When I was approximately three months pregnant with my daughter, I noticed (shortly after my husband excitedly pointed it out) that my pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit. In order to prevent the embarrassment of my bust bursting out of my bra, I quickly went shopping to get fitted for some nursing bras (also called maternity bra hunt).
While I was being fitted, the sales assistants in the various lingerie stores all gave me different advice about when I should really be getting fitted and what size I should get – I ended up so terribly confused. “First trimester? Oh that’s a little early,” or “In your third trimester is a more realistic time as to what size you will need,” they said. Ridiculous! I was not going to wait that long to buy a comfortable bra! Not only that, but I had heard that it’s not ideal to wear underwire bras during pregnancy or breastfeeding – and all I owned were underwire bras.
After what seemed like hours, I ignored all the conflicting advice and bought a nursing bra that fit (giving me a little room to grow), felt comfy and went home feeling so much better. If I had to buy more bras later when my boobs grew even more, I didn’t care! I just wanted to go home and snooze after being on my feet all morning!
No-one can tell you what size maternity bra you will end up needing and when you will reach your ‘maximum’ size, because women are all unique. I am providing some guidelines for when you are ready to look for maternity bras.
When Should I Get Fitted For Nursing Bras?
There is no exact time to be fitted for a nursing bras while pregnant, for some it will be sooner than others. You may find you outgrow your pre-pregnancy bras fairly quickly, or you may not need to purchase a maternity bra until much later.
Are Underwire Bras Okay To Wear When Pregnant?
Underwire bras are not recommended while pregnant and when breastfeeding for several reasons:
- Your breasts may swell due to retained fluid late in pregnancy
- Underwire can put pressure on the breast which may lead to a blocked milk duct or mastitis
- Your breast shape will change throughout the day as milk is produced and emptied
A bra that is comfortable, flexible and soft against your skin is a much better option.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Pregnancy, Maternity, Pump or Nursing Bra?
Things to look for when selecting a bra are purpose and use, comfort, ease of opening and closing for feeding or pumping, ensuring it is a fully opening bra (i.e. when you breastfeed, it releases the whole breast) and make sure there is room in your bra for any extra growth, padding and/or when your milk comes in after the birth.
What If I Can’t Find My Nursing Bra Size?
Fortunately there’s a great range of maternity wear available on the market today. If you need a DD or higher size you will notice the availability, appeal and look of maternity bras of this size have greatly improved in stores and online! The largest sized maternity bra I saw was a G cup, but there are H cups online so they are out there. If you are having trouble finding your size, go and ask someone to be fitted so they can order in for you or you may realise that you need to have one custom made. Try the Australian Breastfeeding Association they may recommend a variety of suppliers with the sizes that are right for you.
The steps to measure your bra size?
Most women struggle to find the right bra that fits them. There is nothing worse than the discomfort of wearing the wrong sized nursing bra that doesn’t slide off your shoulders, or will not dig into your skin, or create bulges in your back.
We all know the difference the right bra can make to your overall comfort and wellbeing at this time. So we are here to help you to discover your correct Nursing Bra size for the perfect bra fit. Following the steps will help you understand your recommended bra size and on to shopping very quickly.
#1. Tools Required
The only thing you will need here is a dress makers tape measure and an existing bra. Depending on which country you are ordering your bra from, you may require inches rather than cm, our calculator will be able to accept both.
To be able to measure correctly you need to ensure that your breasts are supported and in the correct position. It is recommended that you wear an unpadded underwire bra, wearing shapewear or a sports bra will reduce your size, while wearing a push up or padded bra will increase your cup. The focus here is to ensure that your breasts are naturally sitting in the right position, which is not the case for many women.
#2. Under Bust or Band Measurement
It would be ideal if you had someone to help you measure around your body, if that is not possible we can do it ourselves if you have a mirror.
Stand with your arms resting by your side, breath out, using your tape measure directly below the bust line, making sure the tape is right under your breasts, is straight all the way around and is on your skin or bra band. Your aim is to get the smallest measurement of your body without squeezing too tight.
#3. Bust Measurement
Breath in normally, stand as straight and tall as you can and measure around the fullest part of your bust (usually over the nipple). This is best done while you’re wearing a bra and why wearing a supportive bra is essential (if your breasts are sitting high then your measurement will not be accurate and you will think your cup size is bigger than it is).
Hold the tape gently so it is resting lightly on your body. Making sure the tape measure is straight across your back, and sits parallel to the floor.
#4. Use the Calculator
Now that you have your measurements, enter them into the calculator, making sure you have the right setting inches or centimetres. The calculator will provide you with an approximate band and cup size across each country which will give you a guide for shopping online. It is noted that manufacturers sizes may vary and so does each person and bust, we do not guarantee any products.
#5. Tips and Hints
– Do not breath in while measuring your under bust as this will expand your chest and rib cage, which will provide you with a bigger band size.
– Do not allow the tape fall loose around your back, always measure in front of a mirror so you can check the front and back.
– Do not measure your bust too high or too low (usually the fullest point is over the nipples), check the mirror or asking a friend.
– Do not allow the tape to fall to low or stay high around your back, you need to keep the tape parallel to the floor.
– A common mistake is that a cup size in one band is the same as in another band size. It is crucial to know your under bust or band size first and then your bust measurement, otherwise you will never find the perfect fit.
– Common issues are measuring the under bust or band size too large, if in doubt and you are borderline on a measurement, go with the smaller size.
– Even if you know your perfect size, many bra manufacturers vary because of the cuts and shapes across the same size that provide a completely different fit.
How Many Maternity Bras Should l buy?
You’ll need two bras at the very least – one to wear and one to change into if you leak or end up wearing baby’s lunch! Ideally your bras should be hand-washed in a mild detergent but if you don’t have the time and want to machine wash, make sure you wash your bras in a lingerie wash bag (not the mesh style, needs more protection!) on a gentle cycle. With only a couple of maternity bras on hand, you don’t want to be left with nothing to wear if they get damaged! Don’t use any bleaches or soakers as they can damage the fabric and/or irritate your skin.
How do l care for my pregnancy, maternity, nursing bras?
Normally pregnancy, maternity or nursing bras are very sturdily made. When washing your bras consider using a bra and briefs mesh bag or a lingerie washing bag, as it will save them being tossed around and tangled or hooked up inadvertently with the rest of the wash.
Please remember to remove any detachable parts of your bras (like removable straps, padded inserts, or swing tags). These items should always be hand washed separately in warm soapy water (baby shampoo) and rinsed well, leaving them to air dry completely.
When machine washing the main part of the bra, use a mesh washing bag, (don’t forget to fasten all the hooks to prevent snags on other clothes or bras). Machining washing should be on a hot, delicate setting, line drying when finished. Do not use a dryer, as this may distort, stretch out the fabric.
Do I Need Different Bras For Pregnancy And For Breastfeeding?
The words, ‘maternity bra’ can be confusing – maternity bras are designed to be worn both when you are pregnant as well as breastfeeding.
Do I Wear A Nursing Bra To Bed?
The answer to this question is one of personal choice. You may prefer to wear a bra so your breast pads stay in place or you may prefer to have your bra off for comfort. There is no reason why you should or shouldn’t. There are now maternity crop tops you can wear which are very comfortable, so if you don’t like wearing a bra to bed but are worried about leaking, you could always give maternity crop tops or sports bras a go.
