Nursing bras... large breasts

[annaconda]

Hi all,

I'm looking to pick up a few nursing bras to have on hand for birth then will probably get more later.  It's my first go-round.

I'm amply endowed now, large cup size.  I'm going to wait to purchase until I'm a few weeks away from my due date but I'd like to start researching now before I pull the trigger.

Can you give me some feedback on your favorite company/product?

[Laurski]

I'm not sure how large-breasted you are, b/c depending on your size, you either have a variety of options or very few.

For example, I'm now a 44I (crazy, I know!).  I haven't found too many in that size, but of the few I found, here's what I use:

For days when I'm just running errands, visiting other mom friends, and in general not too concerned with the fact my chariots are going to be swinging low, I wear the Fancee Free Extra Support Nursing Bra.  It's all cotton and has no underwire.  It's comfortable, but for breasts my size, not particularly supportive.  I do like the nursing clasp, however; it's a metal hook, so it holds well and there's no risk of the panel popping open.

For days when I'm working and need my boobs to look a bit more well-supported, I wear the Elomi Molded Nursing Underwire Bra (style 3912).  The cup sizes are European, so I wear a 42G with a back extender, since they don't make a 44G.  On the plus side, it gives pretty decent support, and although its nursing clasp is plastic, but so far I've never had any problems with it popping open.  On the down side, it does have an underwire, so, if, like me, you tend to get plugged ducts, then you want to be sure to take this bra off as soon as you can.  Additionally, I find the clasp can be a bit more difficult to open & close.

Hope that helps...happy bra shopping, and Congratulations!

[averlee]

Although not available in a huge range of sizes, I've had good luck with the Gillian & O'Malley brand nursing bras at target. They have several different bras, even some in colors, I found a blue polka-dotted one for $12.

And not to be a bummer, but the bras you buy will probably not fit you! Near the end of my pregnancy I was up to a 40D and bought 2 nursing bras in that size. But as soon as the baby was born my ribcage shrunk and my breasts ballooned- I needed a 38F. After about 3 months, I was in a 38D, and that's a pretty easy size to find.

I'd really recommend buying a few cheap bras in different sizes, or looking for some super stretchy, non-binding, bra-like things you can use those first weeks.  I ended up with nothing that would hold my giant jugs on the day my milk came in, nothing to hold the nursing pads in place- I dug out an old bikini top with ties and made do with that.

[elluin]

I like the Bravado Bliss (http://www.bravadodesigns.com/shop/the-bliss-nursing-bra) nursing bra for comfort and pretty good support (I'm a 36I or J). I started with a nursing bra from Anita, which was ok but they redesigned and the second one was awful.

Immediately postpartum I mostly wore nursing sleep bras. They're not great for support but they're comfortable. I still wear them a lot at home.

[khaoskat]

40II here.

If you can find them..I love Collace Cotoure Cameo bras, they are by Jeunique, but the company has gone out of business, so it is finding them with supplers who still have some in stock.

These technically are not nursing bras, but work wonderful for it.  They have a heavy duty plastic claps on each cup, and my bra's wear out before the clasp does. 

[Ashes P]

I had really minimal luck with nursing bras, though I also had a pretty limited budget for bras. While I was pregnant I ventured into FF, and managed to squeeze into a DDD nursing bra from walmart -- but it didn't really support much. However, they kept my breasts wrangled and are easy to use. I've read good things about Bravado, but haven't tried the brand.

Honestly, I used a sports bra when I needed support, and ditched the bra around the house.

Good luck finding a good bra! It's possibly my least favorite thing about breasts, period. :D

[BeautyforAshes]

I ordered a couple of the Medela underwire nursing bras, and they were great!  Although somewhat expensive,I would definitely recommend them!  I also got a couple of cheap ones from our local "mart" for just lounging around the house.

[Youngfrankenstein]

That fancee free bra that the first responder posted it the one I've gotten after every birth.  It's not "pretty" but it is very, very supportive but super comfy.  I really hate underwires so it was nice to find something supportive without.  I was a 36 H or G each time.

[Ainsleyfish]

I am a nursing size 32 I or J and I have had a terrible time finding nursing bras that fit.  I ended up buying a nursing bra by Bravado http://www.bravadodesigns.com/shop/the-body-silk-seamless-nursing-bra  in an XL and got the sides brought in about 4 inches on either side to make it fit.  I'm certainly not running in it but it works well enough to have easy access to nurse and a offers a bit of support.  Personally I have tried SO many nursing bras, have ordered them online, have gone to specialty shops and so far this is the only solution for my size.