Nursing bras - when do you actually buy them?

[Beesok]

My boobs haven't (sadly ;) grown that much during pregnancy and I'm just wearing non wire bras but am thinking I will need a nursing bra in the hospital? When do I buy them? Am 30 wks at the moment, friends keep telling to buy them after the birth because breast size will change considerably once milk come in ....should I get a cheapie one for hospital based on current size?

My sister (fount of all baby knowledge lol!) suggested I do just that. Get a couple in current size (am 33 weeks) and then at least I've got some to put in my hospital bag. Can always get a different size later. I got a 2 pack from H&M for £14.99 (another of sis's recommendations!) so not too extortionate if they don't get used much.

I've done the same. I've actually grown a bit since I was measured for my maternity bras so I just measured myself at home to get an idea what size I am now, then bought 2 nursing bras from Peacocks for £5 each to take to hospital. Getting properly measured and kitted out again seemed a waste of time and money when I know I'm going balloon again in a few weeks.

I bought one based on current size on the sale at 36 weeks pregnant ad after the birth of the baby I got measured and bought some decent ones.

I've got some soft stretchy ones from Figleaves based on current band size (they don't have cup sizes) these (NB there's 20% off at the moment) to see me through the end of pg and the first few days until milk comes in. Then will tackle buying some proper nursing bras when I emerge from newborn fog at the other side.

Thanks Ladies - I'll just do that - buy 2 before the birth that will take me through the hospital phase and then get properly measured later, also thought of getting some tops with support built in and maybe not wearing a bra for the first few days while things "settle" - don't think I'll be leaving the house for a few days after the birth at least :)

i was thinking exactly the same. after reading this thread i think i'll wait til after to get measured, and for the time being will stick to my maternity bras, they have removable straps anyway so i should be able o unclip them ok for feeding at first. thanks

Definitely hold off getting proper cupped bras untile afterwards (I didn't, I went with the measure at 38 weeks advice - the bras ended up being too small and I got mastistis due to a blocked duct from pressure from the bra).

I'd heartily second getting one or two bras like the Bravado ones in advance for the early days until after your milk has come in and everything's setlled down.

Good advise, I'm taking note here.
I bought a pair of nursing bras in M&S to use as maternity bra's. They are awful and have zero support IMO (just incase you are thinking about M&S) - so will use in bed in first few days. I got a pretty one for a fiver in peacocks - which is actually nicer. Weird thing is my breasts feel like they have shrunk - they've not it's just I've had to go up 2 back sizes. I always wore a 34F (sometimes a FF or G depending on brand) Now I am wearing a 38DD or 38E. So how quick will I go back to a 34? (my amazing collection in the drawer gets loving looked at occassionally)
I guess I will manage in the first few days with the ones I have then as you ladies advise go get measured after a week or so.

With DD I never changed size at all - they felt firm and full - but didn't get bigger.