How to Find Your Size Nursing Bra

During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, breasts may triple or quadruple their pre-pregnancy weight. This can make it difficult for a mom who plans to breastfeed to predict the bra size she will need. But selecting the right nursing bra is vital. Poorly fitted bras can lead to plugged milk ducts, mastitis -- a breast infection that causes pain, fever and flu-symptoms -- or simply discomfort. By following a few simple techniques, you can increase your chances of finding a bra that will keep you comfortable during the weeks or months you breastfeed.

Instructions

1

Shop for a nursing bra during the month before your due date. Predicting the size of bra you will need while breastfeeding is challenging, but you will be able to get the most accurate estimate shortly before your baby's birth.

2

Determine your correct band size. Stand up straight in front of a mirror, wearing a comfortable, non-padded bra. Using a cloth tape measure, measure around your chest, just beneath your breasts. Breathe normally, and keep the tape straight and flat against your skin. Add one inch to the measurement if you get an odd number.

3

Find your cup size. Measure around the fullest part of your breast with a cloth tape measure. Again stand straight and ensure the tape measure stays straight and flat. Subtract your band size measurement from the cup size measurement. A difference of 1 inch means you have an A cup, 2 inches indicates B cup, 3 inches a C cup, 4 inches a D cup, 5 inches a DD or E cup, 6 inches a DDD or F cup, 7 inches a DDDD or G cup and 8 inches an H cup.

4

Try on several bras to see which size fits correctly. Taking your measurements will give you a good idea of what size bra you need, but even taken carefully measurements may not be perfectly accurate, and they don't guarantee what style of bra will feel best. The band should fit snugly around your back, and your breast should fill the cup with no fabric gapping at the side. Most importantly, the bra should feel comfortable.

5

Predict the bra size you will need while nursing. Don't purchase a bra that fits you perfectly in your eighth month of pregnancy, since your breast size will change when your milk comes in. Select a bra one cup size bigger than the size that fits correctly now. Your rib cage will also shrink back to the size it was before you became pregnant, so you will need a smaller band size. Choose a bra with the same band size you wore pre-pregnancy. If you don't know or remember, select a band size two inches smaller than the size that fits correctly now.