Breastfeeding Clothes | Breastfeeding Tops | Breastfeeding Bras

Buying the right size breastfeeding bra is really important. These bras usually don't come cheap, and most stores have a "no returns" policy on bras.

I myself have few nursing bras laying in my drawer that I just can't wear, and never have been, so here are some tips to help you buy the best breastfeeding bra for you.

Make sure you let someone else measure you. Trying to measure and read the measurement is a recipe for disaster. Just let a trusted friend, or even your partner help you.

To find your bra size, measure your rib cage and add 4 inches to the measurement you get, e.g. if you are 28 inches around the rib cage, add 4inches, making you 32 inches. If your rib cage measurement is an uneven figure, e.g. 29 inches, then add 5 inches, making you 34 inches.

To find your cup size just measure the fullest part of your breast. Then subtract that number from the number above. Then follow the chart below using the difference between the numbers.

Less than 1 inch = A cup
1 to 2 inches = B cup
2 to 3 inches = C cup
3 to 4 inches = D cup
4 or more inches = DD cup

Make sure the breastfeeding bra you buy is easy to clip and unclip with one hand. You will find you only have one hand for this task most times.

I suggest you find bras that the whole cup does not fold down. You will find it difficult to pull it up and get it attached with one hand without flashing everybody. This is important when you happen to be nursing in a full AppleBees Restaurant. ;)

If you plan to pump look for a nursing bra that will work with a hand free pump.

Avoid underwire ~ although there is some debate on this topic, I suggest not using an underwire breastfeeding bra. The wire can put pressure on your milk ducts causing mastitis which is very painful. There are plenty of comfy and supportive bras without underwire ~ why take the chance?

If you happen to find your nursing bra is feeling tight through the shoulders you can get an extension that will make the straps a little longer and more comfortable.

There you have it, some of the things I wish I had known before I bought my first breastfeeding bras. Good luck!!

Before I gave birth I bought breastfeeding bras, let's just say that was a huge mistake. I am a first time mother, I had NO idea just how big my boobs were going to get. lol. I purchased bras related to the size my boobs were about a week before I gave birth. No where near what I needed.

The one bra that did work was my night time nursing bra. I almost didn't buy this bra. I don't usually wear a bra at night, and not knowing anything about nursing I didn't really think I would need one.

The lady at the store talked me into it. And boy am I glad she did!!! It was the only bra that fit.

AND I did need it. My boobs leaked forever, so it was nice to have a comfy breastfeeding bra I could wear to bed to keep my nursing pads in place.

I really hate bras, and I work from home, so I tend to wear my "night time" nursing bras much more than just at night. :) They are so comfy, and at least I feel like I'm wearing a bra. Truthfully, I'd rather not wear one at all, but it just seems necessary sometimes.

Here are some great night time nursing bras. I'd go ahead and get a few of these even before you give birth, but I'd wait until after your milk has come in to get your "real" breastfeeding bras. :)