras from bravissimo they are very comfy and actually quite pretty. The other nursing bras in bravissimo felt tight and gave me pointy sideways boobs!! But th panache one is really comfy and a nice shape, plus easy to clip on and off.

You beat me to it! Panache Sophie is fab.

Thanks, both. Will ask about those tomorrow - they do look lovely. Bit pricey for potentially just a few weeks' wear though. Am I asking the impossible?

It's worth the money, honestly, and you can always flog it on eBay afterwards if you don't get much wear out of it.

Which Bravissimo are you going to?

I'm really happy with my carriwell bras - they are very flexible and designed to allow for boobs to change size. They were recommended on here when I was pregnant and lots of my NCT group changed to them as they weren't happy with what they had. I got from here
[http://www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/search.asp?types=Carriwell]

I measured myself with dh's assistance, and then bought some off eBay. New without tags - there are loads on there. did stupidly spend £30 at Mothercare first

Oh, and I rate the Mothercare drop cup ones.

Emma Jane nursing bra is similar to carriwell but only a tenner each. I love mine. Also if you use code MM15 you get 10% off at more4mums website.

Great tips, thank you all .
marriednotdead, I'll be heading to the Oxford Bravissimo. Even if I don't get one of theirs, at least I'll have a better idea of measurements!

Bravado seamless silk is very nice.

Definitely. Ask them for your general size as well as in that bra. It's probably a band bigger and a cup or two smaller. They will give you fitting tips, you shouldn't have to ask but don't be afraid to.

Another vote for Bravado seamless, then get measured for "proper" bras a few weeks after when your boobs have settled down. The reason is that the Bravado ones cope well with changing boob sizes and engorgement in the early days and don't have seams across your nipples, plus they are comfy to wear at night.
Bravissimo don't do them in fact Bravissimo have a woefully shit selection of nursing bras, as I comment constantly in their customer comments book but do they do anything about it? No

Mirriam Stoppard in debenhams are very comfy and reasnably priced £15

I have some John Lewis own brand ones which are ok. Nothing fancy but I think 2 for £30 and they have been fine. I went off M&S when I was pg with DC1 a couple of years ago and I haven't been back.

i love my bravado ones. they stretch to cover a range of sizes, feel v supportive and have a lovely wide soft band which doesn't dig in. i word my ones during pg too.

they also come with a wee kit to convert to a normal bra when you are finished nursing.

i have a few of the standard ones and one seamless one. love them. (did i mention that!
)

i got mine online at 'from here to maternity', service was good.

I also quite liked the JohnLewis ones 2 for £30.

No John Lewis round here, but Bravado and Debenhams are contenders!

If you want super cheap, go to H&M - they do supportive nursing drop cup vests which I just had on rotate for first few weeks, then their drop cup bras. Just guessed my size though
Think they were about 12.99 for 2 pack of vests and similar for bras. Bargain! They also had a cute drop cup nightie that I just couldn't justify buying...

I have sensitive skin and found the H&M ones incredibly itchy. Couldn't wear them for more than five mins.

I have an H&M vest and my boobs don't fit in it (DD or E cup while bfing). I just can't wear it at all.

Emma Jane vests are good but you might need a bigger size than you think. I am normally a 12 and had some 14-16 ones that were spot on. More supportive and covering than H&M or Mothercare ones I've found.

love emma jane underwired t-shirt nursing bras. not the most flattering underwire you'll ever wear (they aint gonna look perky) but at least they stop your norks heading for your armpits

I've bought a couple of Emma Jane ones, they weren't expensive and will do for the first few weeks. I tried on the Sophie one in Bravissimo and it was really comfy, and will prob get a couple once I know breastfeeding is established.

Thanks all for your advice .

Another vote for bravado seamless silk. Soooo comfy and stretchy, which is the most important thing in the early weeks! They'll stretch to accommodate big change in size. I bought some amoralia ones which are gorgeous but have been wearing the bravado silk bras non stop for a year now. I have never been so confortable