Pregnancy, Bras and Breast Growth, Oh my!?

Question

Prior to getting pregnant, I was a 34G. I am now 19 weeks along, and am probably closer to a 36G. Although my breast size is quite large, I am quite slim. My bras have filled out a bit, but not enough to increase my cup size. I have several questions, and would really appreciate women with similar cup sizes to respond. I am aware that everyone's body is different, and that breast growth is impossible to predict, but I want to hear about personal experiences. I intend to breastfeed my baby.

My questions:

1. I keep reading that I should have a maternity bra. 36G bras are quite supportive, and I don't feel uncomfortable. Can I continue with my regular bra? I don't wear a sleeping bra, but I'm comfortable right now. Is that something I should or will need to wear?

2. I probably need to prepare in advance for my nursing bras, as I may have to special order them (the joys of large b*****s). What is a good way to estimate the size I will need? How many would you recommend I purchase?

3. How much larger did your b*****s get after the birth?

4. Should your bras fit during "engorgement"? Do your b*****s get significantly larger during "engorgement"? Do they go down, while you are still breastfeeding?

3. I have found many nursing bras in larger sizes online, that are MUCH cheaper than in the specialty stores. Has anyone purchased nursing bras in larger sizes online? I am nervous about buying the wrong size, and not being allowed to return the bras that don't fit. Has this been a problem?

Thank you for your responses!!

Answer 1

1) So long as you are comfortable there is no need to change, but I don't think you will regret going to a proper maternity bra instead of a larger 'normal' bra when the time comes.

2) You should go somewhere with a proper bra fitting service if you can because your size can change in pregnancy. Maternity bras have special features too - like extra hooks on the back that correspond to the month of pregnancy you are in (because your rib cage expands). Unfortunately you will probably have to find a way to try some on.

3) For a few days when my milk came in - absolutely huge, like an excessive breast enlargement gone wrong! Honestly they looked like I was wearing fake novelty b*****s or something, and they hurt. Not everyone gets that level of engorgement though.

4) I was told when fitting maternity bras that you should be able to fit your fist into the cup (as well as your breast) to take account of extra growth and engorgement. I can't really remember how my bras fitted at that time, it was only a few days. Then my b*****s gradually went back to something like normal - but quite lopsided. They evened out again after I stopped breastfeeding.

5) Sorry, never had to do that. Good maternity bras are usually quite expensive so I hope you find a way to get some that fit!

An extra comment - if you happen to be leaky when your milk comes in you will want a night bra of some sort to hold breast pads in place. I was happiest with a maternity "night bra" that was actually more like a very stretchy crop top made of singlet material. It looked hideous but it held the pads in place and was comfortable because it didn't have straps and hooks. Some people don't leak at all, or only for a few days, but I leaked for months on end and couldn't have done without it.

Answer 2

That is so much to ask in one question! Ha ha. Don't worry about it. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy being pregnant! You're going to wish you could shove that little one RIGHT back in, once you're all done!! LOL. Well, maybe not quite. But you really aren't going to be saying that you're bored anymore!

Plus, I just had to tell you that I loved the way you posted this question:

"Pregnancy, Bras, and Breast Growth, Oh My!"

Haha. I love it.

Congratulations. =]