How to Correctly Measure for a Nursing Bra

A nursing bra is worn after you've given birth. The bra has special cups that allow you to detach and open them for nursing, without requiring you to take off the entire bra. Nursing bras also provide the extra support that your breasts need after birth, when they're filled with milk. Measuring for a nursing bra is not dissimilar to measuring for your other bras, though you shouldn't rely on a size without measuring. Your breasts change size during pregnancy, and it's important you have a bra that fits well.

Instructions

1

Measure your band size. While wearing a bra, measure the circumference of your midsection right under your breasts and around your rib cage. Make sure the tape is not tight or loose, but comfortably snug. Add three inches to your measurement. If your measurement is an odd number, round up to the next number.

2

Measure your cup size. Measure the circumference of your torso at the fullest part of your breasts, typically where your nipples are. Subtract this number from your band size. The difference between your cup and band size helps determine your cup size.

3

View a chart that details cup sizes that correspond to the difference between your cup and band measurements (see "Resources").

4

Couple your band size with your cup letter size to know the size of nursing bra you need to buy. For example, if your band measurement is 34, add 3 to get 37. Round up to 38. Your band size is 38. If your cup measurement is 42, then there is a 4-inch difference between the cup and band size. According to the chart, a 4-inch difference is a size D cup. Your nursing bra size is a 38D.