When should you purchase a nursing bra?
About a month before your due date, and definitely no earlier
than three months before your due date. Many women mistakenly
purchase their nursing bras in the middle months of pregnancy,and
use them as maternity bras until they are ready to breastfeed.Then,when
the milk comes in,they find that the bra is very tight-fitting,causing
extreme discomfort and breastfeeding complications.
What features should I look for?
Wider bra sides and underbust bands for support. Extra rows of
hooks and eyes in the back allow for adjustability. (Center front
opening bras are often without this feature.)Front flaps that
have a three-step cup adjustment allow you to adjust the cup to
changing breast size fluctuations.Bras that close and open in
centre front may not be adjustable. Breathability—all cotton
or cotton-lined to prevent rashes, and for comfort.
Some women choose softcup bras for fear the underwire will contribute
to clogged milk ducts.This is a myth. A PROPERLY FITTED underwire
bra will not interfere with the breastfeeding process.The problem
arises because many bras are improperly fitted.
How do I measure to find the correct size?
Measurements should be taken while you are wearing your own bra.
*Frame/band size—pull the tape measure around your ribcage,directly
under the bust.Take a snug measurement (not tight) by placing
your index finger under the tape to allow for body expansion while
sitting.Add five inches to this measurement, and round up to an
even size if you measure an uneven number. Example:Ribcage measures
32 inches, add 5 inches=37 (round to 38 for band size). Additional
pointers:If you measure 33 inches or greater, you may feel that
adding just 3 inches will work better, especially if you have
soft flesh, as you will fit a smaller band size. When trying the
bra on for sizing, hook the back on the middle hook to allow for
future adjustability.
*Cup size—with your current bra on, pull the tape measure
loosely around the fullest part of the bust. The difference between
your band size (see above) minus this new measurement will determine
the cup size. For example, if the difference equals two inches,
your cup size is a B. Below are the differences in inches,and
the cup size it reflects:
1 inch difference = A cup
2 inch difference = B cup
3 inch difference = C cup
4 inch difference = D cup
5 inch difference = E cup
6 inch difference = F cup
7 inch difference = G cup
8 inch difference = H cup
Is one manufacturer’s 34B the same as another’s 34B?
No.You can’t count on size consistency among your favorite
jean manufacturers,nor should you expect the same from lingerie
manufacturers.Also keep in mind that different styles of bra will
affect your size.What works in a 36C underwire may not work in
a 36C synthetic blend softcup.Try it on to be sure it fits!
Trouble-shooting:
Your bra band should sit below the shoulder blades. If it rides
up, the straps may be too tight, the cups too small, or the band
size too large.
The center seam should lie flatly against the chest.
If bra cups are not filled out, you need a smaller cup size. If
they overflow, you need a larger size.
(Information courtesy of Leading Lady)