Cautionary note on buying new bras too early, don't get them too small!
With my first pregnancy I went and bought all new bras as soon as my normal ones started getting too snug. Unfortunately it was too early and I ended up outgrowing those as well. I have always been a barely-there-B but since my first pregnancy I have fluctuated between a D and DD (being pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the past 3.5 years has kept them relatively the same). I got so excited when I sized out of my B cups that I bought three new expensive nursing bras... I haven't been able to wear any of those bras since I was about 20 weeks with DS... lol
Side note: I'M SPENDING ALL THE MONEY ON NEW BRAS WHEN THIS CHILD IS DONE BREASTFEEDING! I've been wearing ugly nursing bras for way too long. /sigh.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Is there a general cadence of boob growth? I'm a straight A cup but I've probably already grown to a b cup. I"m making the bralettes I have work, since relatively speaking, tatas are still small. But if they get much bigger, I need to find a transitory solution.
Gross-ish question, but we're all friends here, right? Yesterday when I took my bra off, I noticed some crustiness on my right nipple, and when I tried to rub it off, the teensiest tiniest bit of liquid came out that sort of looked like milk? It definitely wasn't blood. I am only 12 weeks and a FTM so it seems insanely early for that sort of thing to be happening. Anyone else have experience with this? I have a Dr. appt next week and will mention it then, just figured I'd ask this knowledgeable group too!
@stalkinghorse I personally found that I went up 1 cup size during pregnancy, and added quite a few inches around the band due to rib expansion. I bought nursing bras in one cup size up, and a band expander (which is the best purchase ever). My advice is to also buy some "sleeping" nursing bras, because for the first two weeks after birth, your boobs will go out of control. I think I went up like 2 cups sizes just during those weeks. I refer to those weeks as "the watermelon period". There was no way a normal bra was going to work, and probably would have given me an infection from compressing the girls.
@ladythrice - I only bought 1 in the next size up, and it was a cheapie (since I figured it wasn’t the last one I would need this pregnancy lol)! Great plan on spending money on new bras AFTER you’re done with babies/nursing! @stalkinghorse - great question! @ngolimento - what is a sleeping nursing bra?
@ngolimento I bought that exact same bra a couple days ago at Target and it's insanely comfortable!!! I just needed something without an underwire to wear while lounging around the house.
@ngolimento the no underwire nursing bras are my only nursing bras I use 24/7. Not only are they comfy but no underwire for the win! I can't wear underwires during pregnancy or nursing because it's just really uncomfortable. Sometimes I wouldn't even wear one if the nursing cami I was wearing had a shelf bra in it. My favorite ones are from target.
Target nursing bra momma all the way!! Honestly, I've just been excited my boobs are getting to where they were before my first pregnancy. Didn't realize how much they had "deflated".
I am an A cup and my cup size never went up with my first other than filling out, no noticeable increase other than the same! I wish I could get a lil cleavage lol! I am hoping maybe with this one lol!
@stalkinghorse last pregnancy I started off as a 32a, bought a 34c nursing bra towards the end of my pregnancy and a week after dd was born I was 34d or if really full dd. They were basically that size until I weaned from pumping.
I've already gone from 32b to 32d. Hope they are done for a while! I dont want to buy a new bra in month and then even more for nursing. Also, anyone else having a lot of soreness and sensitivity? Will that ease up soon or just keep on for the entire pregnancy?
@JJMNO1616 my doctor does it automatically by I had to get it at the hospital, not in house. I had the lab work done there too at the same appt. Then based on the results my OB recommends, or doesn't, additional more invasive testing if needed.
I was a 32d before pregnant with DS. They grew to a DD during pregnancy. A little bigger the beginning of nursing and then shrunk down to nothing and loopsided 6 months into nursing. I'm super excited for them to be big again lol.
My advice is to buy nursing bras now if you plan to nurse rather than just buying bigger regular bras. Steer clear of underwire; especially in the beginning of nursing it can cause engorgement/mastitis.
@rach-j I've been super sore. I don't remember being this sore last time but I'm pretty sure it's normal. I had a friend who said thats always how she knew she was pregnancy, her first symptom was always tender breast.
Randomly I also keep thinking I'm leaking, but I'm not. You know how people say after the baby is born you still feel "phantom baby kicks" I'm having "phantom leaking".
Ok so STM. With my first the back pain/aches didn't start till late 2nd trimester. But with this one I'm 12 weeks and my right hip joint is killing me. I can't even sleep. Has anyone experienced this? Is there anything that can help?
@bchalm I totally am having that issue, too. TMI: my water broke with DD after we DTD and I was super paranoid yesterday that it has already happened with this baby because we also DTD. I swore DH off of me for a while because I don't want this anxiety.
Ok so STM. With my first the back pain/aches didn't start till late 2nd trimester. But with this one I'm 12 weeks and my right hip joint is killing me. I can't even sleep. Has anyone experienced this? Is there anything that can help?
@shea1988 super weird question, but are you constipated? With my last pregnancy (my second), I thought the aches were starting early, too. My hips were agony before 20 weeks. Turns out when I took care of the constipation, the hip pain went away!
@shea1988 I am not in the health field so this may be a stab in the dark, but my SIL did tell me everything hurts more the second time around. Muscle memory or something. Have you gone to a chiropractor? Just went myself because I was having awful headaches. Might help to get everything back in alignment. Hope you are feeling better soon!
@julzy -ok thanks! I think i will just buy the nursing bra like you suggested, that sounds like a good idea- cheaper and no more underwire for the rest of pregnancy sounds pretty nice too!
@bchalm - good to know it's normal at least! I guess im going to be getting used to it haha
@tooraloorah@peppersmith22 I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is BH, but when I get up in the middle of the night to pee, my uterus tightens/cramps once I relieve myself. It's like my whole belly tightens up. For reference I'm 13+4 today.
@peppersmith22 and @lund I called my OB. The nurse said definitely can be BH which is considered tightening at this point not technically BH. She said as long as I’m not bleeding we’re ok!
@tooraloorah, I think 'conventional wisdom' says that Braxton Hicks contractions don't start until second trimester. That being said, I've definitely felt my uterus tightening during my first trimester this pregnancy. For me, it's usually caused by two things: being dehydrated or having to pee/act of peeing (lol...).
I got Braxton Hicks constantly with DD and it was almost always related to my level of hydration. If you the tightening is uncomfortable to you, you might try drinking some extra water, it may help!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
@bchalm and @rach-j I've been having the same problem. I wore a sleep bra for the first time last night and it was life changing. No more horrible pain when I switch from sleeping on one side to the other.
So I wasn't feeling good tonight and my face is seriously blotchy red. I actually had this happen earlier in the pregnancy a few times. Almost like rosacea (hope I'm spelling that right). Anyone else having blotchy red spots on their face appear sometimes? Feels hot and uncomfortable. Maybe this is the supposed pregnancy glow I've heard Of?
Also so looks like Target is the place to go for nursing bras? Last pregnancy i bought bras from the lactation consultant at the hospital but they were pretty pricey need to be cheaper this time. Thanks!
@keeksie84 I didn't know they made sleeping bras, that's awesome!!
I got one at Target. It's a sleep/nursing bra. Totally worth it in my book.
Hi, clueless FTM question here. I loath bras and the thought of sleeping in one makes me want to cry. Full disclosure, I have really small boobs and I would rather never wear a bra at all if I didn't have to go in public. What pain are you referring to and is this something all women experience?
@JJMNO1616, nursing bras are awesome and comfortable for daytime but I've never slept in one; I am definitely a fan of sleeping braless. The only reason I've had postpartum breast discomfort is if they are overfull (baby goes too long without nursing or breasts are still adjusting to supply/demand) or a clogged duct (different than mastitis because while uncomfortable, mastitis is a full-on bacterial infection with fever). Once well established, though, breastfeeding has been a fairly painless process in my experience.
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@JJMNO1616, breast tenderness has actually been my worst symptom (I've been really lucky with really mild symptoms all around). They've gone from a 32DD to a 34G and they are pretty painful. It's the worst at night when I toss and turn or when I get out of bed to go pee. The sleep bra is basically like a super lightweight sports bra.
@keeksie84 I didn't know they made sleeping bras, that's awesome!!
I got one at Target. It's a sleep/nursing bra. Totally worth it in my book.
Hi, clueless FTM question here. I loath bras and the thought of sleeping in one makes me want to cry. Full disclosure, I have really small boobs and I would rather never wear a bra at all if I didn't have to go in public. What pain are you referring to and is this something all women experience?
I would sleep in them while nursing because I also had to keep nursing pads in. Otherwise I could have leaked all over the bed if the baby slept longer than usual.
@JJMNO1616, nursing bras are awesome and comfortable for daytime but I've never slept in one; I am definitely a fan of sleeping braless. The only reason I've had postpartum breast discomfort is if they are overfull (baby goes too long without nursing or breasts are still adjusting to supply/demand) or a clogged duct (different than mastitis because while uncomfortable, mastitis is a full-on bacterial infection with fever). Once well established, though, breastfeeding has been a fairly painless process in my experience.
Ditto @Lindsye, I own a 'sleep bra' because everyone under the sun recommended I get one when I was pregnant with DS. It's almost a misnomer to call it a 'bra' because its closer to a super thin bralette that allows for easy MOTN nursing access. That being said, I don't like wearing bras to bed and the only time I ever leaked was on the super rare occasion my kids slept longer than their routine (I didn't get so lucky that this was a normal occurrence). These rare occurrences were also the only times my breasts hurt as they were too full. Honestly, that usually woke me up so I would often pick up the sleeping kid and do a quick dream feed to relieve some pressure. If we all slept? I was happy to wake up in a puddle of milk .
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
@keeksie84 I didn't know they made sleeping bras, that's awesome!!
I got one at Target. It's a sleep/nursing bra. Totally worth it in my book.
Hi, clueless FTM question here. I loath bras and the thought of sleeping in one makes me want to cry. Full disclosure, I have really small boobs and I would rather never wear a bra at all if I didn't have to go in public. What pain are you referring to and is this something all women experience?
I would sleep in them while nursing because I also had to keep nursing pads in. Otherwise I could have leaked all over the bed if the baby slept longer than usual.
This. If I didn't wear one at night I would leak everywhere.
Unfortunately you won't know if you need a bra at night until you start nursing. Everyone's boobs are unique unicorns and create different needs. I, for instance, would leak in the first month if I didn't have pads in place, which require a bra. I also tend to engorge at the drop of a hat due to overproduction, so having the girls under control and not in the way of a rolling accident is perfect for me.
If you are lucky enough to not need a bra at night, I hate you, you lucky unicorn boob biotch .
Re: Weekly Questions - 9/25
With my first pregnancy I went and bought all new bras as soon as my normal ones started getting too snug. Unfortunately it was too early and I ended up outgrowing those as well. I have always been a barely-there-B but since my first pregnancy I have fluctuated between a D and DD (being pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the past 3.5 years has kept them relatively the same). I got so excited when I sized out of my B cups that I bought three new expensive nursing bras... I haven't been able to wear any of those bras since I was about 20 weeks with DS... lol
Side note: I'M SPENDING ALL THE MONEY ON NEW BRAS WHEN THIS CHILD IS DONE BREASTFEEDING! I've been wearing ugly nursing bras for way too long. /sigh.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
@stalkinghorse - great question!
@ngolimento - what is a sleeping nursing bra?
I actually lived in mine during my entire maternity leave because I lived in fear of mastitis. They are obscenely comfy.
Me: 29 DH: 35
Married 5/3/14, TTC ever since
DX: Lean PCOS, Clomid resistant
Femara 7.5 + Ovidrel = BFP! Due 4/15/18
My advice is to buy nursing bras now if you plan to nurse rather than just buying bigger regular bras. Steer clear of underwire; especially in the beginning of nursing it can cause engorgement/mastitis.
Randomly I also keep thinking I'm leaking, but I'm not. You know how people say after the baby is born you still feel "phantom baby kicks" I'm having "phantom leaking".
Edited because words are hard!
@bchalm - good to know it's normal at least! I guess im going to be getting used to it haha
Pregnancy is so weird.
Married: 2/1/2012
TTC #1 since August 2016
DH SA Dec 2016: Low count (11.7 mil total motile), 5% morphology, 73% motility
Blood work June 2017: AMH 1.1 (ugh), FSH 8.4, LH: 5.2, estradiol 28 pg/ML, progesterone 7.4
HSG July 2017: tubes clear
BFP 7/24/17 - EDD 4/5/2018
I got Braxton Hicks constantly with DD and it was almost always related to my level of hydration. If you the tightening is uncomfortable to you, you might try drinking some extra water, it may help!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
Also so looks like Target is the place to go for nursing bras? Last pregnancy i bought bras from the lactation consultant at the hospital but they were pretty pricey need to be cheaper this time. Thanks!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
If you are lucky enough to not need a bra at night, I hate you, you lucky unicorn boob biotch