Nursing Bras for Large Breasts - How to Find the Support You Need
One of the first symptoms many women experience when they are pregnant is larger breasts. If you already wear a large cup size, this might make you nervous about buying new bras! While it may be tempting to keep wearing your old bras, remember that a properly fitted bra is very important when you are pregnant and nursing. A bra in the correct size will reduce back pain and promote breast health.
Plus Size Maternity Bras
You will first need new bras while you are pregnant. During this time, your breasts are not only larger, they are also heavier. Youll need a very supportive bra, preferably one without an underwire. Since youll need to buy bras when you are pregnant, it is a good idea to go shopping for nursing bras too. At 30 to 32 weeks, your bust is about the same size that it will be when you start to breastfeed. If you buy your nursing bras at 30 weeks, not only will you be prepared when the baby arrives, you will also have comfortable bras to wear during the third trimester.
What Nursing Bras Should a Large-Breasted Woman Buy?
During this first shopping trip, be sure to buy two bras to bring with you to the hospital or birth center. Soon after birth, you will experience engorgement - when your milk comes in. While you are engorged, you could be a full cup size larger. Your first nursing bras should be slightly big in the cup and have some stretch. A no-wire bra is best for the first few weeks. Why buy two nursing bras for engorgement? Youll want to have an extra clean nursing bra on hand during the first few busy days after your baby is born.
When you first start to breastfeed, your bra size can change every day - even every hour. Dont worry; once you have a regular feeding schedule your size will be more stable. Then, you can go crazy with all kinds of nursing bras! Not too long ago, all nursing bras were white and plain, and plus-sized nursing bras were very difficult to find. Luckily, bra companies have realized that nursing mothers need more options, and nursing bras for large breasts are available at specialty bra stores. You can even buy a sexy lace bra with nursing clips.
How to Tell if Your Nursing Bra Fits
A poorly fitted bra will wreck havoc on your breast and back health. Here are some tips to make sure your maternity or nursing bra fits you correctly:
1) Make sure that all of your breast tissue sits inside the cup. If you are "spilling out" of your bra, its definitely not the right size. There should be no bump at the top, sides or bottom of the cup. If you are experiencing this problem, you need a larger cup size. Think about how comfortable you will be in a bra the fits - not what letter is on the tag. Theres no shame in being a G, H or larger cup size, in fact, some women pay a lot to be one!
2) Make sure the band is snug. This is the number one mistake that women with large breasts make when buying bras. Just because you have a large chest does not mean you need a large band Your bra band should lie in a straight line across your back and not rise up your back during the day. Do your bra straps dig into your shoulders? This is actually another sign that your band size is too loose. In a great fitting bra, your band does 90% of the work, so there wont be pressure on your shoulders.
If you bra band is too big, you have to go down a band size AND go up a cup size. For example, if you are wearing 36D and the band is too loose, try size 34DD.
Still confused? Visit my website for more help with bra fitting from Linda the Bra Lady. We also have a great selection of breastfeeding bras in every size.
