Can I buy nursing bras now?

[AutumnAir]

I'm about 6 weeks pregnant and still nursing my almost 2 yo. I know they usually say to wait until you're 36-7 weeks pregnant to get measured for nursing bras, but since I'm already nursing anyway, can't I assume that my boobs will be roughly the same size after pregnancy anyway? The only nursing bra I have is on its last legs and I'd love to treat myself to a new one for Christmas, but can only justify it if I know I'll be able to use it after pregnancy too.

What do you mamas think?

[pbjmama]

I wouldn't. You just never know what size you will be, IMO. Yeah, you might get to wear it sometime in your next breastfeeding journey but who knows when or for how long.

[feminist~mama]

I vote for buy one! 9 months with only one nursing bra that is already on it's last legs??? Treat yourself to another one mama!

[SollysMom]

I posted a sort of similar question in this thread.

My vote is to get one, since you'll get use out of it now. It may or may not fit at the end of your pregnancy (my breasts have grown with my current pregnancy, even though I'm still nursing my toddler) or right away when the new baby is born. Once your supply levels off again after the birth, it will probably fit again.

[Ruthla]

How often do you normally buy new bras? Mine tend to need replacing after 6 months, often only 3-4 when I'm nursing.

I think you should go ahead and buy yourself a bra (or two or three) that fit you well right now, to use right now. If they still fit (and aren't worn out) after the baby is born, that would be a nice bonus.

[mmhinton]

I'd say buy it only if you really want to spend the money on it right now! I became pregnant with ds2 when ds1 was 10 months old and still a constant nurser. So, I though, much as you are likely thinking, surely my breast size won't change too much since I'm still nursing.... well, I was way off on that thinking (for me at least)!! My milk disappeared somewhere at about 5 months pregnant (ds1 15 months old) and ds1 weaned himself at about 16 months old due to no milk. However, my breast size did not really change at that point. Breast size did, though, incrase toward the end of that pregnancy and then increased more once ds2 was born and milk came in again.
I ended up being several cup sized larger after the second time...

Interestingly, my band size decreased quite alot more quickly after ds2 and is now a smaller band size than prepregnancy! So, "normal" band size (34) but very large cup size = very difficult to find / very expensive bras.... I only buy new ones if I *have* to!

[AutumnAir]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

How often do you normally buy new bras? Mine tend to need replacing after 6 months, often only 3-4 when I'm nursing.

I think you should go ahead and buy yourself a bra (or two or three) that fit you well right now, to use right now. If they still fit (and aren't worn out) after the baby is born, that would be a nice bonus.

I bought two just before DD was born (so nearly two years ago). One of them died a couple of months back when the strap broke and the other is going the same way.

We're pretty skint, but have some money for Christmas, and I'd rather have a nice nursing bra than a fancy top or something. I *could* just live without a bra for a while but as a 38E it's not terribly comfortable, and I get really bad plugged ducts if I wear regular bras...

I think I'll treat myself - I'm hoping to continue nursing DD through this pregnancy and with a bit of luck my boobs won't get *too* much bigger