Mothercare nursing bras - what's with the sizing? Also, a warning!

[Essie3]

I measured myself - I was 32C before pg, and am still 32 (but bigger cup). Went to mothercare today to get a nursing bra, and was measured by the lady there because I needed help with the cup. She said I was 80cm 'so 36'. I protested and questioned, but she insisted, and brought me a 36D which fitted perfectly. Totally confused, I sneaked a look at her tape measure when she was gone, and 80cm is not 36 inches - it's 32inches. So the 36 bit is not actually inches - unless it's special Mothercare inches!

I had wondered why Mothercare didn't have any bras at all in my size online, so just as well I wasn't buying online!

The Mothercare I was at only had own brand bras but I think some might stock other brands - which means I could be well confused.

I know one of my friends has a problem because of the shape of her ribs the wire undercups don't lay flat unless she goes up a size. Enjoy the experience - it takes hours though, there are few brands and styles that suit my unusual shaped boobs, fortunately one style of ultimo do though and I just live in them (cheaper than a boob job)

Oh, just to add - for the flat-but-wide boob ladies like me: the style of bra is quite important. If I put on a 32C that's sort of teardrop shape, ?'full cup' or something, I get puckers on top, sort of above the nipple. (I bet there's medical/technical terms for these different parts of boobs!) So I need a balconette, which are more in a sort of straight line and not going up the strap. (Bad news for attractive nursing bras, though! They're hardly skimpy!)

Not a great explanation. But I think once you've found your size and style, you can cut the trying on right down to some in different brands, and adjusting the size as required. Have fun, notdoingthehousework: once you have the right size, it can be quite an epiphany! It was for me - I now love love love bras!

CarGirl - engorgement sounds hellish, and it isn't funny. I shouldn't have been so flippant. (First baby here - everything is new and I try to see the humour otherwise I'd go mad!)

NotDoingTheHousework, no worries hopefully you can go up a bit and even if you aren't really any bigger, you will still be able to say you are Actually a well fitting bra could make you look a lot bigger.

You could find something in Bravissimo. Even if you don't buy anything their measuring style does mean that you will get an accurate size you can take away with you. Also make sure you have an idea of what you think you might be.

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No problem Essie hopefully you won't suffer from severe engorgement like I did - I slept sitting up for a week after my first dd, too painful to lay down! Yes for me I used to only be able to wear balconette style to suit my boobs, 4 children on they are so wrecked I can wear different styles now and am a smaller cup size.

Sorry, have come very late to this chat but just to add...

Notdoingthehousework - I think Bravissimo will give some fitting advice over the phone (the number's on their website) if you dont have a nearby store.

For those looking for nursing bras, I got fitted in Bravissimo just yesterday (am just about 37 weeks)... Same back size as my current pregnancy back size and one cup size up. All of their nursing bras have lots more hooks than regular bras though, so as my back size goes down again (I hope!!) I can tighten the bra. The extra space in the cup means I can wear the bra now with breast pads in case of leaking, and it'll fit when milk comes in.

The NCT also offers bra fitting for pregnant women looking for nursing bras.

DisplacementActivity yes indeed, MW said not to buy any until I know my size. But what do I do in hospital?? Not wear a bra?! My nips are huge and dark, so no visitors for me! (Or a crowd, of course ).

Essie3, you could try a really stretchy nursing bra, NCT do kinda cross over ones (which I haven't tried) and sleep bras (which, even though I didn't go massive when PG or started BFing, were a godsend. In fact I almost kissed my local NCT bra fitter when she sorted me out with decent bras, was in SO much discomfort with crap M&S ones) - only thinking they would have more room for size changing, and may not be as supportive as a 'proper' one but would tied you over til you could get fitted post birth.

Essie3 - Bravado bras are really good for the early stages when things are still altering and you will probably get engorged. They are very stretchy and have flexible sizing - here. I used mine as a sleep bra afterwards, and also when I had blocked ducts.

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Essie I agree your MW advice seems a bit mad! Especially when NCT, bravissimo etc say they can fit for a bra to wear immediate post birth.

Info on NCT bra fitting for breastfeedinghere.

I recommend bravissimo & my local indy bra fitters in lindley who kindly fitted my 32L for my v v engorged boobs.

now at 10 months a more resonable 32F/G

but pre kids i was a 32b so a bit at the expansion!

Wow wee! Poor you! I haven't gone up that much, but I'd dread to think what size I would be if I rocketed that much (Q or something I think )

NotDoing, yes it would. I measure 30inches and I do fit a 30 bra. You are supposed to wear it quite tight (otherwise the straps do all the work) and get a bigger cup size (mine is humungous). You also need to have your bra on the last hook and eye. If you do you bra up with the first hook and eye, or if it rides up AT ALL on your back (ie isn't level all round your body way, way below your shoulderblades, it is too bit.
DON'T ADD ON INCHES!!

Sometimes I'm a 32, especially in sports bras, for some reason.