when to buy nursing bra's?

[MrsO501]

Just wondering if anyone knows when is the best time to go and get fitted for nursing bra's? I am 37 weeks now, is this is a good time, or should I wait another week or so?

It's as good a time as any. I'd only buy a couple of cheap ones though. At this stage you're not going to put on any more weight but your boobs change during bf, you'll see if you like the clasps/straps/style when you're actually feeding and you'll know better what you're going to wear most after then birth. You'll also know that bf is definitely for you and working out before you fork out a fortune.

Thank you both thats really helpful. I think as suggested I will get a couple of cheap nursing bra's to road test and a sleep bra.

I'm going to be digging out the manky ones left over from ds until bf settles down this time.

I was told to come back two weeks before due date by lovely m&s fitter so you're at perfect time. X

If in any way possible, try to get fitted after having the baby. If you go before, they can only guess, as it really varies how much your boobs will grow. And go to Bravissimo or John Lewis, not M&S or Mothercare.

I agree HazleNutt I reckon M&S would definitely recommend buying a load before birth so that they can then sell you a load more after!

I'd try and leave it til after. Primark do very cheap ones so you could get a couple pre birth but my breasts ballooned once my milk came in and have stayed that way. If I'd have spent lots of money in pregnancy it would have been wasted. Also avoid m&s like the plague- their bra fitters are awful!

Agree that m&s and mothercare bras and fitters are dreadful.

My bra size changed a lot during pregnancy and the first few weeks of feeding until my supply sorted itself out. My back size gradually decreased back to normal post pregnancy as well.

I would say check how long you have for returns, buy several sizes and keep the labels on. Taking bras back probably won't be high on your priorities in the first few weeks, so maybe order on line so you can post them back?

The best nursing bras i found were hot milk. Actually gave some shape as well as being a reasonably nice bra.

I went to John Lewis at about 37 or 38 weeks - then your bump has dropped so your back size will have gone back down so the only thing that will change is your cup size.

I've got some of these - www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/bravado%2Dbody%2Dsilk%2Dseamless%2Dnursing%2Dbra%7E112 - apparently they're very popular, they just come in small/medium/large and they're very stretchy and comfortable.

I've not had my baby yet so I don't know what they're like when your milk comes in yet, but I'm hopeful that they'll do me the first little while at least til I can go and get measured again.

I also found I needed to use breast pads for the first few weeks. They look dreadful in a white t shirt (show up as large white circles) but meant I didn't leak all over my bras. Reduced how often i had to change my bra and therefore the number of bras I needed.

Another vote for the bravado. The lady in bravissimmo sent me to JL specifically to get them as she said they were the best thing out there. And you can convert them to regular bras afterwards.

Thank you for all the advice. I think I need to do some shopping!