nursing bras - what size to get?

[piggyp]

I'm trying to get organised! What size nursing bra should I get? I've gone from 32b to 36c so far (35 weeks), how much more are boobs likely to expand?

[PetitFilou1]

Go and get measured in John Lewis - leave it as late as possible - I'd say 38 weeks. Try some on, the Elle McPherson ones are lovely but never fitted me in the slightest. I am normally a 32 D and went up to an F both times. You need proper advice as you don't want to be out trying to find bras just after you've given birth and your boobs have grown much bigger than you thought they would!

[Naetha]

In all honesty, get one or two huge cheap bras, then get measured again once your milk comes in.

I have 3 Anna Cecile nursing bras I was measured for at 39 weeks that only fit me when I've fed from both sides and expressed the dregs!

Had to rush out to M&S 1 week post partum to get a bra that fitted!

[kekouan]

agg... found this very difficult. My mum kept insisting that I needed nursing bras before I'd given birth (seriously, she just wouldn't let it lie!) but get measured afterwards, or order lots from a catalogue so you can send some back.

[witchandchips]

think most people go down a back size and up two cup sizes. - that would put you as 34E or so

[fifili]

Some local NCT branches have a bra fitter that come to your house (our local one does).

www.nct.org.uk/shop/bra-fitting-service

[piggyp]

Thanks for the advice! I live miles from any decent bra fitting type places, so have made a guess and ordered two from m&s. DH will be impressed if I get 34E!!

[slinkiemalinki]

I have to say that the M&S ones were not very supportive. I had a couple for sleeping in but not recommended - sorry.
Very bad idea not to be measured. Boobs do not return to their previous state (sad but true) but an unsupportive ill fitting bra is the worst thing you can do. It really should be a high priority. Whatever you get won't fit when the milk comes in but give it a week and should stabilise. I went from 32G to 30DD over the 8 months I fed my daughter, and stayed the same when I stopped.

[MrsBadger]

get a bravado bra (or two) that spans several sizes to start with
then buy more structured ones postpartum

even if the bravados don't stay a perfect fit they're good for night

[moominsmummy]

try buying from bravissimo - you can even get fitting advice over the phone and I have found them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable