Getting a good fit

Selecting a bra may seem like a simple process; something you’ve done many times over. But getting a comfortable fitting maternity/nursing bra is slightly different from fitting a regular bra. During and after pregnancy, your breasts undergo numerous changes. They are enlarging and becoming heavier and more sensitive. So, for late pregnancy and after delivery, choosing a bra that provides proper support can help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued.

When shopping for a maternity/nursing bra, keep in mind these important considerations to ensure that you select the one that best meets your individual needs:

• Select a bra with convenient, easy access to the breast that allows for skin-to-skin contact when you nurse your baby.
• A bra with a one-hand cup opening can be very helpful, especially when you’re holding your baby.
• Shop for a maternity/nursing bra during the final weeks of your pregnancy, because your breasts are continually changing as you near your due date. Doing so will ensure you select one that will fit adequately after your baby is born.
• Avoid trying to find a bra that leaves too much room for future growth; it will not give you proper support now. You may have to choose a bra that fits well now, knowing that you may need to change to another size later on.
• Health care professionals recommend buying two or three maternity/nursing bras, so you can have a fresh, clean bra every day.

(1)For the band size, measure around the body, just under the arms, with a measuring tape. Remember to stand up straight and breathe normally. If the measurement is an uneven number, round up to the next even number.

(2)To determine your cup size, you’ll need to take a bust measurement around the body at the fullest part of the bust. Make sure the measuring tape is straight or level all around your body and lies flat against your back.

Subtract the band (1) measurement from the bust (2) measurement. The difference, as shown in the chart, will determine your cup size.

For example:

If your first measurement is 37, you would add 1 to get 38. This is your band size.

Next, subtract your band size from your second measurement. So if you measured 42 around the fullest part of your breasts, and your band size is 38, you would subtract 38 from 42 for 4. This gives you the number to determine your cup size.

In this example, the size would be a 38D.

Keep in mind, this may be only a starting point. Trying on the garment, will determine which size and style of bra is best for you in terms of fit and comfort.

Consider an underwire design only if you are accustomed to wearing an underwire bra and feel most comfortable wearing one while breastfeeding. With underwire maternity/nursing bras, it is especially important to obtain a proper fit, so the wire doesn’t put any pressure on the breast tissue.

Shop for Maternity & Nursing Bras - Brands like Medela, Bravado & Grenier

Medela Comfort Fit Bra Sizes

Please note, the comfort bras look very small right out of the package, but they have a great deal of stretch so don't judge the fit by the appearance of the bra. You really need to try it on to see that they do fit! My cusomers love the fit and feel of these bras once they have it on.