Bras - Page 2

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by thorn

My target has non-underwire nursing bras up to 40DD - I just picked one up today. it looks like this. After my first baby I wore Motherhood cheapies in like a 40H, but I found that their sizing is just huge, and I was only a 38D in other nursing bras.

my favorite nursing bra for long-term is the anita 5041, which is an underwire, but for pg and for the engorgement time I go with the cheaper target type of bras.

I bought a nearly identical bra to that one at Wal Mart. Maybe the one at Target is different (I couldn't find my size there) but it was so unsupportive I finally just returned the thing. The girls were bouncing around like crazy.

[Michigan Mama]

I thought that I had every bra size that ever existed, until recently...I can't fit into anything! With this pregnancy my cup size is about the same as last time, but my band size hasn't grown as much, so I'm about a 38D-DD right now...I haven't even started thinking about buying nursing bras yet because I've already outgrown even the regular bra I bought 4 weeks ago!

Last time, I was expecting my cup size to grow, but what I didn't count on was that my band size shrunk immediately after delivery, since there wasn't a kid shoved up in my ribs anymore! I think I'll wait until closer to my due date, then buy one that is one size smaller in the band and one size bigger in the cup and cross my fingers that it fits - if I don't have that size already! I've got a bunch of nursing bras, so hopfully something works!!! Maybe I'll invest in something nicer after the first few weeks when things start to even out a smidge.

[dorenavant]

I just bought a La Leche League International "wrap and snap" bra- it was the only one I tried on that was comfortable around my expanded rib cage, and I think the adjustability will be great for post-partum. But it's made out of soft, almost t-shirt material so not very supportive (which is not a big deal for me, since I'm only a B cup or a small C when nursing, but might be a dealbreaker for others) and will definitely show nipples or breast pads under certain shirts. The only issue I had was that it seemed like this bra did not come in "normal" colors- I bought a charcoal and black one, and they have a loud orange print and a chocolate color, but I didn't see any nude or white in that style.
I used Bravado bras last time, but the wide elastic band is really annoying to me late in pregnancy and I find I can't wear them comfortably right now- and the straps are really wide and thick, they look awful under summer clothing.
I had no luck at Motherhood, I guess because I am between cup sizes, but it seemed to me that they didn't have much of a selection anymore.

[Hezzie]

Originally Posted by Flower of Bliss

Well, I've been searching threads on MDC and doing lots of web searches. I found two stores that carry lots of different brand nursing bras with reasonable return policies and little to no shipping charges:

http://breakoutbras.stores.yahoo.net/index.html - free shipping, 10% off of all orders for repeat customers, so just order one bra the first time.
https://www.birthandbaby.com/ - $1 shipping, very easy returns

So, I guess I'll be trying out some new bras.

Thank you thank you thank you! I checked out those websites and found a couple of options for bigger busted ladies (more than I imagined) at prices that aren't too insane. I feel so much better about having good nursing bras and not having to take out a loan to afford them!

[BeagleMommy]

My new favorite is the Jasmine bra by Royce at figleaves.com
They aren't expensive for big-cupped nursing bras and they fit pretty well although they run a bit small. I measure 31" on my rib cage and their 32 was a little tight, but will be great when I'm not pregnant.
And as for warning of increasing sizes, I went from a 32DDD before I was pregnant with my first to right now I am wearing a 34K, so don't say no one ever warned you.
I also have had good service from breakoutbras.com back when I wore a size they carried.

Good luck on the quest for the pregnancy/nursing holy grail- the right bra at the right price!!

[crazycandigirl]

Originally Posted by Talula Fairie

I'm like horrified at the idea of wearing a NORMAL bra while engorged and trying to what, pull the cup down to nurse (where it will dig into the bottom of your breast).All that pressure on your breast would be just ASKING for a clogged duct. Normal bras won't accommodate changing cup sizes.

Actually I have the most horrid time with finding bras- any bras, nursing or otherwise that fit. I wear a 40DDD when I am not pregnant or nursing. A few weeks ago I was measuring a 42M (yes M- sigh- I am way over blessed in the bust department). I know that I am even bigger now. I can not find a bra that is the size that I need. I have ordered bras online, in the largest sizes that I can find, but even ones that say that they are big enough, are measured wrong and too small. And these are expensive bras- 65$ to 90$ a bra. They are just not the right size. I hate to think about the amount of money that I have wasted on bras that fall apart or I literally bust out of because of size.

I right now and wearing the largest lane bryant underwire bras that I can, with a rib size that is much to big for me (but that in turn makes the cup size larger- about an inch per rib cage size increase). I cut down and sew the rib band part smaller sometimes so it doesn't pull up so much on my back, but I have been too tired too this pregnancy so far. I choose these bras because they really do last a long time, and even though they are not the right size, hurt to wear, and leave marks on me, I have to wear something, they give me a more proper shape under my clothes (you cant tell how ill fitted they are when clothes are over them) and they do come in cute patterns.

I am nursing my 20 month old and am 30 weeks pregnant right now. To nurse I just slide my arm in my shirt and out of my bra strap and back out my shirt, then I pull the cup down and nurse. It only takes a few seconds and it works for us. I guess that it is just one of those things I have to bear. Apparently woman just dont have breasts as large as mine. Who knows. Oh and no problems with clogged ducts or mastitis. I guess I have been lucky,

I hope that others have better luck than I do finding bras.

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by crazycandigirl

Actually I have the most horrid time with finding bras- any bras, nursing or otherwise that fit. I wear a 40DDD when I am not pregnant or nursing. A few weeks ago I was measuring a 42M (yes M- sigh- I am way over blessed in the bust department). I know that I am even bigger now. I can not find a bra that is the size that I need. I have ordered bras online, in the largest sizes that I can find, but even ones that say that they are big enough, are measured wrong and too small. And these are expensive bras- 65$ to 90$ a bra. They are just not the right size. I hate to think about the amount of money that I have wasted on bras that fall apart or I literally bust out of because of size.

I right now and wearing the largest lane bryant underwire bras that I can, with a rib size that is much to big for me (but that in turn makes the cup size larger- about an inch per rib cage size increase). I cut down and sew the rib band part smaller sometimes so it doesn't pull up so much on my back, but I have been too tired too this pregnancy so far. I choose these bras because they really do last a long time, and even though they are not the right size, hurt to wear, and leave marks on me, I have to wear something, they give me a more proper shape under my clothes (you cant tell how ill fitted they are when clothes are over them) and they do come in cute patterns.

I am nursing my 20 month old and am 30 weeks pregnant right now. To nurse I just slide my arm in my shirt and out of my bra strap and back out my shirt, then I pull the cup down and nurse. It only takes a few seconds and it works for us. I guess that it is just one of those things I have to bear. Apparently woman just dont have breasts as large as mine. Who knows. Oh and no problems with clogged ducts or mastitis. I guess I have been lucky,

I hope that others have better luck than I do finding bras.

I guess everyone is different. I get so incredibly engorged in the beginning, and I am one of those women who gets plugged ducts from stuff like ring slings....so I have to be really careful. When I wore regular underwire bras to nurse, besides the fact that pulling the cup down eventually ruined the bra, it made the underwire dig into me while I was nursing and gave me plugged ducts. Underwire nursing bras were ok though.

Btw, I completely forgot about this until I read what you were saying about sewing your bras...there is a pattern online for making a regular bra into a nursing bra.

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/braconvert.html

[Amanda Williams]

Coconut, I bought two of those Medela sleep bras and they are perfect for around the house! They are comfy and really don't look too bad under clothes at all. I am a 38B-C and 160 lbs. before becoming pregnant and am definitely not perky anymore (after nursing three babies so far) and these bras do the trick for me. I ordered them in an XL and they are great. I am thinking I will really only need one underwire, more supportive nursing bra to wear while I am out and about with the baby.

[momoftworedheads]

If you can, I would highly recommend getting a fitting from a bra fitter or bra person who sells nursing bras, pumps, etc. I had a woman come to my home after my 2nd son was born and let me tell you, it was the best thing I ever did. She fitted me, I got one bravado bra and then two medela bras and they were amazing! I was a 34-36G at the time and crying because I could not find anything to fit me in a local store!

I am currrently a 38 DD (30 weeks) and waiting to see how things go this time, I am thinking I might end up a G cup again!

I wear Anita maternity/nursing bras. They are the best!
I've slept in them and they are even comfortable for that!

Here is a link:
http://www.thepinkbra.com/anita5135.html

[mamadelbosque]

I have two bras that work OK from motherhood for when I'm out (36 D's, though I could really use like a 36DD or a 34DDD... but as the biggest they make is a 36D without getting WAY huge in the chest range...), but otherwise around the house I just go braless. Its easier and way more comfy than hassling with a frigging bra that doesn't even fit...

[Hezzie]

Bra Store in Austin

Originally Posted by crazycandigirl

I can not find a bra that is the size that I need. I have ordered bras online, in the largest sizes that I can find, but even ones that say that they are big enough, are measured wrong and too small. And these are expensive bras- 65$ to 90$ a bra. They are just not the right size. I hate to think about the amount of money that I have wasted on bras that fall apart or I literally bust out of because of size.

Crazicandigirl-

There's a lingerie store in Austin called Petticoat Fair. Their website is: http://www.petticoatfair.com/default.html

I don't know if you've heard of them or not, but I hear they are phenomenal. They carry all kind of sizes and specialty bras for ladies and will custom fit stuff for you. My midwife actually recommended them to me when we talked about nursing bras. I hear they aren't inexpensive, but I believe that you pay for what you get and a well-fitting, comfortable bra is definitely worth the expense even if you only buy one! I may check them out if I'm not happy with what I buy online.

[BeagleMommy]

As for the professional fitting, when I was about 3 months post partum with dd, I went to a bra shop that specializes in nursing and mastectomy bras. She measured me. Got her co-worker to measure me and told me that they couldn't even order anything to fit me. That really made my day. I think I was a 32I at that point.
I have heard that there is a really nice bra shop in Cincinnati, but that's about 7 hours from here. . .

[jjbucks123]

Medela bras aren't cheap but they do support and are well made, IMO.

I am also a glamourmom fan - ditch the bras and get a few tanks with bras built it - ebay is a good place to bid and get a cheaper price.


I have found cheap ones like what you mention, at Sears, of all places - about 15 each. But you get what you pay for....they also had some nursing bra/ sports bra styles which are pretty comfy but only one in my large size.

Good luck - that's been a never-ending battle for me.
Big boobies are good for milkies for baby, though - hoorary for BFing!