When to get a nursing bra

[MimiB]

Hi all,

I'm wondering when to buy a nursing bra? This is my 1st pregnancy and I'm reading that I should already have some purchased by now but how can I when I have no idea how large I might become?

Also - I'm already plus-sized in that department and have to go to specialty stores to buy my bras (which is ALWAYS expensive) so I really don't want to get the size wrong and be stuck with a really expensive, ill-fitting nursing bra.

I'm now really confused about when to get one, I guess. :

[BeagleMommy]

Well, I'm a first time mom, too, so I don't know how well this will work, but this is what I have done. I was a 34DD pre-pregnancy (34H now!) so I feel for you not being able to just go buy a bra anywhere. I got a couple of the Bravado Double Plus bras. They are supposed to be for ranges of sizes which is supposed to be good for fluxuations throughout the day when nursing. And I think they are comfy- which is saying something since I haven't had a non-underwire bra that I thought was comfy since the sixth grade.
And I have plans to drive to the speciality bra store that is an hour and a half away sometime when the baby is 6 weeks or so. I'm told that by then I will have settled down size wise.

But all of this is speculation, since I have never BTDT.

I will await responses from some more experienced mamas, too.

[wendyk]

The Bravado bras are a good choice. I bought one ahead of time, then waited until dd was born and bought a couple of Medela ones from the boutique thing at the hospital so I could be measured for one. It worked out fine for me.

I did find a bra on ebay & have been really happy with them. They are new, it's just where the person sells them. If you do a search for Yes Bras, you should come up with it. They are very similar to the Bravado bras, but about half the cost and don't have problems with the band rolling up like Bravado bras do sometimes. The lady provides great consultation to help you figure out the size. I sound like a sales person! I really am not, just a happy customer.

[skueppers]

If you're the kind of person who's comfortable going bra-less, you may be able to get by without a nursing bra immediately (though they are a handy place to put nursing pads if you leak!). However, if you normally prefer to wear a bra, I would definitely suggest getting one or two ahead of time. Pick ones with a flexible size range, so they have a good chance of fitting as your breast size changes -- if it does.

I like both the Bravado and Yes! Breastfeeding bras. I think the Bravado bras are better made, slightly more supportive, and have more comfortable (softer) elastic, while the Yes! Breastfeeding bras are less expensive and the elastic has less of a tendency to bunch/roll up. All of the Bravado and Yes! Breastfeeding bras I have survived at least a year of regular use without problems.

The link for the eBay store where you can get the Yes! Breastfeeding bras is:

http://stores.ebay.com/breastfeedingisbestforall

[Meems]

I was wondering the same thing, too. It's on "the list" but I'm in the same boat. I was a 34 C pre pg and now 36D. The sizing really confuses me, but I definitely want something COMFY!

[katie9143]

I got a couple on sale at motherhood and I too am plus sized. I wanted to have atleast one before she was born so I bought one in one cup size larger than I am now and one in 2 cup sizes larger - and I didnt feel too bad considering they were on sale (although not returnable). I did notice that the others there werent too bad for the reg price either (less than $20). I think the largest one i saw was maybe a 48F or G?? so i think there was a pretty good variety of sizes. Try there.

[ibusymomto5]

I'm large chested but with a small band size(34-36E-F), so I just about have to order online to find something that fits correctly. I just bought some nursing bras from http://www.breastchester.com . She's a MDC member and gives other members a 10% discount. Plus, she offers free and super fast shipping and is fabulous at working to help you find the right bra for you. My favorites ended up being the Melinda G and the Elle MacPherson. Both are really nice and super comfy nursing bras. The Melinda G has a lot of stretch to the fabric, so it should grow with you in the cup even as your milk comes in yet it's got a lot of support too. The Elle is nice because it has 6 different hook settings in the back for expanding/decreasing rib cage size. It's pricey, but is a very pretty bra with excellent support.

[bleumoose]

It's a good idea to wait until your supply is well established, usually 3-4 weeks postpartum, before buying any of the expensive bras. If you can get a professional fitting by a LLL Leader or a lactation consultant, I highly recommend it. Also, avoid underwires for the first few months if you can at all help it... they can cause all kinds of trouble (plugged ducts, mastitis etc).

What I did the first time around was buy a few cheapy nursing bras at Target/Walmart etc to use until I was ready for the nice ones.

[angel0123]

With my first I was told to get one before I had the baby and get any more after the milk came it. Not that I would wait that long after but it takes about 6 wks for your milk to regulate. I have been wearing my nursing bras for over 2 1/2 yrs now and I don't bfing very often anymore.

If you can get a professional fitting by a LLL Leader or a lactation consultant, I highly recommend it.

As a LLL leader I have never fitted a bra for anyone its wasn't covered in the courses to be a leader. I would find a good ladies boutique and get a fitting there.

[MimiB]

Thanks for all the advice, folks!

[2Sweeties1Angel]

I ordered a YES! bra on eBay and love it. It's like the Bravado only cheaper. I'm getting more.

[bleumoose]

Originally Posted by angel0123

As a LLL leader I have never fitted a bra for anyone its wasn't covered in the courses to be a leader.

yeah, you're right. I know better than that.. I guess I was just remembering talking about fitting bras with my group's leader at one point, but it wasn't related to LLL stuff. I blame my preggo brain

[MacKinnon]

I REALLY needed a bra in the early days. I slept in one, a comfy sleep bra that just crisscrossed in the front and provided very little support. But it held breastpads in well! I was just pouring milk like a fountain! I have to remember to go buy another one of those... I actually lucked out and the couple I bought "guessing" on size, fit once my supply went down. I also wore that sleep bra alot around the house, especially in the early weeks.

[jilly]

Yep, I also like the Bravado bras. I bought one when I was pregnant that came right before baby, and then a few more after. Don't put them in the dryer, though, or the elastic gets itchy. I found them comfy and flexible and wore them the whole 20 mos I was nursing ds.

[meggles]

I got some wonderful organic cotton non-underwire bras at bluecanoe.com
They are sooo very comfortable. I couldn't stand the thick band of elastic around the ribcage on the Bravado bras. These are about the same price and so worth it. I plan on just pulling out the boob to nurse. (If this babe ever decides to come out!)

[MommytoTwo]

Reading from DIApril ... I bought 2-3 Bravados when I was 39 weeks... DD came at 42w and they fit perfect. I wore them the entire 16 months I nursed her... though I did get more. I am also plus sized and they were fantastic. I was fitted at the lactation center at the hospital.