[CajunMama]

Okay, I didn't know where to post this, but since I am pregnant this seems like the best place to start.

I am 7+mos prego and since my ribcage is expanding, and my boobs keep growing in anticipation for the birth, none of my bras fit. Even the ones that I have purchased in the first few months of my pregnancy ( nursing bras since I plan on BF) are tight and uncomfortable.

I don't want to spend an absolute fortune on bras, since I know that after my milk comes in, I will probaby need to buy bras yet again. I have gone to Wally world, Target, maternity shops, department stores, etc. and they don't seem to stock 38-40 E or F, which is where I am now

Most stores only stock up to DD( I was that before pregnancy

: )

I have looked at Motherwear and the ones that seem like the best are $40 each

. I wouldn't mind paying if I know that I could wear it for more than a couple of months; I also need more than one and I can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on bras

If I know that those bras were worth the $$ I wouldn't mind so much.

Any of you expert mama out there have any advise?

Thanks for listening.

 

[Spark]

I saw your post with no responses, so thought I'd offer what I know -- personally I'd go an buy 2 bras from wherever you can find comfortable ones. (There are a ton of stores out there for larger sizes, I just don't know them. Someone else list some) Spend the money it will be worth it if you plan to nurse more than 6 months. After the baby comes, your breasts will most likely increase in size after your milk comes in (although for a lot of moms they don't get bigger than during pregnancy). Then, after your milk production slows a bit to suit your baby's needs your breasts will most likely reduce in size again. That's when you'll need the bras you buy right now.

You can buy the bra size you need now and enjoy it for a few months and have it on hand when your breasts go down later. Or you can squeeze into tight bras being uncomfortable only to find yourself buying your current size in a matter of months from now. Might as well have 1-2 now and be comfortable. There are enough things about 3rd trimester that are uncomfortable.

Best wishes! Happy baby-making!

 

[BellaMay]

Hi CajunMama,
I feel your pain.

I was a 34DDD before pregnancy, and am now 38 weeks along and feel gigantic. I invested in some Bravado bras, and have found them comfortable and reasonably supportive, kinda like a sports bra, just a bit better in the "up and seperate" department.

I wore a M++ size mid pregnancy, then my ribcage (and other things ) started expanding so I purchased a couple of L++ to get me through these last few months.

What's nice about these bras is that they are (from what I hear) well designed nursing bras as well, so if you plan on breastfeeding, their use outlasts pregnancy. My budget appreciates that.

I bought my Bravado bras in a retail store here in Canada, but they're sold online all over the place. Google them.

Hope to help.

 

[mamaroni]

Another vote for Bravado. . .

I bought my first couple late in my first pregnancy; the woman I talked to on the phone helped me select the approriate size. She was very helpful. I bought a few more the second time around, and will likely buy yet a few more this time. The first two are finally a little worn out!

 

[Sustainer]

http://www.decentexposures.com

Decent exposures makes bras to order and they specialize in hard-to-fit women -- and their bras are VERY comfortable. I'm not positive, but I think after your breast size changes you can send the bra back to them and they will adjust it for you -- maybe for a small fee. Check with them.

 

[Round Belly]

Another option to check out is blue canoe's nursing bra. It looks pretty usuable and comfy. (And it's organic!)

 

[Imonion2]

If it's just the ribcage part of the bra that is bugging you, you can buy a bra extender, I know they sell them at Motherhood.

Goodluck!

 

[willowsmama]

I feel your pain, I'm a 38F myself. Motherhood sells a underwire bra in sizes up to 38F for 11.95. No, it doesn't look like much but I've had them last up to a year and fit comfortably.

Do NOT ever buy the snap cup nursing bra. It is comfy but that wears out in like 2 months, after that every time you move an arm you have a breast hanging out. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

 

[mamamorag]

ditto the bra extender it costs oh may be $2.00

I bought two last pregancy and by the end I used both of them.

 

[Sustainer]

Decent Exposures also makes organic bras. I'm a 42 J by the way.

 

[mommasuz]

You've got to get the bra expander! I wouldn't have made it through my last pg without. I wore a 34DD before pg, a 36 F during, and a 34 H right after my milk came in if that helps at all. I still wear the H and could probably wear one smaller size but this one still fits relatively well. If you can get by with an extender for now I would invest in some quality bras and you are right to wait until after your milk comes in, they say 2 weeks pp is the best time to get fitted. There is a specialty nursing shop here that I shopped at but their website is: www.maternityandnursing.com I have the extra support bra and the sleep/leisure bra. If
you need one now you can get by with one for sure, just have a comfy sleeper type bra for the times when you wash it. I recommend you buy 2 sleepers for the hospital/pp period and for nights while you nurse. I can't go without a bra and these are so comfortable.

 

[CajunMama]

Thank y'all sooooo much for your responses!

I'm going to look for a bra extender for now while I peruse the sites y'all mentioned.

Just knowing that relief is on the way is making me feel better. Thank you

 

[rubelin]

Try a Lane Bryant or Avenue store near you. I love my cotton demi bras from LanBryant and it's soft enough to pull down for nursing once you're past the "no underwires" stage. As for more nursing bras later (you never want to get nursing bras before the 8th month, BTW), try www.pumpstation.com

 

[wildthing]

I am not exactly large breasted, by any means...but I loved my Bravado for fit and comfort from the beginning of my pregnanies through engorgment and 2+ years of nursing with my babies. I have worn nothing but Bravados for 7 years now. Oh, I have 2 other "nice" bras for when I get dressed up, but my Bravados aremy mianstay.
I do think I want to check out both Blue Canoe and Decent Exposures too.

 

[USAmma]

I just bought a couple underwire nursing bras from Target. I'm not at my full size yet, but I need comfort and support and these did it for me. The nursing bras are way more comfy than reg. bras.

As far as the ribcage thing-- you can buy bra extenders at Motherhood for around $2 each. They will allow you to have more girth around the ribcage.

Good luck! I feel your pain!

Darshani