Buying nursing bras..

[ohthegoats]

Three questions:

1. If I'm normally a 34GG or 34H, what size should I aim to buy? I'm currently 33 weeks, and my actual boobs haven't changed size. I'm using a bra extender at the back, but only for an extra inch.

2. Where can I get H+ size bigger nursing bras that are underwired? I can find some that are non wired, but I can't do that long term.

3. How many should I get? Planning on breastfeeding if it works out for 3 - 6 months. Bearing in mind it might not work, maybe 2?

I'd just get a couple in your normal size as your size will probably change after baby is born and you may want to get more.

I looked on eBay for mine and my favourite make is Hot Milk.
I felt the same about underwired bras, couldn't imagine being without one but feel very differently since breastfeeding. I can't stand the feeling of the wire now.

Non wired is recommended as wires can cause blocked milk ducts. This shouldn't be a problem on a well fitted bra. However in the early days your boobs will change a lot, especially when your milk comes in or whenever you're a bit engorged so best to avoid wires then.

Thanks. My thinking it non wired at the beginning when I don't care too much about appearance, but once I start getting out and about, it really matters to me that my boobs aren't hanging around by my knees. They are the first thing most people notice about me, it's all a bit grim.

Anita underwired ones and bravado seamless tanks . The latter aren't wired but super comfy and supportive.

Bravado do a semi-wired one (has a plastic channel thing in it which is pretty supportive), I am a 32G when not pg or bfing and like them. Think it is the Bliss. I get mine from an online place called from here to maternity (on phone so rubbish at links). Never had problems with blocked ducts in 2y of bfing.

Forgot to say that the Bliss is also reasonably pretty and gives a decent profile /cleavage.

Great, thanks. Will do some shopping right now.

The other thing to remember is you can actually wear the nursing bras now as they're just non-wired bras with a catch to release the cup. I'm going to wait until after baby is here before stocking up incase boobs grow but I bought a few from M&S in current size which I've been wearing last few weeks and I bought a few 'sleep nursing bras' from M&P which I've put in my hospital bag and look comfy enough to wear around the house for first few days/weeks.

I just got some really cheap non-wired ones for while I was in hospital. Then I waited until the milk came in (they pretty much went massive overnight!) and properly measured them and ordered online with next day delivery..

Some non wired for early days and nights. Then convert some well fitted bras using kits off ebay.

I'm going with Penguin's plan. Have guesstimated and ordered a few sizes from brastop and will convert when I know which fit.

You can buy kits to convert them? How cool.

Ah yes, just read some good methods. That's good to know.

Do you have any links Goats. I am literally sitting here with some clips and a bra and can't work out what the jeff I am doing!!

Ah, don't worry. Found it. Thought it was a youtube I watched before. It wasn't. It was a blog.

Blogs - not particularly good pics, but when I need the words it seemed quite thorough.

I used one called the uncrafty mom. I like it that she doesn't know knots and stitches!!

I waited until breastfeeding was well established, then went to bravissimo and got fitted. Bought their pretty basic breastfeeding bras and although they aren't wired, they did look ok and I'm a 32FF normally and droopy as hell. My Freya nursing bra is also pretty good but I have never in my life found a good panache bra - I swear the straps are made out of used knicker elastic. They stretch out after a couple of wears.

Ps my boobs never really got any bigger, just denser. Problem with the first few days is that you get giant engorged boobs. Best to wait a week or so, then measure or get measured.

Interesting about the dense thing. Not only have mine not got bigger since being pregnant, but they've sort of gone south - I turned 40 at 4 weeks pregnant, so it could be just an age thing (my friend said 'ah yeah, overnight between 39 and 40 my boobs and my bingo wings went south, there was no recovering of them!')

I investigated sleep bras in Mothercare yesterday - not the right size for me, but I'm thinking about those for the first week when I probably won't be out partying all that much - not too concerned about breast shape under clothes!