When Should I Buy My Nursing Bras?

Buy some before he arrives but not many wait until you know how big you are going to get before you buy one for every day of the week. Some don't change much and then there are those of us whe go from d to h. No I am not joking. Good luck.

Congratulations, M.! Nordstrom's is a great place to go for a professional fitting. Call them and ask when would be the right time to come in. Good luck!

M. C.
www.GoodHealthMadeSimple.com

I got mine at Motherhood as well and they were the best priced ones of quality I found too. I did find out though to NOT buy the ones that are really hmmm. . .how to describe them, where the material is really thick I guess. It did not allow me to place it under my breast well enough to be out of the baby's way. It just kept it shape and was in the way. I got one that seemed like really thin and flimsy but it had excelent support and was easy to "use".

I would go online to this website and you'll find the absolute BEST resource for nursing bras. They'll send them to you and you can try them on in the privacy of your own home. Order several styles - be sure to check out the instructions in the "fitting room" for the best success. Try them on and send back what you don't want and order the one's you love! They're wonderful to deal with! The reason I love this site so much is they offer REAL information about EACH bra to help ensure the best fit for your personal Breast Shape. They are passionate about it and will go out of their way to make sure you get what you need! www.birthandbaby.com

http://www.birthandbabyorders.com/index.php?c=1

I would wait to buy your nursing bra until the week before your baby is due because you want to make sure to get them the right size. I would buy a nursing bra at a maternity store....they seem to have the best ones.

I would wait until after your milk comes in. I made the mistake of buying one too early and it was a waste of money. Thank goodness, I only bought one prior to the arrival. Good luck with delivery and being a first time mother. The birth of a child is such a blessing. Enjoy every moment. You will blink and he will be walking. Time goes by so quickly. I have 3 (one is 6 mos. old) and I get so sad when I think of how quickly they grow.

Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth has a breastfeeding boutique and the nurses that work at the boutique are awesome. They will help figure out what size and style is best for you. I like the ones that snapped at the top. Also Target has some inexpensive bras that I would recommend later own. Good luck and encourage you to breastfed as long as possible!

I bought mine at Motherhood Maternity as well. I only bought two, and they worked great. I think I just bought them a cup size bigger.. your rib size shouldn't get much bigger from this point!

Good luck and congratulations.... just stick with the nursing. It's natural for babies to not be hungry.. or not be interested for the first few days. But do it anyway... so they can practice latching on.. and they can get that good stuff from the beginning! My son was 2 weeks old before he really got the hang of nursing... so give it some time and just relax!

-A.

Hi M.!
Congratulations on your new baby!
Just go to Motherhood. They can help you with sizes and styles. They are the best for the price. I had my baby in July and I'm still wearing my nursing bra cuz it's the best one I got.

I bought my nursing bras at Motherhood Maternity in Grapevine Mills mall. They made some good suggestions about which sizes I should buy according to my pre-pregnancy size and my current size. I actually bought 2 sizes (a bigger one for right after having the baby, and a slightly smaller one for a few months later), and it worked out really well. A good time to go would be as close to the due date as possible, without risking going into labor before you have a chance to buy them.

I waited until after my baby was born and knew that I could breastfeed her. In the meantime I bought some sports bras and wore those for about a week or two after she was born. I bought my nursing bras at Motherhood, they measured me and helped me pick out some good nursing bras. They say you grow a cup size when you are pregnant and grow another cup size when you nurse. Good luck!

I don't think that I got that much bigger once I reach the end since I had extra fluid- maybe a little bit bigger at first when my milk first came in. I was going to buy bras at the maternity store but a friend pointed me in the direction of target. I love the nursing tanks- I wear one to bed every night and they are perfect for lounging around the first couple of weeks. Even now I sometimes wear one and throw a sweatshirt or sweater over when I go out.
Their nursing bras are ok too- cheap enough that you can buy more as your size changes. ie...when you lose weight or he starts to wean....Maybe if you want to splurge once your little one is about 1 month- go to Northstroms- they have a bra recommended by the La Leche League- you have to ask for it and they have fitters. I never got around to it and now that my little one is 8 months I am not going to bother! Next time around I will.
Hope this helps and good luck with everything!
H.

It looks like you have received lots of feedback on this, I did not read all the responses. I had a baby 4 months ago and I am still nursing. Go to Khols, they have the motherhood brand for LOTS cheaper. My advice is to buy 2 bras, one with no underwire so it is comfortable to sleep in, and one with underwire so you have that extra boost when/if you venture out to a restaurant or grocery store. Pre-pregnancy I was a B cup, then I went to a C cup during pregnancy, so I figured after baby got here I would be a D, right? WRONG! When my milk came in I was definitely a D cup, but after my body decided how much to make, I was still a C cup. So I had to go out a re-purchase 2 more bras b/c the D cups were way too large. I bought my bras when I had 4 more weeks to go, just in case the baby came early.

As soon as you get the chance!!! Get at least two bras for starters, one cup size larger than you are now. Even if you try it on at first and it seems a little big...remember your milk might not come in for a couple of days and you will need some extra room for nursing pad/s. I went from a cup size B (before pregnant) to a D, but I also gained 40 lbs. I liked the nursing bra that I got at JC Penneys...inexpensive and comfortable.

I bought two or three Bravado bras at The Mother's Place in Southlake and wore them almost every day; they're great! The ladies there can measure/fit you, and they're very nice.

I also found that a nursing camisole was indispensible, because (first) they're sooo comfortable, and (second), a lot of the shirts I bought to fit my 'new size' were more low-cut than I usually like. I had several of those, and wore them under zip hoodies and button shirts (easy access for both nursing and pumping), and even wore them as pajama tops. I think I got the camisoles at Target.

I agree with Bina - that is definitely the best nursing bra. You should buy one now so that you will have it at the hospital. Once you decide how you like breastfeeding, then you can get more bras that fit your lifestyle. Also, I'd make sure to have some disposable breast pads and some kind of cream for you nipples.
Good luck and congratulations!
D.

I am right there with you. I am due sounds like about the same time as you. I have bought mine from Target. The only place I went the next size up was the number size. The cup size, I figure if I need to I can move up once the milk comes in and I need to. At Target, if you don't want to spend a fortune the nursing bras are only about $16.00. Good luck with your new baby. M.

I agree A Mother's gift is the best place to go and the Bravado bras fit the best.

I have tried many bras and have been happiest with them. A mother's gift has a wonderful inventory and focused on nursing mothers which Target and Nordstrom are not

Good luck

I LOVE LOVE LOVE - the Liz Lange nursing tank from Target - I bought one before I had our princess and sent my mom to Target while I was in the hospital to buy one in every color.

I have a few bras that I like but the tanks are the best for the time right after they are born since you will be chilling around the house (plus they are great for acess to pump)

Tanks are great as you can layer them & I wear them as PJ with my normal sleep pants.

I am still nursing at 7months old and still LOVE these tops - I have bought majammas & other more expensive ones but the Liz Lange ones are GREAT and only about $16!!! Plus if you are registered there and are like us you have lots of $$$$ in credit there!!!!

Hope this helps

Not sure where you live but Loretta's Intimates (NW corner of Plano Pkwy & 75 - close to Collin Creek mall) has the best nursing bras & regular bras. The ladies there are nice to help you find sizes.

I bought my nursing bras when I was preg about 5-6 months along w/my youngest, I just bought them bigger but w/my oldest I waited until I was further along. Every pregnancy is different and every mother is different.

Motherhood is a Great place to buy them cause they ladies that work there Always are VERY helpful and can let you know how many sizes to go up.

I hope this helps.
Good Luck and God Bless
M.

I totally agree with Jeris C. I bought mine at Kohl's too, and they're SO comfortable. I also got a really pretty nursing nightgown and robe there for the hospital. Good luck! Breastfeeding can be difficult at first and you may be very sore, but if you stick with it, you will be so glad you did. I have breastfed all 3 of my boys, and I'm nursing my 3rd right now (he's 3 months old). Write me if you have any questions regarding breastfeeding or if you just want some support once you get started. La Leche League can be a great resource for any questions/concerns you may have while nursing. I know there is a group that meets at Baylor Medical Center in Grapevine (where I delivered my 3rd baby). You could check into that if you have any trouble nursing or would just like the support of other nursing moms :)

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby. I have a 2 month old girl.
I would go ahead and buy at least one nursing bra now and keep it packed in your hospital bag. I bought two of these and love them http://store.babycenter.com/product/the+original+nursing+...
As for the size, they come in sm, med, large etc and tell you what sizes each range covers so you don't have to know what your exact size will be. You will likely go up at least one cup size from what you are now.
I know both Target and Walmart sell nursing bras too, so you could start off with an inexpensive one until you know what your size will be. Target also has nursing tank tops which I love for wearing around the house and layering under other clothes when out and about.
I am sure that motherhood maternity and any other specialty maternity clothing store will sell nursing bras also.
HOpe this helps!

The lactation department of Presbyterian Hospital of Plano has a store. They will measure you and assist you in purchasing the correct size. My oldest is almost 7 now. I believe the advice I was given was to go up a cup size from what you wear now.

Good luck and Congrats on the little boy on the way!

You will not be disappointed with a Bravado nursing bra. You can go online to bravadodesigns.com and look at the sizing chart. It explains very clearly how to choose a style and size. I was worried about not having enough suppport since I am used to wearing bras with underwire. These bras took my worries about that away. I have recommended them to my sister and friends and all have been just as pleased as me.
You can purchase them online or at a little store inside Baylor Dallas or Baylor Garland hospitals.
These bras are, of course, more expensive than Target brands, but they hold their shape and do not shrink at all like the cheaper kind.
Good luck.

You'll want to have one or two before you deliver to have on hand. After that, you can go out and buy some more if needed. I went to A Mother's Place in Southlake and they are VERY knowledgeable there. One of the sales people is an expert at fitting and the owner is also a lactation consultant. I don't know how big you are, etc. but I got a lot of use out of my Bravado bra. It's very comfy, a little more expensive but worth the cost. I bought a bra or two at Target and Motherhood and they were not nearly as useful to me. You also want to avoid things like underwires too for a while since they can cause clogged ducts.

http://www.mothersplace.com/index.html

I bought mine the week or so before hand, but yes...it is hard to gauge. I went to a maternity store and they helped me out, she told me that I should go up a cup size and an inch to what I was right then. So...during my pregnancy I was a 38C, so I bought 40D for bras. I only bought two to start with in case I changed. I do think that I did...I think that I went back to a 38D. Just get a couple to start with. Good Luck!

My advice is to buy two really good ones...and you'll probably want a sleeping bra too....especially after your milk comes in!

Go to a great boutique like Pickles and Ice Cream (Plano and Park Cities)...they will be able to help find the right one for you.

I always liked the kind that opened at the top..not the side!

I found that spending a lot of $ at the Motherhood store for Nursing Bras wasn't worth it at all. I purchased a variety from the Motherhood store, Walmart and Target. The Bras I found myself wearing most often were from Target. They were also the cheapest! I don't remember the brand but they were unlined and buttoned in the front. The thick heavy bras from Motherhood with the clip on the strap made it hard to breastfeed and pump. I went back to work quickly and needed something that worked best for me. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
Oh, and size wise maybe get them 1 cup larger then you are now. You'll be engorged when your milk first fills in but if you plan on pumping or feeding you won't be that full all the time if you know what I mean.

M.,
It's hard to say. I got excited thinking I might get to be bigger than a 34B for a least a little while. I had bought some bigger bras thinking I would be prepared. No chance the only time I got bigger was in the hospital when the milk came in but after we got on a regular feeding shedule I stayed the same size I always was. That may not happen to you so maybe just buy 1 for now to see.
Lonie

Congratulations! You could wait until after he arrives and your milk comes in - you will be shocked at how much things change! Or you could buy one now and just purchase a size larger than what you are wearing now. The salesperson at the store might be able to help you too. I purchased most of my bras at Mimi Maternity and Motherhood. Good luck!

I am a nursing mom and here's what I would recommend. Get one without a wire because they are way more comfortable and are better (sometimes the wire ones will clog ducts). I would buy one now - probably your current size or maybe one cup larger - just make sure it's roomy. I also bought a camisole nursing bra at target that i really enjoy sleeping in (yes, you will need to sleep in your bra when you nurse for support). I bought one size of bra 36D while I was pregnant and my breasts got very large the first week when my milk came in, but my bra just stretched and everthing was okay. Then after a week, things got more normal. I bought mine at Babies R Us in their maternity section. It's not pretty, but it is very comfortable. And I liked it better than anything I found at Target or Wal-Mart. I didn't try the maternity stores. Good luck!

Go to A Mother's Gift inside Plano Presbyterian Hospital. They have a great little shop and lactation experts that will help you find a good fit for YOU! Most women buy bras that don't fit them right and we don't even know it. Have a professional help you, the women at Motherhood might know, but I'd rather trust someone else. And don't go underwire!

A Mother's Gift
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Good luck!

Hi M.,
I bought 2 bras at about 37 weeks (my baby boy arrived at 39 weeks.) I bought bras that fit with my pregnancy size and they've worked just fine for me. I bought mine at Mimi maternity, and made sure the cup size had good stretch to accomodate for a bit of fullness. Definitely try on bras if you have time. I bought a Bravado bra over the Internet and they run in S,M,L,XL and I found that their range was a little small for me when I'm full.

Buy a black bra if you wear a lot of black like me. I wear it the most.

Good luck with your baby. Breastfeeding has been challenging for me but I know it's the best thing for my baby. I could write a book on my trials and tribulations.

Congrats to you! How exciting! I have a 8 y/o step daughtet, a 7 y/o daughter and a 4 month old baby girl! I did not nuse my oldest, but I am nursing my baby. I found that the sports bra types are so much better. If you get a bra with a little padding which is what I would normally wear it does not fold down very well when you go to nurse. I was a 34C now I'm a 36D so my size increase quite a bit. I would not go buy that many, I don't want to discourage you AT ALL but some woman find it hard to nurse, you may not like it. I had a very hard time but once you get through the first 6 weeks it's easy, after 2 months you are a pro. It's just getting there. I can give you advice forever on this subject.
I have bought at Target and Wal-Mart and they normally run between $8-$15 not too expensive. Also I still wear some spaghetti strap maternity shirts that I used for under shirts and they work pretty good to. Especially when your in public because your back won't show.
Also, find out if your hospital has a breastfeeding center. The Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford has one and they were such a blessing to me. They helped me through the first 6 weeks. So WONDERFUL! If I can help in any way let me Know! Good luck to you and your family!

I would suggest at least 2 weeks before. My baby came early. I bought them at Kohls in the baby dept. They have some soft stretchy ones. I also bought a nurseing gown there and was so glad to have that at the hospital with so many people coming in and out.

I was told by a lactation specialist to wait until your 38th week. She was exactly right. I became the biggest right at 38 weeks. I bought a few bras in between because nothing fit me as the pregnancy was going along, and then, as you lose weight postpartum, you'll start fitting into the smaller sizes.

I bought mine at Motherhood Maternity, and bought them a two months before I was due. They told me I would go up a cup size and a rib size. I'm normally 34B, so I bought 36C, and they worked out great! Don't get the ones that close with a hook and eye (like the back of the bra.) I got one like that and I couldn't close it with one hand, which was really annoying. I got two that had plastic snaps, and they were a breeze to use! I started out with three different bras that I thought were comfy. And when my little one was a few months old, I went back and got two more so that I didn't have to do the laundry as much. Also, the first ones I got were all white, and I went back and got tan ones.... I liked having the variety I guess! I started out washing them and then air-drying, but got tired of that and did dry them, and they didn't seem to shrink. Make sure and avoid underwires, as that can affect your milk ducts. Good luck!