When to buy nursing bras?

haloheathr · January 2010

I am new to 3rd tri, so forgive me if this gets asked a lot. When should I buy a nursing bra -- before going into labor or after my milk comes in? From what I've read (I have no personal experience yet), our breasts are likely to get much bigger when the milk comes in a few days after delivery. So buying a nursing bra before that happens seems like a waste of money because it probably wouldn't fit once I actually start nursing. But not having any bra that fits and having to go bra shopping so soon after delivery also doesn't sound appealing. What do you ladies plan to do? Thanks!

MrsColvin · January 2010

Get a couple of the sleep nursing bras... They are a little more forgiving when you get a little bigger and will hold you over until you can get some nursing bras that fit.

murfygirl · January 2010

I bought one now just because I never wear a bra without underwire so its been a change I've had to get comfortable with. Plus you might have a hard time finding one you like.

shortstuff15 · January 2010

Have you gotten bigger since you got pregnant? I've heard that if you don't grow during pregnancy you might not get that much bigger after your milk comes in (except for the first 3 days or so.... but buying one bra for 3 days is a waste in my opinion). That's what has happened with all of the ladies in my family anyway. We dont' really get bigger during pregnancy and after engorment goes down we are the same size as we were pre-pregnancy, so I just bought a couple that were my regular size. But if you have gotten bigger during pregnancy I would recommend sports bras or sleeping bras so that they can stretch.

eyunger1 · January 2010

My SIL bought me a few nursing tanks for Christmas, and my sister got me some pajamas with a nursing-style top. They each have a shelf bra and the drop-down front/straps for nursing. I'm planning on using those for a week or so and then see what size I seem to be at that point.

honeybee111 · January 2010

I bought a bunch of nursing tanks that I figure will hold me over until I can figure out my bra size.

flgator · January 2010

I waited until after I had DS to buy them and was glad I did b/c your boobs get big. I ordered them and had them shipped so I didn't have to go shopping. I got mine from Bravado and really liked them (I nursed for 14 months so I got a lot of use out of them). I ordered more than one size b/c even with measuring myself, I wasn't accurate. I just returned the ones that didn't fit.

dolphyngyrl22 · January 2010

I plan on getting nursing tanks until things settle and I have a better idea of size I am. Also I'm not sure if breastfeeding will work out because I've never done it before, so I'm thinking if I get a tank or two it can be worn whether or not I continue to BF so it's not a waste of money.

Mrs.Meyer · January 2010

I got two nursing bras before I delivered dd. Stay away from underwires. In general, any bra is going to be tight for a week or two right away, but then you'll be pretty consistent and you can buy more. The sleep bras are really nice.

soon2bemrsmarr · January 2010

I would wait until 37+ weeks to get one or maybe two, just to have, since it will take a few days for your milk to come in afterwards, and if you have a c/s it will take an extra few days on top of that, but you will still want to nurse so having a few (without underwire) is best, then you can get a few more after your milk comes in. Target apparently has some that are very reasonable price.

Tina272 · January 2010

I took a baby care/breastfeeding class last night and the lactation consultant said the time to buy a nursing bra is at 38 weeks. You will get bigger when your milk comes in but that will only be temporary and then will be about your 38 weeks size.

berrysweet · January 2010

dolphyngyrl22:
I plan on getting nursing tanks until things settle and I have a better idea of size I am. Also I'm not sure if breastfeeding will work out because I've never done it before, so I'm thinking if I get a tank or two it can be worn whether or not I continue to BF so it's not a waste of money.

Pretty much ditto. I have one nursing bra, and a bunch of cami's with shelf bras. I plan to hang out in those for awhile and wait until things settle down a little with the milk.

kattyleigh · January 2010

I didn't read the previous posts but I wanted to share my experience so far. PP I was a 34 B cup. During pregnancy I went up to a 38 D cup. The LC at the hospital told me to swing by between 7 to 10 days after birth and she would measure me for a good nursing bra. I went in at 7 days exactly and I am wearing a 34 F cup now. Before going to the hospital, I just went to JCPenney's and bought a cheap non-underwire nursing bra and am so glad I did. You really only need one. I lived in that bra the first few days. I also love just lounging around the house in my nursing tanks. You can buy these now no probs. GL!

haloheathr · January 2010

Thanks for the advice everyone. Looks like I will buy some nursing tanks and sleeping bras now and possibly one cheap nursing bra. Then see how things are a week or two after nursing is established. Thanks again!

Want a personalized experience?

When to buy nursing bras?

Re: When to buy nursing bras?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards