Let's talk about breast size for a moment...

ewenner

So after spending seven weeks wearing uncomfortable, poor-fitting, and non-supportive nursing bras, I finally bit the bullet and went to a department store to get fit by a certified bra-fitter.  Two new bras and $150 later, what did I learn?  That my previously large breasts (34DD pre-pregnancy) are now more ridiculously large than I realized - 34FF!!!  FF?!?!?!?!  Is that even a thing???  I thought I had trouble finding shirts that fit before, but this is ridiculous - I've lost all but 7 pounds of my baby weight, and I think all seven of those must be in my boobs!

Ok, now that I've got that off my chest (haha), do everyone's breasts get THIS much bigger?  Also, when I eventually wean the little guy, will my breasts go back to their previous state, and how long does that take?  Or will I be stuck with ginormous (and also now lopsided...) breasts forever?  Thanks for your thoughts!

jerseygirl227

Wow (both on the boobs and the price tag, lol)!

I went from 38D to 38DD, or at least that is what I think I am.  

Can't help you with your questions, but good luck!

NeonNoon

I'm pretty confused too. I posted a Q on the breastfeeding board with no luck.

I was 32DD pre-pregnancy, and peaked at 40DD + band extender, which lasted the first two months PP or so.

I'm now 4.5 months PP, and 34DDD + extender. I'm back at my pre-pregnancy weight and am still nursing (and lopsided).

Pretty desperate here too for a bra that fits!

niknak1208

Yikes!! Those are expensive!! Mine always go down when I stop nursing. I'm normally a 36B. Right now I'm a 38D. When I stop nursing, they'll shrivel up to their normal smallness. Lol. I say shrivel because I've been fat three times already. This will be my fourth timing losing 50+ lbs and my third child that I've nursed. Soo yeah you can imagine what that leaves me with. Lol.

Congrats on losing the baby weight tho!! I'm insanely jealous. I don't know why but every single time I have a baby and I'm nursing.. My sweet tooth is out of control. I'm always hungry and thirsty. Ugh. Eventually I will lose it. I always do.

ewenner

niknak1208 for your reassurance that the size should go back down once I'm done BFing.  As for the baby weight - I consider myself very lucky.  Most of it came off during the first six weeks while I sat like a lump on the couch.  I doubt the rest will be that easy.  

NeonNoon - The makers of the two bras that I bought are Elomi and Freya.  Both companies specialize in bra sizes DD and up, and I think are only sold at higher-end department stores and specialty stores - hence the large price tag.  I will say, though, the price is worth it to not be in pain all day!

xuxachi

I am very small chested, but they are larger when BFing and they shrank smaller when I weaned - smaller than pp in fact, which is a bummer when you're a B at best, and have to go to an A. Now that I'm thinking of it, they kept getting smaller the longer I breastfed, which is strange since presumably there is more milk in there for an older baby. I've read this is normal.

mattandlora

Before kids, I was 34DDD. Then I was pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, breastfeeding without a break. Now I'm wearing 36H. I get my bras online from figleaves, herroom, and bravissimo. I only have 3 good nursing bras. You can often hit sales and get them a little cheaper though, like $50-60 range. Watch out for the UK / US size difference though

harmonicbabe26

xuxachi said:

I am very small chested, but they are larger when BFing and they shrank smaller when I weaned - smaller than pp in fact, which is a bummer when you're a B at best, and have to go to an A. Now that I'm thinking of it, they kept getting smaller the longer I breastfed, which is strange since presumably there is more milk in there for an older baby. I've read this is normal.

This is me except I was a size A pre preg, got to no more than a full A, smallish B while preg and BFing. After DD1 my already tiny boobs totally disappeared. I literally had nothing but nipples left. Pretty sad...

Geeps2

I have 2 kids and breastfed both.  My little guy is now 20 months old and I weaned him at 15 months.  Pre-pregnancy I was a full C, after having the kids and breastfeeding I am now holding solid at a floppy D lol.  I need new bras because all of my old ones no loner fit.  I tried to squeeze into an oldie but goodie the other day and my nipples were threatening to hop out and poke someone.  No one warns you after breastfeeding you have permanent "headlights".  At least that is what happened to me!  Oh for the love

mattandlora

This brings me to another question. If cost weren't an issue, who would consider getting a breast lift when they're all done with the pregnancy / breastfeeding period? It won't change cup size, just make them perky again. I'd definitely give it serious thought.

ewenner

Well, my breasts have been floppy with permanent headlights for pretty much my entire life, so at least that won't be too shocking a change for me!  As for a breast lift, I am a definite NO on that one.  I do not handle needles well, and I have never been knocked out before, so going into that "electively" just wouldn't happen - more power to you, if you have the guts to do it!  Whatever makes you feel good!

niknak1208

Mattandlora- in a heartbeat! If I were done with nursing for good and lost all my weight and could afford it.. You bet. Sneak in a tummy tuck too please! I have like a permanent fat girl belly button. I swear no matter what I do it will not go away. I think it's just from being pregnant so many times and I lost a ton of weight out of college. It drives me nuts!! I literally had ab muscles before this pregnancy and still had the belly button. I did 30 minutes of an strength daily!

harmonicbabe26

mattandlora said:

This brings me to another question. If cost weren't an issue, who would consider getting a breast lift when they're all done with the pregnancy / breastfeeding period? It won't change cup size, just make them perky again. I'd definitely give it serious thought.

Since. I will have NOTHING to lift when I get done BFing I would go for an enlargement not a lift BUT I am deathly afraid of side effects (scar tissue encapsulation, implant exploding inside, excessive pain, you name it) so I guess I will have to live the rest of my life with a flat chest... Anyone have any positive stories about boob jobs that could put me at ease and help me wrap my head around possibly doing it?

marijaa333

I would definitely consider a lift if my breasts end up like flat pancakes. However, I think I would wait until I was 100% sure i wouldn't be having any more kids since the incisions can cut off some milk ducts.

As for enlargement, I have considered all the options (I was a "full" A/ small B prior to pregnancy) and it doesn't seem worth the possible complications to me.  Also, pregnancy and breastfeeding have made me realize how much more convenient small breasts are!

Geeps2

I totally would have them lifted.  I know next to nothing about the procedure but my fear would be looking like I got fake boobs implanted instead of having my breast back where they were intended to be prior to having kids.  Would it be nice to have perky boobs, yes, but I don't wanna look like an old lady with a boob job lol.