Breastfeeding Bras

[LauraMysak]

The back size of my bra has gone up during pregnancy because of my swollen rib cage. I've had to use a bra extension. Normally I'm a 32 or 34 but I'm guessing I'm a 36-38 at the mo. (I'm almost 39 weeks pregnant.) Does anyone know whether my back size (ribcage) will decrease immediately after birth? Will I go back down to a 32-34" back size? The reason I ask is because I'm thinking of buying some breastfeeding bras and not sure whether to be measured as I am now and buy ones according to what I am now or whether to anticipate what I will be after birth and buy according to that. I would like to buy some bras now because I'm pretty sure I won't be going out shopping in the first few weeks of baby's arrival. If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it.

Any weight loss (other than the weight of the baby and amniotic fluid) is going to be gradual.

Probably best to buy 2 or 3 in the size you are now and the re-assess once you've established breastfeeding at around 6-8 weeks post natal.

I was measured last week (at 38 weeks) and I'm measuring 38DD now but was advised to buy 36DD. I said that I was thinking about buying a couple now and then coming back at about 6 weeks once my soon to be inflated boobies settle down again! The assistant said that was a splendid idea! (Although as a usual b cup, I'm not sure I can imagine having any thing bigger than DD.....I did find a 38E from a previous pg so it must happen!!)

I always bought 3/4 bras of differing sizes. I'm a 32c now but the biggest bra I bought and filled was a 38f! Always like Elle macpherson maternity...

Thanks for that, think I'll get a couple now and see what happens in the next few weeks. Can anyone recommend where to get measured? On the high street?

Same here I went from a 32b to a 34 D and have a few in different sizes.

YM1 xxx

I would advise putting a call in to Bravissimo or even better visit a store if you've got one nearby. I used to work there and the girls are fantastic on the phones and in the store at advising you on what you should do, they fit pregnant women all the time. They can also give you a bra fitting over the phone if you need one and they work! They'll help you with your current size and will work with you to predict a post birth size too. They start at a D cup, but will happily give you advice if you're below a D cup... best place I've ever worked, so I'm still a firm believer of their service!

I'd recommend Bravado bras. They are great as they give excellent support but only come in S/M/L etc so you can just buy the appropriate size and it will grow (or reduce in size) with you. They are also excellent for breastfeeding as the whole cup comes down so maximises breast to baby which is preferable. I wore them through breastfeeding my first baby and now wearing through this pregnancy which has saved buying lots of different sized bras!

Yep Bravado body silk mine are called I think, they are the first bras I have ever had that fit me properly (even though I just guessed the size and ordered online). They aren't particularly sexy (I got a couple of Amoralia ones too for feeling sexy in, they're gorgeous but not as comfortable) I've been wearing the bravado ones from about 20 weeks until now (39+6!) and I should think I'll be wearing them for the next year.