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Nursing Bra Fitting Guide

Maternity Bras – Do I need one?

You will probably notice your boobs grow long before your tummy expands. It is important to support your breasts with a well-fitted bra once your normal bras become uncomfortable.

You may well grow up to 2 cup sizes and experience sensitivity as the milk ducts develop. Wearing a comfortable maternity bra is the best way to support your breasts and preserve your shape. Under wired is not recommended as unless the wires are well encompassed they may compress the sensitive areas. As your boobs grow the skin will stretch and your breasts will drop, so it is important to support them with a well fitted bra.

Maternity Bras - What makes a good bra?

Well fitted - you really need to measure yourself to ensure you are buying the right size. Get the tape measure out and re-check your new form. When wearing your new bra it should enclose the breast at the side and neckline without stretching or your breast spilling over. Any red marks are a sign of an ill-fitting bra.

Adjustable - you will need to wear the bra on its tightest hook to start with, and then loosen off as your rib cage expands. Bra extenders are available to make things more comfortable.

Supporting – this means comfortable wider straps, and wider band round your rib cage.

Comfort – consider the fabric. Breathable or high cotton content is good to keep you cool. Micro fibres are excellent as they are light and silky soft – which can be important if your breasts are really sensitive.

Maternity Sleeping Bra

Some expectant mothers find a sleep bra useful, especially in the third trimester, giving them additional support to get a better night’s sleep. Look for a seamless one, with fewer hooks.

You may find you leak during the last few weeks of pregnancy and while you are breast-feeding. With a sleep bra you can insert breast pads to absorb the dampness.

Nursing Bras – What to look for

You should consider your nursing bra in the last few weeks before the baby is due. By then your breasts should have reached their maximum size. You will need two or three to cope with leaks and such like.

Many of the same rules apply as with choosing a maternity bra, but with some notable differences being:

Adjustable – fit on the loosest eye when trying to allow for the bra to be tightened after the baby is born

Well fitted - consider the fact that when the milk comes in your breasts may increase slightly – perhaps by a cup size. Once a feeding pattern has been established, re-measure and change your nursing bra accordingly. Also bear in mind you will probably use breast pads to soak up leaks – so allow enough room for these.

Supporting – the bra should be designed to provide comfortable support when one cup is open for feeding

Measuring for you bra

Wearing a comfortable non padded bra take the following two measurements:

1 - under-bust measurement - Measure around your back and directly under your bust.

2 –bust measurement - Measure around the fullest part of your breasts

Use the following chart to determine your bra size.

1 Underbust measurement

Bra Size

63 to 67cm

30

68 to 72cm

32

73 to 77cm

34

78 to 82cm

36

83 to 87cm

38

88 to 92cm

40

93 to 97cm

42

98 to 102cm

44

103 to 107cm

46

108 to 112cm

48

113 to 117cm

50

118 to 122cm

52

123 to 127cm

54

To work out your cup size subtract 2 from 1


2 Bust - Underbust measurement

Cup Size

10 to 12cm

AA

12 to 14cm

A

14 to 16cm

B

16 to 18cm

C

18 to 20cm

D

20 to 22cm

E

22 to 24cm

F

24 to 26cm

G

26 to 28cm

H

You now have your bra size and cup size.