Bras!

[friedfrog]

Hi All

I am 9 weeks but already my boobs have gone from a 34E to a 34G (fitted at M&S) and pretty sore.

I have bought bras from M&S and Mothercare (non-underwired and vile!). They offer little support, bits stick together and without being too gross.... ahem.....they get a bit warm (and sweaty )

Has anyone found any good ones?

Many thanks

Frog x

Hi Frog

I was a 34FF and went up to a 38G in the first trimester, now 30 weeks and still the same size so similar to you. I'm afraid I can't suggest any nice bras that are also comfortable and supportive - it seems to be one or the other IME! I've been wearing the Charlotte Soft Cup bra from Bravissimo:

www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/soft-cup-bras/charlotte-soft-cup-bra/white/ro11wh/?show=16&sort=1

which granted isn't pretty but it has been very comfortable. Only problem I have is that it is cut quite high on the chest so tends to show under v-neck tops, so I have to wear vest tops underneath everything to hide it. I also tried the Sophie Soft Cup bra from the same place but sadly that was very unsupportive - perhaps you might have more luck though?

You might find it better to look online. I haven't ordered bras from this shop but have got a built-in bra vest top from this place and their customer service was very good. They stock Hot Milk bras that look much prettier than the average maternity bra if that's what you're looking for:

www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk

I find it strange that retailers think we will put up with dumpy, matronly ill-fitting bras while we're pregnant! Hope this helps

hello, I'm 16 weeks in second pregancy and was surprised to learn that you don't have to wear non-wired. I think the thing is that it needs to be fitted correctly so not tight but wires are fine, as long as measured regularly.

I'm normally 34E, last pregnancy went to 36E/F in non-wired during pregnancy then rocketed to a 36H when the milk came in after the birth. It did settle and I used to swap between 36G & H for nursing.

This time, after being told that you can still wear under-wired, I got measured and have bought 2 pretty freya ones in 38(!)F. I didn't want to go to the moob tubes just yet, although do sleep in those.

There are under-wired nursing ones but as it changes so much I'm going to wait 'til further down the line, and sorting out what I already have.

The loveliest non-wired I found before was Elle-Macpherson, La-Mere but only went up to an E I think.

I've stayed in underwired. I've gone up to a 34 FF and there is no way I am wearing a soft bra. I got fitted in Bravissimo and tried one on in there and it was totally unsupportive. So long as you are properly fitted and the wires are not digging into your breasts, then an underwired bra is fine.

I was 34C before my first pregnancy and used to pick bras up in M&S, never had any problems or aches and pains.

Now nearly at my due date for my second and at 36G I need a decent bra fitted at bravissimo.

I have stayed in underwires too, but now I am 38 weeks I tend to change into a soft bra in the early evening for comfort.

Underwires are fine as long as they fit well, I sometimes pop into bravissimo to have them checked if I'm passing and they are always happy to oblige.

I wore underwired all the way through last time and intend to again this time. the non- wired ones hurt and left red marks. I think if you are going to wear something that doesn't fit, non wired will risk less damage to the milk ducts. however, if you are prepared to spend some cash, get a proper fitting for a wired one. that means NOT m&s who are absolute shite. try bravissimo (they are in city centres all over the country), john lewis or rigby and peller. The big advantage of bravissimo is that once you have been fitted there you can buy many of their styles at brastop for much less.

Try figleaves.

Also, a range called hot milk do really good maternity bras and underwear.

M and s are useless for fittings and bras especially if you need a bit more support!

I've stuck with wired this pg and last. At 36 HH I find non wired bras soooooooo uncomfortable. Bravissimo have sorted me ot and have been really good if I find them to be uncomfortable after a week or two - they've refitted me and exchanged a couple of times already. The last time I thought I might have been uncomfortable because I'd changed shape but they reckoned they weren't fitted as well as it should have been and just exchanged them for me!!

Agree as well that M&S are flipping awful for anyone who needs a bit of support. I'd rather sew my own bras () than go to M&S! Oh, and I've bought a non wired one for wearing at home sometimes - on occasion I've had really painful ribs as everything expands (I'm 22 weeks) so sometimes at home I go non wired.

Sadly though no one seems to have invented a wired nursing bra in my industrial size

For bra's go to Figleaves.com. I found them great. Also try Rigby and Peller.

Once you have had it get HotMilk ones from Figleaves. Pretty and functional and have lasted exceptionally well for me. Im really pleased with them.

Bit pricey but frankly the per wear £ has made it worth it over the year.

Firstly, you've almost certainly been measured incorrectly at M&S. They're famous for doing the old method of measuring that hasn't been in existence for many years. Either go to Bravissimo, Rigby&Peller, an independent shop, or here's a rough guide:

Measure under bust and round down to the next even number. If you're actually a 34G, you'll measure between 34" and 35.5".

Then measure at the widest point, and for every inch bigger than than the underbust measurement (after rounding down) you are, add on a cup size. So a difference of 1"=A, 2"=B, 3"=C, 4"=D, 5"=DD, 6"=E, 7"=F, 8"=FF, 9"=G, etc. And if you were measured correctly then your overbust measurement will be 43".

If these are out by more than an inch from your actual measurements, you're wearing the wrong sized bra. Then follow all the advice here for decent bras.