Fitting Guide

 

During pregnancy and nursing, special attention should be paid to a well-fitting bra. Maternity and Nursing bras should not only support your changing breast size but also help to promote healthy functioning of the lymphatic system in the breast. Whilst some women change drastically in size and require several different size bras throughout their pregnancy, others change very little until the baby arrives and the milk supply is produced.

 

 

Maternity Bra 

Due to fluctuating levels of hormones throughout  pregnancy, your rib cage will expand along with your growing uterus and your breasts will become fuller. It is essential during this time that your breasts are well supported and free from restrictions. Once you see an increase in your bust size (usually around 3-4 months) you should be fitted for a Maternity bra. When purchasing a maternity bra ensure the bra fits on the tightest hook as this will allow for further growth throughout the pregnancy.

 

Nursing Bra

Nursing bras are best purchased from 36weeks onwards. The main difference between a nursing and maternity bra is that nursing bras have drop down cups to allow easy access for breastfeeding. When purchasing a nursing bra, ensure the bra fits comfortably on the loosest hook to allow for adjustments as your ribcage shrinks. You should be able to slip your hand comfortably into the bra to allow for the increase in breast size once your milk arrives and also to allow room for breast pads.

 

Two measurements in inches are required to determine your correct bra size.

 

 

Measurement 1

Measure around your rib cage, directly under the breast. This is best taken in front of a mirror or better still, with a friend, to ensure the tape measure does not slip down at the back. The tape should feel quite snug. The table below will help you to determine your correct band size.

 

Band Size

Underbust Measurement

Band size

25" - 26"

30

27" - 28"

32

29" - 30"

34

31" - 32"

36

33" - 34"

38

35" - 36"

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measurement 2

This measurement should be taken across the fullest part of the breast. The tape measure should be fairly loose around the breasts but again make sure it does not slip down your back. To determine your cup size you need to subtract  Measurement 1 (band size) from Measurement 2 (cup size). The number you are left with determines your cup size as in the table below.

 

Cup Size

Measurement 2 minus Measurement 1

Cup Size

3"

AA

4"

A

5"

B

6"

C

7"

D

8"

DD

9"

E

10"

F

11"

FF

 

For example if the your under bust measurement is 29" and your bust measurement is 36" (36 - 29 = 7) this would make you a 34D.

 

Common Problems

Both maternity and nursing bras should be comfortable to wear, in fact if you are wearing the correct size you should feel like you are not wearing a bra at all!

  • The band around your body should feel firm but comfortable. You should be able to run a finger under the band comfortably. If the band at the back of the bra rides up then this is the wrong band size for you - you require a smaller band size.
  • Once adjusted, the straps should provide a supportive yet comfortable fit. If the straps are digging in - you require a smaller band size.
  • The cups should fit smoothly. If the bra cups are baggy - you require a smaller cup size. If your breasts bulge over the top or sides of the bra - you require a bigger cup size.
  •  Check the side seams are positioned below your underarm. If the seams are in front of the underarm - you require a bigger cup size. If the seams are behind the underarm - you require a smaller cup size.