Finding the Right Nursing Bras

By Amy Jarman

Shopping for bras is challenging enough, but when it comes to nursing bra shopping it can seem nearly impossible. There are so many variables to bra fitting when shopping for a nursing bra including whether or not you are still pregnant and then trying to guess what your size you will be after you deliver your baby and begin nursing. Whether or not you plan to nurse your baby full time also factors into your prospective nursing bra size. Also, every woman's body reacts differently to nursing, some women may go up one cup size third trimester pregnancy when they begin nursing, others may increase as much as 2 cups sizes and still others maybe only a half cup size difference if any. Here are a few suggestions and recommendations in shopping for your nursing bras to try to make this task a little less daunting:

If you are expecting your first baby, it is hard to know what to expect with your future bra size when shopping for your nursing bra as you have no history to draw on. The best rule of thumb is to wait until as close to your due date as possible before buying a nursing bra so that you can best gage what your size will be. If you do plan to nurse, you can expect your milk to come in within 2-3 days after you deliver. When you milk does first come in, some women experience a huge temporary uptick in their cup size. However, once your hormones settle down and your milk supply adjusts to a more predictable demand, your size should settle down. You should expect some natural size fluctuation during the day and before and after nursing, so it is best to pick a comfortable stretchy bra which will accommodate these changes while providing the support that you need for heavier lactating breasts.

The second rule is to not buy too many bras until your size has settled down after the first few weeks. You will probably only need about 3-4 bras at most that you can wash and wear so you always have one on hand to accommodate those early weeks. My best advice is to find several styles you like, that are very stretchy and can accommodate several cup sizes to safely fit your fluctuating and uncertain size. The Bravado Original Nursing Bra is an excellent choice. This bra comes in 3 size categories and 4 band sizes to accommodate a range of cup and band sizes and stretches easily while offering good support. Since there are no hooks on the back and a stretchy wide T-back fit, you can even comfortably sleep in this bra if you choose. If you are larger busted, I do recommend buying sleep bras for evening and nighttime wear which will also fit a range of cup sizes. The Majamas Easy Bra is an good choice which comes Small to XXL and fits from a 32A to a 48G. This bra has no hooks in the back and is a simple pull down style for nursing. The Easy Bra now also comes in an Organic Cotton which is very comfortable fabric for sleeping and loungewear.

Once you have survived the early weeks of nursing and motherhood, you will probably want to find a bra that is flattering to wear under T-shirts and gives you a bit more support and shape. Melinda G has a number of bras to choose from that come in a range of sizes. Melinda's G's Tee Shirt Soft Cup Nursing Bra is a smooth cup wireless bra that gives a clean look you can wear under a tee shirt or tight fitting shirt. This bra also has support comparable to an underwire bra without the associated risk of mastitis from an underwire bra. The Tee Shirt Soft Cup bra also stretches to fit several cup and band sizes which makes it an excellent nursing bra.

If you are bigger busted and really need the support of an underwire bra, Melinda G's T-shirt Underwire Nursing bra is a very good choice. Like the Tee shirt soft cup bra, this bra also provides a clean seamless and smooth look that can be worn under a tight fitting shirt while also giving your breast shape and definition without restrictions. This bra comes in sizes 34C to 38F and is cup and band size specific, so it is best to buy this bra after your milk supply has settled down and you are a more exact size. The hooks on the cups do allow you to adjust the size of the cups to smaller or larger for before and after nursing to help with that size variation and superior fit.

If you are looking to get back your pre-pregnancy figure and hit the gym, you will probably feel more comfortable in a nursing sports bra when exercising. Bella Materna offers a highly supportive and comfortable Nursing Sports Bra that stretches to accommodate up to 2 cup sizes for your normal size fluctuation. The quick drying Italian Lyca/Nylon fabric will not pill or fade or show sweat marks. This bra has a 4 hook closure on the back for maximum support and adjustable wide straps with clip nursing access. You will probably want to wear this bra even after your baby is weaned for its support, comfort and flattering uplifting design.

Once you find comfortable supportive nursing bras to accommodate your size variations and daily life routines, you will find your quality of life improves tremendously as you reclaim your body, your life and embark upon the joys of motherhood.

About the Author: Amy Jarman is owner of maternity clothes and nursing clothes store Tummystyle.com, a leading online retailer. TummyStyle.com has a wide selection of nursing bras for your pregnancy by designers such as Majamas, Bravado, Melinda G, Bella Materna, and La Leche League Intl (LLLI).

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Six Nursing Bras Buying Tips

By Amy Jarman

1) When should I buy a nursing bra?

The most common questions moms to be often ask is when is the best time to buy a nursing bra and what size should they buy. If you plan to nurse, the best time to buy a nursing bra is in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when your pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit comfortably and when you need to buy a larger bra. Your breasts will continue to enlarge up to the time you deliver your baby and after your milk comes in. However, they will settle down in size after your milk supply adjusts to the baby's demands and even more when you begin to wean your baby from feedings. Most likely you will need a nursing bra for as long as you are nursing your baby, so even if your 2nd trimester bra purchase is too small for your breasts immediately after delivery, it should fit you down the way as your size decreases.

2) What type of nursing bra should I buy?

There are so many types of nursing bras on the market and for a range of prices. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start. While you are pregnant and purchasing a nursing bra for both maternity and nursing, it is best to buy a nursing bra that is supportive with some extra room for pads which you will need in the early nursing stages. The best types of nursing bras for soon after delivery are those that can expand several cup and band sizes. The bras that stretch to fit multiple sizes typically do not have an underwire and are softcup which maximizes cup accommodation ability as well as comfort for the early stages of nursing.

3) What features should I look for in a nursing bra?

The most important feature in a nursing bra is comfort. Many women find that their breasts expand a full cup size or two when pregnant and nursing. It is often uncomfortable sleeping at night without a bra or even showering without a bra if your cup size is quickly moving down the alphabet. Many women find they need a range of bra types from an easy support sleeping and lounging bra to a more supportive daytime bra. If you plan on pumping it is good idea to get a hands free nursing and pumping bra which is extra supportive.

4) How do I get the most mileage out of my nursing bra?

As you know your cup and band size will fluctuate when pregnant and nursing. After you have your baby you will find your rib size will gradually decrease. If you are buying a nursing bra in your last trimester, it is a good idea to buy one that is not too tight around the band. Many bras have several adjustment hooks on the back to allow several size differences in the band. Look for a bra where you are on the last hook in your last month of pregnancy. You can also buy bra extenders that allow you to extend your strap by several band sizes for a bra that is too tight around the rib cage.

5) What nursing bras are easiest to use?

There are many different styles in nursing bras such as the cross over pull down style, cups that you unhook from each side, those that snap and those that clip. Find the style that works easiest for you. Many women find having several different styles may accommodate their lifestyle the easiest. If you plan to wear a nursing bra at night, look for a light support pull down bra. Chances are if you are half asleep and in the middle of the night you don't want to be fumbling around in the dark for a hook or a snap and your baby will not want to wait around to be fed. For your daytime bra, make sure the snap or hook stays in place with your usual movements and activities as there is nothing worse than a cup coming unhooked on its own in public or trying to rescue a bra that is leaving you lopsided while checking out at the grocery store.

6) What if I want to exercise?

Fortunately today there are a lot of great nursing sport bras on the market, so you can still hit the gym and get the bra support you need when you are a nursing mom. Bravado! makes an excellent nursing sports bra with a lot of great support and comfortable fabric. Sports bras in particular need to have secure snaps to make sure you don't pop out while on the treadmill or lifting weights. Comfort in fit and range in motion is also very important, so make sure you get a bra that fits properly with room to support your breasts' ebbs and flows with your nursing cycles.

About the Author: Amy Jarman is owner of the maternity clothes and nursing clothes store Tummystyle.com, with a wide selection of nursing bras for you pregnancy by designers such as Japanese Weekend, Majamas, Maternal America, Olian Maternity Clothes, 1 in the Oven, Melinda G, La Leche League International and Bravado.

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