nursing bras???

[frannie2013]

hi
i'm 30 wks and planning on breastfeeding. i'm currently about a 36GG - up from a 34ff, though my current new bra is getting a little snug.
i've been to a few department stores in london and either they don't stock nursing bras or they don't go up (?!) to my size.
so my questions are -
when 'should' you start to get a nursing bra/s? (what if i can't breast feed?!)
any good shops? (i can't stand bravissimo - when i've been there before their shop staff have been SO rude, and badly fitted me).
i live in london at the moment but will be moving in 5 weeks to somewhere with no shops so if i wait i will need to buy online and who knows if they will fit?!
all ideas on what i should do would be wonderful!

I got a few emma jane next generation nursing bras from figleaves to start. they're stretchy and on the cheaper side, so will be good sleeping bras once I've been able to figure out the correct size to get in some better ones. I'll be looking to get some good underwire ones. The Anita smooth underwire ones look good and have good reviews.

I am a similar size atm (and still fairly big when not pg), I have started buying my bras from small independent boutique shops that sell makes like Hot Milk, Anita (both nursing bra brands), Empreinte, Prima Donna and similar.

They are more expensive but I've never worn such comfortable bras so I make do with half as many as I used to. I've always left it until as late as possible to buy a nursing bra, 38/39 weeks. They have a bit more give in the cup to accommodate a change in size.

I'm not sure where you are moving to but the two (tiny) towns near me that have 'no shops' each have one of these nice bra shops.

Other than that, you could go to Rigby and Peller as they have a few shops in London.

I would get a soft bra for immediately after the birth, and then measure yourself for a nursing bra maybe a week in.

I wouldn't bother buying them until you've had the baby and your milk has come in. I'd suggest sleep bras like these which will be fine for lounging around hospital/home then when you know what size you'll be you can buy proper ones. I found there was a lot more choice it nursing bras online so you shouldn't have a problem finding something in your size.

that's really helpful. thank you! the nearest town to where i'm going to living will be truro in cornwall but that is over 30 mins drive away so we only go there for special trips!! i'll ask around my friends and see if they have any dedicated bra shops. in the meantime i might just buy one to be on the safe side. :-)

Pictureframes your link just goes to the home page, could you try again?

I got a nursing bra early in the pregnancy as my under wired were too small. Then got a couple of normal maternity bras, this will do for the first couple of weeks, then if breastfeeding works, I'll get measured up somewhere properly once milk is in and settling. Nit sure where though. There's apparently a good place in Banstead

sorry - if you search for 'sleep bras' on the mamas and papas site they are the only ones there.

Bravado Silk nursing bras are incredibly comfortable, I may never wear anything else.

John Lewis and JoJo's both stock them and they can be ordered online.

I agree with the soft/sleep bra for the first few weeks.

After that I found them not at all supportive enough to go out and about with. People swear by bravado silk but I just felt like I was in my pjs.

I loved my Anita nursing bra which is comfortable and underwired! Made all my clothes look good again. I wouldn't buy one until your size has settled down though. link

I would recommend john lewis or bravissimo for sizing, but then I tend to buy cheaper bras online! Do not get mother care or m&S to measure you…