How to Measure for a Nursing Bra

If you plan on breastfeeding, nursing bras provide the additional support youll need. You can expect your breasts to grow one bra size or more during pregnancy and while nursing. Consumer Reports recommends shopping for a bra four weeks or less before your delivery date to ensure the best fit. Buying the right size bra will help you stay comfortable while nursing, states Lynne Andrako, a clinical education specialist for Medela, a breast pump and nursing-bra manufacturer. She says an estimated 80 percent of women get the wrong size. Knowing how to properly find your measurements can help you avoid this problem.

Instructions

1

Hold the measuring tape against your rib cage with one hand and wrap it around your chest. Tighten it under your arms and directly below your breasts. Add 3 inches to the measurement indicated on the tape to get your band size. If you get an odd number, round it up to the next even number.

2

Place the measuring tape straight across your back and over the fullest area of your breasts. Do not tighten the tape enough to flatten your breasts. Look at the measurement on the tape, which represents your cup measurement, and subtract the band size from this number.

3

Use the difference between your cup measurement and band size to determine your cup size. A difference of 1 to 1 1/2 inches equals cup size A; 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches equals cup size B; and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches equals cup size C. A difference of 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches equals cup size D; 5 to 6 inches equals cup size E or DD; and 6 to 7 inches equals cup size F or DDD. A difference of 7 to 8 inches equals cup size G; 8 to 9 inches equals cup size H; 9 to 10 inches equals cup size I; and 10 to 11 inches equals cup size J.