Storm in a G cup?

[diva-n-dan]

Well it looks like I have to dip into the unknown area of mammoth moomba bras ... y'know G cup for Gee Whizz, H cup for Holy cow! and I cup for I think my breasts need their own postcode!

Now I know all the hype about not wearing underwires during PG but why??? Unfortunately I need the bras with more scaffolding in them than the Eiffel tower, due to the size and weight of these mighty mammaries my migraines have returned and it's not pretty, so I'm thinking underwire is the way to go until the actual job of breastfeeding occurs and then welcome nursing bras.

Can anyone shed some light on this subject on where I can go to get these elusive gigantic over shoulder boulder holders, what brands are the best, and why O why I can't live in underwire bras until bubs is born?

Me, my mammoth mammaries and my migraines thank you ....

[Astrid]

Well the best brand is the one that fits and supports you! I found some of the recommended styles were no good on me, even though they went up to my size, they just didn't offer proper support.

I assume you would be looking at online stores, but it really does pay to atleast have one fitted by someone who knows what they are doing so you know what to look for yourself. In Tassie Myer was always a good starting point. It depends on where you are willing to travel to, but I remember Launceston had 1 or 2 good lingerie stores (Judy's Body Fashions), maybe call before turning up to see what they stock. If you can get to Melbourne there a few places to go such as Mothers Direct(they also have online).

So how do you plan on shopping?

ETA: The ABA site has a good article on choosing a maternity bra. Here is their bit on underwires:

Is it true I can't wear an underwire?
Many women prefer underwire fashion bras and are confused when told these are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. The reason for this is, once again, your changing breast shape. When breastfeeding, the breasts can increase and decrease in size during the day, as milk is produced and removed. Retained fluid in late pregnancy can also cause the breast to swell. Although only a slight change in size is occurring, a rigid underwire may put pressure on the breast when it is fuller. Such pressure can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended. However, there are now nursing bras available that have a flexible plastic support, similar to an underwire, designed to flex and change position with your changing shape. These are less likely to cause problems.

[blue daisy]

Diva you certainly have a way with words

the reason for not using underwire bras is simply due to the changes in your breast during pregnancy...increased blood flow, size and basic breast feeding preparation. Wearing underwires can cause lumps in the breast tissue which can lead to the development of a breast abcess.

Check out the Australian breastfeeding association web site...they would have some recommendations for bra types, plus stockists...spend money on a good bra (and make sure its a pretty one )

xx yogababy

[diva-n-dan]

Thanks everyone ... my next little trip to the "big smoke" will be in November, and I think a little trip to Launnie might be the best bet, but I need something in the interim, my poor bras have turned into deadly weapons of mass destruction as the elastic in them catapults across the room!

I will have a squizz at the ABA website, I didn't see much last time, but then again I wasn't in this predicament last time so I wasn't looking!

As for finding a pretty one ... I think the pickings are pretty slim, as long as it keeps the migraines away I don't care if they look like something my grandma wouldn't wear!!!

[Beach Mama]

Diva you seriously give me such a laugh every time I read your posts!! Try the blest bras website!(google) They have some lovely stuff and they have a great returns policy if what you order isnt quite right. Im an Enormous myself and found the Bendon one to be pretty, supportive and nice and soft too!
Good luck hun!

[Tanya]

I like my Triumph brand... I usually have to order them from the bra shop. I tired on a few differnt brands when I was pregnant with Emily and found these ones to give the best support.

Tanya

[KirstenFleur]

Hi Diva,
I second (third?) the recommendation for the ABA/mother's direct shop. I'm a 14G so I know EXACTLY what you mean about missing the days of underwire. I got three bras from them- Hot Milk, Triumph and HoneyBee, the brands were. Don't bother with HoneyBee; I only wear that unpleasantly scritchy thing when the other two are in the wash. Hot Milk are superbly comfy and really really pretty as well, but Triumph give by far the best support- I plan to wear my Triumph one when I start netball again in a couple of weeks. Believe me, if I don't wear something with excellent support when I'm running, I'll be knocked out cold by my own bosoms. Triumph, unfortunately, would also be approved by the Taliban as far as modesty and coverage go. Oh well.

I hope you find something that lifts and supports and DOESN"T give you a migraine. Poor thing!
Oh, and congrats on the pregnancy!
Kirsten

[*becstar*]

Diva, I love the way you word it all! LOL While I myself am not mammoth....yet, I've seen a few references to Tas? Are you here? If so where abouts? As you will no doubt know at the moment a trip to Myer Hobart is impossible at the moment. Judy's body fashions could be good, there are a few more boutique type shops in the Brisbane arcade there too......

[doulacara]

As a fellow late alphabet cup size - I feel your pain!

I was naughty and did wear underwires during preg, although by the end I was in my underwire-free nursing bras, with no ill effects. Whatever gets you through I say.

C

[diva-n-dan]

Becstar - I live on King Island, so whilst I'm a part of the two headed brigade, getting to a decent bra shop ... (come to think of it ANY bra shop! ) is an exercise of gigantic proportions ... (sheesh with all these references to all things big I think Dr Freud would choke! ) ... but I will be coming down for a few days in Nov ... maybe we can have a bit of a side show, were you can all meet up with the KI freak! :nana:

76Stars - Thanks for the heads up on that website ... can't wait to have a looksee ...

Tanya & KirstenFluer - Oh the joys of Triumph ... where O where would us busty wenches be without this grand old institution ... solid, reliable, and makes you feel about as feminine as a jock strap ... . I'd love to hear what hotmilk bra you managed to find Kirsten ... I trawled the hotmilk site but this little gem eluded me ...

I have done a quick little trip into googleland and found two uk sites that actually have pretty, feminine maternity bras that are cheaper than what I've found so far in Australia (including postage!!! ) and some of them go up to a size M!!!! (PM me for the links if it's allowed ...)

Please, please, PLEASE GOD, don't be so cruel as to make me road test those babies ... I think they throw in a free wheelbarrow with them ....

[widdly]

lol....i had Gcups when i breastfed and used to call them G for gigantic, i was hoping i might be one of those women who lose a few cups after bfing but no, i am now an F for far out! I found that wearing an underwire bra while pregnant made my boobs extremely painful, i went and got professionally fitted for my maternity bras and nursing bras, they weren't pretty and they wre about $70 each but they felt fantastic on! Just go to a lingerie shop and ask them to help you find a comfy bra and tell them about your migraines, im sure someone will be able to help you out, usually if they dont have anything bigger than F in stock they can certainly order in for you. the brand i have had over the last few years, maternity, nursing and now THE most fantastic minimiser bra is Triumph, different brands suit different people though.

GL hope you find a nice big supportive granny style bra in no time!

[katnap]

Im sorry i cant help (these ladies have given more than enough info) but i just wanted to say thanks for brightening my day, you definately have a way with words Diva

[joralyd]

I guess I'm a member of the big booby club mine are a size F at the moment, the biggest I've been so far. A decent bra is on the fore front of my mind, I'm constantly looking for a bra that doesn't make them do that "mono boob" thing you know where they just fold over and become a giant fold of boob? they hurt so much and I end up with lumps from then not being moulded and supported with an underwire. I'm a big fan of the minimiser bra's but they're a no no during pgcy. It also makes it really difficult to find clothes that will fit over the boobies but not hang like a tent bla!
Please let us know how those UK bra's go.

[joralyd]

Ohh I forgot to mention that I recently started wearing a tight stretch camisol top over my bra's, that seems to take the weight off my shoulders and keeps them together. It's temporary but it might help a bit with the pain. I got it from Kmart but I'm sure you can get them anywhere.

[diva-n-dan]

Thanks Joralyd ... I will let everyone know how the UK bra's go ... they look very pretty, but as we know in big bazooka land ... if it's pretty, then it's about as supportive as wet tissue paper ...

I too have sucumbed to the "speed hump" look of the monoboob, and yeppers it ain't pretty. Oh to have size B/C breasts ... those smaller lassies don't know how lucky they've got it ...

[The[cookie]Doctor]

OMG so i'm not the only one
Thanks for your post diva, it's given me some much needed information as well.
I was a 12F before i got pregnant and now i'm struggling to fit into a 14H. It's really been quite unpleasant...
Three days before i found out BFP i was in a bras and things and the lady in the next room was a 12DD and wondered how the heck she'd find maternity bras, i almost died three days later, it was almost the first thought i had when seeing BFP
Widdly - You scare me when you say they didn't get any smaller after you breastfed!! Looks like i should start that savings account for a reduction after all...

Thanks to all you buxom women, you have brightened my day

[joralyd]

ashnant- I started out a C cup and each pregnancy I've grown and grown, unfortunatly mine never went down either I started a DD this time around and now I'm an F sure to go up to a G atleast! I am the same weight I was with my second pgcy too so it's all boob if ykwim. I hear ya on the reduction