Nursing bras open in the front to make it easier to breastfeed your hungry infant. As your breast size increases during pregnancy, figuring out what bra size to purchase can become challenging. A properly fitted nursing bra not only provides comfort but also decreases the risk of plugged ducts and mastitis, which can occur if your bra places too much pressure on your milk ducts.
Professional Fitting
Step 1
Wait until no more than four weeks before your due date to be fitted for your nursing bra.
Step 2
Contact maternity shops and lingerie shops and ask if they have a certified bra fitter on site.
Step 3
Arrange a time to visit the shop when the certified bra fitter will be available to fit you.
Step 4
Schedule an appointment to be fitted again if your nursing bra feels uncomfortable after you have given birth and begun nursing your baby.
Measuring Yourself
Step 1
Measure around your rib cage with a soft measuring tape to determine your band measurement.
Step 2
Place the tape under your arms. Pull the tape snug just under your breasts.
Step 3
Add 3 inches to the measurement. Round up to the next even number if the number is an odd number.
Step 4
Pull the tape across your back and around your breasts' fullest part to measure your cup size.
Step 5
Subtract the band measurement from the cup measurement to calculate the number that determines your cup size. Each manufacturer provides a chart that specifies which number corresponds to which cup size.
Tips and Warnings
- Purchase three to five nursing bras so that you have extras when a few are being washed. Purchase nursing bras with stretching cups to accommodate your increased breast size. If you are large-breasted, shop at a specialty lingerie shop or foundation store for larger-size bras, including custom-made bras.
