Choosing the Right Size Bra

NOTE: You can also watch a video on Bra Fitting.

Selecting a bra may seem like a simple process; something you’ve done many times over. But getting a comfortable fitting maternity/nursing bra is slightly different from fitting a regular bra.

During and after pregnancy, your breasts undergo numerous changes. They are enlarging and becoming heavier and more sensitive. So, for late pregnancy and after delivery, choosing a bra that provides proper support can help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued.

When shopping for a maternity/nursing bra, keep in mind these important considerations to ensure that you select the one that best meets your individual needs:

·         Select a bra with convenient, easy access to the breast that allows for skin-to-skin contact when you nurse your baby.

·         A bra with a one-hand cup opening can be very helpful, especially when you’re holding your baby.

·         Shop for a maternity/nursing bra during the final weeks of your pregnancy, because your breasts are continually changing as you near your due date. Doing so will ensure you select one that will fit adequately after your baby is born.

·         Avoid trying to find a bra that leaves too much room for future growth; it will not give you proper support now. You may have to choose a bra that fits well now, knowing that you may need to change to another size later on.

·         A four-station back closure will offer optimum comfort as well as the most flexibility in fit.

·         Wide, cushioned, non-stretch shoulder straps will provide support without digging into your shoulders.

·         Health care professionals recommend buying two or three maternity/nursing bras, so you can have a fresh, clean bra every day.

Because of widely differing body shapes, sizes and breast shapes, as well as styles of bras available, when shopping for a maternity/nursing bra, it is highly recommended that you are fitted by a specialist in bra fitting. This will ensure the best possible fit, comfort and support from your bra. Please remember these key points and take advantage of the expertise of the sales staff where you shop.

      See Figure 1

To determine your band size and cup size, you’ll need to take two measurements while wearing a good fitting, unpadded bra.

For the band size, measure around the body, just under the arms, with a measuring tape. Remember to stand up straight and breathe normally. If the measurement is an uneven number, round up to the next even number.

To determine your cup size, you’ll need to take a bust measurement around the body at the fullest part of the bust.  Make sure the measuring tape is straight or level all around your body and lies flat against your back.

      See Figure 2

To determine your cup size, you’ll need to take a bust measurement around the body at the fullest part of the bust.  Make sure the measuring tape is straight or level all around your body and lies flat against your back.

Subtract the band (first) measurement from the bust (second) measurement. The difference, as shown in the chart, will determine your cup size. Keep in mind, this may be only a starting point. Trying on the garment, especially with the assistance of a certified bra fitter, will determine which size and style of bra is best for you in terms of fit and comfort.

                            See Figure 3

Putting on Your Bra to Ensure a Comfortable Fit

You may find that with changing breast fullness, you are most comfortable wearing a maternity/nursing bra all the time. To ensure that you’re getting the best support and most comfortable fit, follow these recommendations:

 See Figure 4

Before putting on a Medela bra, unhook the bra back and unfasten the outer cups. Fasten the bra in back, at the waist, snugly enough so that the bra will stay down below the shoulder blades.

Wearing a bra too loosely around the rib cage will allow it to “ride up,” (shown in the photo at left) which in turn provides insufficient support for the breasts. The more the shoulder straps are tightened in an attempt to raise the breasts, the more the bra back will be raised above the shoulder blades.

      See Figure 6

Now, bend over, letting your breasts fall away from your body. Take the bra by the top of the cups at the straps and pull up over your breasts, gently shaking the breasts into the inner cup frames.

      See Figure 7

For prenatal wear, on the Lace Cup bra, use the top hook of the ladder where the shoulder strap joins the bra.  Postnatally, you can adjust the size of the outer cup by lowering the cup one hook at a time as breasts become fuller throughout the day. The Seamless bra has no hook adjustment as the stretchable fabric accommodates changing breast fullness.

      See Figure 8

Straighten up, adjust the shoulder straps for comfort and support, and slide your arms through the shoulder straps.

      See Figure 9

Prior to fastening outer cups, bend over and shake breasts once more to ensure proper fit. Then fasten outer cups.

      See Figure 10

As a last check, run your finger around the outside frame of the cup. You should feel your rib cage just below the bra. No part of the breast should be below the bottom edge of the bra. Each breast should be completely cradled in the cup of the bra so it is not squeezed in any way.

      See Figure 11

Checkpoints for a Perfect Fit

As shown in this photo of a good fitting bra, be certain the cup is large enough to give you the necessary coverage. The cup should have sufficient depth to completely support the breast.

          See Figure 12

This photo shows the proper fit of an underwire bra. The dotted line shows where the breast ends – sufficiently away from the underwire (lower line) to avoid causing pressure on any breast tissue.

      See Figure 13

This photo shows the back of a good fitting bra. Note that it is level or parallel to the floor; not hiked up or riding above the shoulder blades. It also lies snugly against the back.

      See Figure 14

In this photo of an ill-fitting bra, the cup is too small so the bra does not fit snugly against the rib cage, resulting in inadequate support. This may also cause the bra to ride up uncomfortably in back while it droops in front. A too-small cup size may also allow breast tissue to slip or bulge out from the bra.

      See Figure 15

The bra should be snug in the girth, that is, around the bottom band. If not, as shown in the photo, the back may "ride up", causing the breasts to droop in front. If the bra seems to fit properly, but is still riding up in back, first try a larger cup size before going to a larger band size.

      See Figure 16

Final Note

Consider an underwire design only if you are accustomed to wearing an underwire bra and feel most comfortable wearing one while breastfeeding. With underwire maternity/nursing bras, it is especially important to obtain a proper fit, so the wire doesn’t put any pressure on the breast tissue.