Nursing Bras - larger chests

[CookAMH]

I was a DD cup pre-preg and am slightly larger now even though I have yet to go out and buy a better fitting bra for pregnancy.... I always hated camis with shelf bras, but see the nursing camis that seem like they'd be handy to cover tummy. What nursing bras have you really liked if you have a larger chest?

Also, people have told me in the past to go out shopping for them after your milk comes in for sizing...should I try to get one cheap one for initial use those first few days and then plan to go out again?

[bemommy]

Well, I am a MUCH larger cup size than you (oh how I wish for the days of DD cups again). With pregnancies and nursing I'm up to a size I or J depending.

My first pregnancy, when I wasn't quite so large, I got a few Bravado nursing bras that I loved. I used them for the first 6 minths or so before going out and getting properly fitted for more supportive bras. It took a couple of months for the "girls" to settle into a size.

[Punchy Kaby]

I am an F cup right now, last time I went up to an H cup when my milk came in then after a few months settled in to a DD.

I would go ahead and get a couple of stretchy nursing bras for the beginning. YOu are probably going to want to change them everyday so maybe 3 if you can afford it. Then after the first few weeks go in to get sized. After the first couple of months I wanted more support and went with underwire, but everyone is different.

[Biscuits & Gravy]

Even if you don't get a "real" nursing bra, I would recommend at least getting a sleep bra to have at first.

I'm at least a DD, probably bigger, but I've worn the heck out of nursing tanks this time around. They are perfect for hiding post partum tummy while nursing.

[BekahMomToOliver]

I'm a DD as well, bigger while nursing, and last time I loved the Bravado bra's. Their nursing tanks are amazing during pregnancy too, and sometimes you can pick them up on sale (I paid $25.00 for mine on sale, but you have to watch the site pretty closely for these kinds of deals). They have a full nursing bra built right in, it's great and I'm saving up for their next sale. I agree that tanks with shelf bra's are no good... my boobs fall right out the bottom, lol.
Good luck finding something you like!

[crazycandigirl]

I measure at a 42 M. Sigh. It is like a practical joke of nature.

I was a 40DDD before I got pregnant with DD2 and just never went back down since we are still nursing. So I gained a lot of inches.

I tried to buy a couple of nursing bras that were almost in the right size (they don't make them that big anywhere- even when they say they are- they land up being too small). They were too small and these special ordered 80$ a piece bras broke at the nursing clasps in just a couple of weeks. So a no go with nursing bras in my size.

I now wear a 3x cami (just a shelf bra cami- not a nursing one) when lounging around the house or at night. It doesn't provide a ton of support- but enough that I dont have sway issues and is easy to nurse in.

The rest of the time I wear a regular bra (still a little small in the cup but much much better and closer to my actual size). When it is time to nurse I pull my whole arm into my shirt and into the bra starp and back out so it is no longer over my shoulder. then I just pull down the fabric of the bra, hike up my shirt and nurse.

It works REALLY well for us. In fact at this point I don't think I will even try a nursing bra with my new babe when he gets here. I always have had problems with nursing bras coming undone or not supporting or smooshing me. And even though it sounds fumbly, it really is a quick and easy to take the shoulder strap off without a lot of fuss.

[dawncayden]

Something like this http://www.honeymilkdesigns.com/index.php

She's a mdc mama too.

[veganone]

I am a DD normally and was easily a G/H for the first year or so of nursing. I am a small band, too. The only thing I was really comfortable in for a long with were the Bravado nursing tanks. I like the bras, too, but the tanks were a lot more useful for me. They come in an F/G cup, but those are harder to find in stores.

Pricey, but supportive and comfortable. The Target and Glamour mom tanks were comically bad on me.

[Ruthla]

Originally Posted by Biscuits & Gravy

Even if you don't get a "real" nursing bra, I would recommend at least getting a sleep bra to have at first.

: You'll probably want SOMETHING to hold nursing pads in place those first few days/weeks, until you have time to shop for a real bra. So I'd recomend getting a few sleep/leisure bras in a bigger size than you normally wear. A good idea is to get one of those "adjustable sized" bras, and get it to fit on the smallest cup size (but larger back size) while pg, and then it's likely to fit when your milk comes in, and still fit when your back shrinks (as most women go up a band size in late pg and then get a little smaller again after birth.) This will give you something to use right away, and then it will come in handy as sleep/leisure bras later.

It really isn't possible to get a "good bra" that gives adequate support and shaping until the baby is 1-3 weeks old and your breasts have regulated in size. It's really hard to predict what size you're going to end up- after DS was born I was able to wear the size I'd worn all pg, but after my daughters' births I needed bigger cup sizes than I'd worn before.

[lotus.blossom]

I just dug out my old motherhood cotton stretch nursing bras from last time. Boy I had no idea how HORRIBLE they were! No support at all. I am going to invest in some nicer ones this time around.

I have my eye on this bra from Target. It got good reviews and it looks like it shapes and supports. I hated the muffin top last time (after a nursing session when my breasts were empty) so I am going with a full coverage bra.

[thomatuttle]

So my big issue with this whole nursing bra thing, is the fact that I live in a place where there is already nowhere to shop for normal large bras, let alone nursing bras. There are no maternity stores in my community and the stores that I have looked at for regular bras do not have a good selection for large boobs. I'm currently a 42DD. The closest town that has a maternity store that may have large sizes is over 2 hours away. I really can't see loading up a week old baby and driving that long for a nursing bra. Do most of the online stores have good return policies? That is probably the only way that I will be able to get a nursing bra.

[Punchy Kaby]

Originally Posted by thomatuttle

So my big issue with this whole nursing bra thing, is the fact that I live in a place where there is already nowhere to shop for normal large bras, let alone nursing bras. There are no maternity stores in my community and the stores that I have looked at for regular bras do not have a good selection for large boobs. I'm currently a 42DD. The closest town that has a maternity store that may have large sizes is over 2 hours away. I really can't see loading up a week old baby and driving that long for a nursing bra. Do most of the online stores have good return policies? That is probably the only way that I will be able to get a nursing bra.

I think the hardest part of getting a bra is getting the size right. I have been sized several times and I still get my size wrong.

I have ordered from Figleaves.com and from Barenecessities.com, both were fine. However I find that Nordstrom's has the most amazing return policy: you can wear something and return it, you cannot do this at any other store. They have many bras online, but if you could get to a store their bra fit people are usually very good.

[emmaegbert]

Originally Posted by veganone

The Target and Glamour mom tanks were comically bad on me.

I have bigger chest (DD when not preg/nursing) and I agree the Glamour mom tanks were a disaster or comical, depending on who is doing the laughing I guess. Total waste. I'll check out the bravado tanks.

I just went to Nordstroms when my son was about a week old, which surprisingly had a great nursing bra selection- but not out on the floor, they had to get it all for me. If you don't have anything like that I'd look for a site that has a good return policy and order a lot of bras, then find which ones work for you and order a couple of those. You want at LEAST 2/3 b/c you need to wash them frequently, they get all milky. And they see a lot of "action"... they don't last as long as regular bras.

I liked underwire, I know some people say not to. But I think the key would be having plenty of choices and seeing what fits and is comfy.

The maternity stores are a disaster for bigger breasts anyway, not nearly enough support and not good fit so don't feel regret if you don't have one close.

I am really skeptical of anything that says it will fit a big range of cup sizes. though for a sleep bra that's fine.

[HappyHappyMommy]

Originally Posted by thomatuttle

So my big issue with this whole nursing bra thing, is the fact that I live in a place where there is already nowhere to shop for normal large bras, let alone nursing bras. There are no maternity stores in my community and the stores that I have looked at for regular bras do not have a good selection for large boobs. I'm currently a 42DD. The closest town that has a maternity store that may have large sizes is over 2 hours away. I really can't see loading up a week old baby and driving that long for a nursing bra. Do most of the online stores have good return policies? That is probably the only way that I will be able to get a nursing bra.

I've ordered from Breakout Bras (http://www.breakoutbras.com/). They have a good selection and are great with answering questions and give discounts on every order after the first.

[learnlovebe]

I *LOVE* this post. Being a 40DDD before ds, and a 42J in my peak of nursing (yikes!) and then back down to a 42F by the end (and now even) I've seen more than my fair share of nursing bras.

Am I the only one who thinks "sleep" bras are worthless for the over-endowed mama? I had one and it was _NOT_ worth the money I paid for (I got it from Motherwear.

I did sleep in a bra for about a year after ds was born (I nursed for 14 months). I just slept in a Bravado Bra- the Original Double Plus bra. I found this statement about their original bras "All of our sizes overlap, which make this the perfect maternity and nursing bra - no matter the fluctuations you experience, the Original will expand and contract to gently and comfortably support your body as it changes." I found this to be VERY true for me. I wore the same size from the beginning to the end. It's a sports bra style- so it's very comfortable.

Later on though, I did want more support and ordered their Supreme nursing bra. Although not the most beautiful bra, it gave good support.

I also had great luck with the customer service at www.mommygear.com. They sell Bravado bras, medela, goddess, and others. I had the clasp break on 2 different goddess bras, and they replaced them w/o hassle at all. VERY NICE! And, if you have questions about how the different bras fit (some bras run bigger in the cup, others run small in the band, etc) they know it!

I'll definitely be checking out the sites mentioned by pps!

[L&K'smommie]

I agree that I would get at least a sleep nursing bra before baby comes. A great website to check out for nursing bras, all styles, colors, sizes, etc is www.birthandbaby.com She will help you find the right bras for your size, you can email her your measurements for that. She also allows returns.

[j_p_i]

I was a 36C pre-pg, and am now up to a 36E. None of my old bras even come close to fitting, so I've invested in some nursing bras already. I have 3 from Bravado, and I LOVE them! I will certainly buy more if I need a bigger size or look into the tanks. They are comfy and supportive, and definitely full coverage. I often have to wear a tank top under my shirt so the top of the bra doesn't peak out (my only small complaint).

[SparklingGemini]

I'm very top heavy and cannot stand sleep bras.

My favorite nursing bra company for larger sizes is Anita. Total love.

I'm a 38H. If that helps...

And I thinking waiting to spend money until after your milk comes in is a great idea. The first place I bought a nursing bra convinced me to get a bigger than I needed size because I would be engorged and have fuller breasts all the time.

Nope. Didn't happen and I never, ever, ever wear that bra.

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by dawncayden

Something like this http://www.honeymilkdesigns.com/index.php

She's a mdc mama too.

Is there a place you can buy them online? The only stores in the locator are in BC. Not very helpful to me in California!

My favorite bras are the ones from Bella Materna http://www.bellamaterna.com/ They do carry DD cups and larger. Those suckers just never die. I've had them last 4+ years before they finally crapped out, and I am mean to my bras (I wash and dry them).

I also found some really cheap nursing bras at Wal Mart of all places. I'm not a big fan of that store, but right now I am really broke from paying for the midwife. I went there for something else, but ran across this brand called "Sweet Nothings" made by Maidenform. They are nice and comfy, although I didn't see a big range of sizes. I'm a C/D cup so it wasn't a big issue for me.

I recommend getting a bra in whatever cup size you are when you're in your third trimester. But make sure it's a non underwire bra without super fitted cups. Something a little more sports bra type style (but nursing) has more "give" in it and will fit you even if you gain a cup size or two. There's no point in getting a nursing bra for the exact cup size you are when your milk comes in becuase things level out a bit within a few weeks, I noticed.

Another good brand for full figured women is Bravado. http://www.bravadodesigns.com/

[~Katie~]

I agree with the pp's who said go with a sleep/lounge bra. During those first few weeks and when you deal with engorgement, snug fitting bras are just not comfortable so something that is enough to keep your nursing pads in place is adequate. The last time I measured I was a 36E, I know I've gone up since then but I'm making do with the bras I have until I get my new ones shortly. Bravado has a really good line of supportive bras and I love the fact that the nursing tank has a REAL bra and not a shelf bra. Target does have some good options if you're in need of something without spending a lot of money, I have the bra that Lotus.blossom mentioned and it is one of my favorite every-day bras when it fits. It does take some experimenting to figure out what you feel best in so I would go with everybody else's recommendation and get fitted once everything settles down after the babe is born.