Nursing Bras--how to size when purchasing ahead?

[Anonymous]

I am 36 weeks and wanted to buy a nursing bra or two ahead of time, but I don't know how to estimate size since this is my first and I have no idea how big the girls are going to get! When I tried on a bra my current size, it didn't seem like there was much room to grow... Suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I am 37 weeks now, so take this with a grain of salt since I can't attest to the truth of it yet. At the breastfeeding class I went to (Sibley's), I was told to buy a bra that fits me now (which is bigger than my normal non-pregnancy size). The LC said that I might get a little bit bigger than that in the very beginning when the milk is first coming in but they should return to their pregnancy size pretty shortly so that the bras would fit.

I'd love to hear advice from moms who have actually been there, though.

[Anonymous]

I bought a few nursing bras when I was about 36 weeks with #1. I think I bought them because the ones I was wearing were too small (again), so I just bought ones that pretty much fit me then. I think the key here is NOT to stock up at this point. I bought one "sleeping" style bra and one with the nursing flaps. I loved the sleeping style bra when i was still pregnant, but post partum I really preferred the regular bra with flaps (and I was sleeping in it, too). After I had DS, my mom went to the store for me and bought a few more of them -- the size was correct.

(I will say that nursing bras actually get dirty -- baby drools on them, you leak, etc. I don't know why, but this surprised me with my first! I had always gotten along just fine with 2 or 3 regular bras and I ended up with a nursing bra collection of more like 5!)

[Anonymous]

I think the Breastfeeding Center says to wait until 37 weeks to get sized - call them to check, and you can go in for a sizing. (Just FYI, I'm normally a small B cup and went up to a DD post-partum.)

But I agree with only just getting one or two. I think most hospitals (Sibley is one) sell them there - the breastfeeding consultants come around with a cart and you can try things on in your room. Also, you'll probably want to wear them for a bit to see which styles you like best. Then, there's time for a trip out after baby comes to get more, or you can order online if you like what you have.

[Anonymous]

Mine did not go up any after my milk came in, although some people said they would. I bought my first few at the hospital (Fairfax), a couple of days after giving birth (same day I was discharged).

[Anonymous]

My nursing bra allowed for some expansion which was good especially since I was super engorged in the beginning, but went down after pumping/nursing.
By the 8 mo. mark, I definitely noticed a little deflation - I guess my boobs figured out that they didn't need so much milk especially since DD was getting a lot (but not all) of her calories from solids.

The breastfeeding/LCs at Fair Oaks Inova also have nursing bras for sale that you can buy and get fitted for before discharge. I actually just went to JC Penny and bought one there.

[Anonymous]

I was suckered into buying two bras at Sibley from the staff LC when I was two days PP and engorged. They ended up not fitting well after the first week or so and I felt as though I wasted my money.

I've been much happier with the cheaper Target bras and tank tops.

[Anonymous]

The LC at Inova who taught the breastfeeding class I took said to get a bra at least one cup size larger than what you are around 37-38 weeks...and she said only get one and wait till you deliver for the rest. My friend also told me that once you deliver, you should try and get sized asap before your milk comes in because although your breasts increase, they do go back down in size. This is what I was told though, and I have not bought anything yet. Im 37 weeks. I was going to wait till I delivered and get some from the hospital directly.