When should I buy nursing bras?

[Anonymous]

I'm 34 weeks right now, so starting to prepare for after baby arrives. When is the best time to buy nursing bras and what size should I buy, considering I have no idea how big they'll be once my milk comes in? I am currently two band sizes and one cup size larger than my normal bra size.

[Anonymous]

I only bought 2 (one sleeping and one not) because you just never know about sizing or whether you'll need sleeping bras until after your milk comes in. I never went up during pregnancy and was one solid cup size larger while nursing, but it varies a lot.

[Anonymous]

You could buy a plain cotton nursing bra (the kind that comes in sizes M, L, XL) just so you have something to wear right away but I wouldn't buy any nice nursing bras until your milk has come in and you know what size you are. I got fitted at the Breastfeeding Center in DC and really like the bra they helped me pick out.

[Anonymous]

I would buy just one or two about two weeks before your due date. The Breastfeeding Center can measure you and help you try on different bras. My favorite bras turned out to be from Target.

[Anonymous]

I wore nursing tanks in the beginning - so much easier. I also had a sleep nursing bra and one of the medela nursing bras that's M,L,XL sizing. they're all really stretchy. I bought nicer nursing bras after 2 months to prepare to go back to work at 3 mo. Got fitted at Nordstrom's.

[jindc]

FWIW I'm barely in my 2nd tri and I bought a night nursing bra from when my breasts were incredibly sore (which annoyingly has returned), especially at night, for some light support - it is by Lamaze and is very comfortable. It's cotton and stretchy. I'm trying very hard not to make it my "lazy Sunday" bra because it's so comfy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wore nursing tanks in the beginning - so much easier. I also had a sleep nursing bra and one of the medela nursing bras that's M,L,XL sizing. they're all really stretchy. I bought nicer nursing bras after 2 months to prepare to go back to work at 3 mo. Got fitted at Nordstrom's.

Do nursing tanks have support? I'm currently 40DD, sometimes E (ugh)

[Anonymous]

Where are you delivering? Sibley's lactation consultants will measure you and sell you one in the hospital.

[Anonymous]

Good thinking to get a few ahead of time. I suggest getting a few plain nursing camis and and a couple of sleep bras from Target...go for size L, OP, if you are the PP who said you're wearing a 40DD. In a few months after your baby's birth you'll probably need smaller sizes, but it's so important to be comfortable during engorgement and in those first few weeks with your newborn, so it's worth the money. I wear a size 34DD, and the nursing camis give me enough support for when I'm home, but I need a better bra otherwise.

[Anonymous]

With both pregnancies, the ladies at The Breastfeeding Center told me to come in around 37-38 weeks. Said that at that point your breasts will be the size they will be for nursing (except for the day when your milk comes in. On that day you will have flotation devices for a chest regardless of your original size.)

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I agree with 15:20 - I bought one soft nursing bra at 38 weeks, then invested in two nice Medela underwire nursing bras and another soft night bra after my milk came in. I went from a 34E to a 34G - and they stayed that huge the whole year I nursed. I'd suggest waiting.

[Anonymous]

Honestly I never found nursing bras to be very convenient. I much preferred nursing or regular tank tops -- the kind with the build in shelf bra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With both pregnancies, the ladies at The Breastfeeding Center told me to come in around 37-38 weeks. Said that at that point your breasts will be the size they will be for nursing (except for the day when your milk comes in. On that day you will have flotation devices for a chest regardless of your original size.)

Good luck!

Honestly, the ladies at the Breastfeeding Center are just wrong. My breasts did not grow AT ALL until my milk came in. I was and remained a 36 B until that day, when I suddenly became a 4O DDD, which I remained until I was done nursing. This is silly advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you delivering? Sibley's lactation consultants will measure you and sell you one in the hospital.

OP here, I'll be delivering at VHC, and have not heard the greatest things about their lactation consultants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good thinking to get a few ahead of time. I suggest getting a few plain nursing camis and and a couple of sleep bras from Target...go for size L, OP, if you are the PP who said you're wearing a 40DD. In a few months after your baby's birth you'll probably need smaller sizes, but it's so important to be comfortable during engorgement and in those first few weeks with your newborn, so it's worth the money. I wear a size 34DD, and the nursing camis give me enough support for when I'm home, but I need a better bra otherwise.

Yup, that was me, the OP. Thanks for the sizing rec. I wasn't sure if I should get L or XL, I may order one or two of each just to be safe.