What size nursing bra will I need?

[birdofthenorth]

35 weeks pg, just went to a breastfeeding workshop and got told off for still wearning underwired bras

Need to stock up on a couple of non-wired maternity bras, but as I'm nearly there now I'm mostly thinking about nursing bras, but how big will my boobs be after birth?!

Pre-preg I was 36C, now at a massive 38 or 40D, but will they deflate after birthing or get bigger with breastfeeding?!

Ta!

I bought pre pregnancy size but that's because by breasts didn't grow at all during pregnancy. Can only guess you buy the size you are now, as don't think they will shrink back very quickly but may be wrong.

They'll get bigger when the milk comes in, in the cup at least. I'd definitely advise getting a Bravissimo fitting - don't guess your size. I think they recommend going up a cup size or two when milk comes in.

There you go someone in the know.

go and get measured. I went at 37 weeks to john lewis.

she fitted one that fits me now (so comfortable!) and then asked me to put a fist in to make sure there was enough room!!

comfort is so important because you will probably end up sleeping in the bras

get nursing bras - elle macpherson ones aren't so ugly!

I was 30D before pregnancy, have been 32DD throughout it, and was fitted at 30F at Bravissimo last week at 37 weeks.

I wouldn't get too many until everything has settled down, mine went up a cup size when my milk came in but back down a size within weeks and a couple more over the next few months.

In theory you should only get measured for feeding bras after 38 weeks as your ribcage gets smaller when it's not so squashed by the baby (think this happens when they engage but can't remember clearly). You might well find you're back in a 36 after the birth.

Ooh this has been very helpful!

Think I'll

-make time to get measured
-just buy one or two in advance

Thank you all!

One of the things I'm most worried about pregnancy is any size increase in that department. Just had to buy a 32ff and I haven't got pregnant yet!

Yes, stillsurprised is right. My fitting at 30F is for once when the baby is born because my rib cage will have shrunk a bit, so I'm not wearing them yet because they'd be a bit tight. I bought two and will go back after a month for another fitting before getting any others.

By the way, you can still wear underwired bras, as long as they are correctly fitted - the important thing is that the wires are not in contact with breast tissue. Bravissimo stock a few.