Nursing Bra's.... when to buy?

[ReikiMummy]

So..may have left this a little late, however I would like some opinions on buying nursing bra's.

I'm 39w at the mo, and initially put off buying nursing bra's a little while ago as wasn't sure how much my boob size would change in the run up/immediately after LO's arrival. However now trying to think about the practicalities / bothersomness of going out after LO arrives to do this and think I'd be better off sorting it now. Just didn't want to buy some and then they not fit afterwards.

If I popped out and got one or two now ready - are they likely to still fit after my milk comes in? Does everyone's boobs swell or does it like so many other things in pg "depend" on individual cases?

I got mine at 40 weeks from m&s. They advised 2 cup sizes bigger. They were right. And thank god cos no way would I have been in any state to go and get some after an emergency section and 6 day hospital stay!

If u get some n they are too big at least u can send someone out to get a size smaller cos u know where ur starting from. Then give it a month or so n go proper bra shopping when ur supply's starting to regulate

Thanks Melliebobs

Better get out there I suppose.... Just a bother as there are No maternity shops in the town i live in. Well - there is a mothercare, but it's a very small shop in another shop iyswim. :S Really don't fancy a trip to the city-type-place for this one! :S

Watching with interest ...

Did they advise you to get the same chest size, Melliebobs? I've gone up from a 36C to a 40E in pregnancy and am hoping I will go back to 36 Something after the baby has been evicted ....!

I'm not even sure bras that are bigger than 40E can exist?!?!?!?

This was march 2012 I know the cup size was 2 sizes bigger which was bob on. Cant remember the back size though

It really varies how much your boobs grow, so I would get some stretchy ones that accommodate several sizes for the first days, like the Bravado ones or this: www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=321
and then get properly fitted later (not by M&S or Mothercare, they have no idea).

I think it varies greatly store to store hazelnut m&s in Preston where I live we're fantastic. Trafford centre? Not so

As Hazle wisely recommends (and she knows her stuff re bras) I was advised by midwives to get stretchy ones until milk comes in cos it's just a guessing game otherwise.

I got 2 today from mothercare... 18 quid each with nursing clips to help feeding. Takes the pressure off til I can face getting out after baby arrives.

Thanks all... the mothercare ones look like a good stand in until things settle a bit. :)

I got fitted for nursing bras at 38 weeks. Was advised to go up by 2 cup sizes. When my milk came in, my boobs got so big (and stayed that way!) that I've actually gone up four cups sizes, and down a back size. Was a 36gg at the end of my pregnancy. 4 weeks later am now a 34KK :-/

Oh I have been wondering this very thing! Has anyone tried the hot milk bras? They look nice but like you all, not sure what size to order

I wouldn't get measured until after your milk's come in as you don't know how big you'll be - I went up 2 cup sizes after dc1 but only one after dc2. My fave bras actually are the stretchy ones - I have the Emma-Jane next generation nursing bra (bought online) which comes in a padded or non- padded version and is really comfy. You buy your back size and the cups fit B-J.

Can I just chip in a word of warning too- don't EVER be tempted just to guess what size you are and hope for the best like I shamefully did . Always get properly measured by someone who knows about breastfeeding and buy the poshest you can afford. I stupidly bought a pack of 2 34dd bras in the mothercare sale thinking they would do, only to end up with raging mastitis caused by slightly too small cups. Wouldn't wish it on anybody! I then got fitted for hot milk bras and haven't looked back- they are amazing but make sure you get the right size!
In the meantime, good luck and best wishes for you and your lovely new baby!