Nursing bra SOS!

Uuugh I remember this particular weird rabbit hole. My experience with DD-friendly nursing bras was
 

-maybe 4 of these ones for when I wanted to actually look like I was dressed
 

iLoveSIA(R) Women's 2 Pack... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6M1IX6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

These ones for exercising:
 

Kindred Bravely Sublime Support... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HMGNTLM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Tank tops are okay, but I never loved them for anything but around the house.  You end up showing a ton of boob when you nurse (which is fine too if you don't mind it, but it didn't help me with the human dairy feeling).  I much preferred one of those bras above and then one of these shirts.  They're expensive but they look and feel like real clothes and were pretty much my uniform.  

https://www.boobdesign.com/shop/i-am-looking-for/tank-tops-maternity-nu…
 

Ooh wow they're on sale now! 

And then don't listen to anyone who says you always have to wear a bra, even when sleeping.  Don't know why they say that. 

Finally you'll just buy more shit when you're up at night for the illusion of control, and bras can appear at your doorstep very quickly. 

Mom with similar pre-pregnancy bust here.

During pregnancy, I stuck with the same type of bra that worked before, maybe getting one a size larger, and moving from the tightest to the loosest clasp (you can also get a bra extender).  At this size, the difference between (for example) E and F doesn't matter too much...just put the excess out the armpit or cleavage if you get the wrong size.

For nursing, support is a MUST for big breasts, which means underwire.  When I was pregnant with my first, the instructor of the newborn parenting class I went to said that underwire causes mastitis.  Seeing as how there are no milk ducts in your rib cage, this is obviously not true (and probably a relic from an older generation when underwire was more painful than it is now).  Moreover, underwire can allow you to get support with less compression, if you size the cup properly, which is useful for actually avoiding plugged ducts.  I used the Freya Women's Soft nursing bra (https://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Pure-Moulded-Nursing/dp/B00JUPNNP0/…; Pricy, but I used the same 3 for 2.5 years of nursing (plus they work fine as regular bras when you are done nursing).  The cups are lined, which helps absorb leakage, or hide pads that you put in the bra to absorb leakage.  

I was a size G before getting pregnant so I can relate. I never tried the cheaper nursing bras because in my experience, cheap bras have never worked for me. I loved the Kindred Bravely cotton nursing and sleep bras for breastfeeding and their hands free pumping bra for pumping. They have busty sizes, which worked great for me. 

One thing I want to add is that no BF journey is the same and that it might not play out exactly as you’re expecting, so whatever happens, give yourself grace. I was able to successfully nurse but was definitely never able to freeze extra (and never really leaked either). 

Congrats! I am quite busty (36J ish) and after trying what feels like all of the options over three pregnancies, prefer regular sports bras that aren’t too tight or regular True and Co non-underwire bras. I just pulled the bra up to nurse. I would have maybe 4-5 if you like to wash them after each wear or when they get sticky from milk (I found this meant I went through 1-2 bras a day). I never found a nursing-specific bra that fit well — even the ones meant to be for busty women were too small for me. 

I was exactly where you are now before my first was born (my pregnancy bra size was a whopping G, with added complication of only being 32–so impossible to find non-high end bras, too). Honestly, the pregnancy was an AMAZING turning point in my relationship with my breasts.

1. I bought the cheap (like 3/$30) nursing bras on Amazon and guess what? They worked a-ok. Sure, my breasts weren’t as high as with the previous bras, and they giggle, but guess what? Who cares? I had soooooo many more important things to worry about. It also complimented my overall yoga pants+worn tank top+bleary-eyes postpartum look, so all cool.

2. in the hospital, I learned from the nurse that the underwire I wore for two decades at that point is bad for the milk supply. I bid farewell to it, and never looked back. As I returned to work, I bought a bunch of decent quality sports bras, so no giggle, and the perk I still could care less about.

So a story of liberation by baby, if you will!

I feel you on this one! I had the same issue, and my primary issue with many of the bras was support. I opted for an underwire bra, since it gave me the most comfort and support.

I looked at a few high end options but decided to try this bra, sold on Amazon.

Gratlin Women's Underwire Nursing... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5W3SBM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s worked out wonderfully, and is very very affordable. I bought 3 because it’s so inexpensive, and that’s been great. You could get away with 2 though, to cycle through when one needs washing.

The nice thing about Amazon purchases is they’re super easy to return if you try on and don’t like it, or need different sizing. I find my cup doesn’t fluctuate too wildly from pregnancy to nursing, and throughout the first two months of nursing. So one size worked for me. But that may be different from mama to mama.

I was a size 34DDD before pregnancy, a size 34/36 E/F while pregnant and a size 36H now that I’m breastfeeding. I was surprised at how much bigger my boobs got when I started breastfeeding. Because of my relatively small band and large cup, hardly any nursing bras work because they’re all sized small, medium, large. The only bras I really like (after trying a LOT) are Bravado brand, either size L-FC (full cup) or the “extended cup” size L. They are expensive but I have 5 and they’re all I wear. I got them in my third trimester and have been exclusively wearing them since then and they’re very comfy so I think it’s worth it. They also make pumping bras (ie bras with holes over the nipples) and a pumping attachment, which I used before I got the Elvie pump. Now I have the Elvie so I just put it inside my normal Bravado bra.

I purchased a few different brands (wide range of prices) and in the end have consistently worn the Vinfact seamless nursing bras that come in 3pack on Amazon. I’ve been wearing the same ones for a year! They come with a padding/liner that can be removed. I use them without the padding because leaking was never an issue for me but there’s a liner if you need it! The bras seem to be the most comfortable of all that I’ve tried and don’t make me feel like I’m wearing some large piece of fabric that lumps my chest together. They’re easy to clip open and closed for nursing but still allow me to wear my regular clothes. Using these also made it so I never needed nursing shirts. I just wear regular shirts that have enough fabric that I can lift my top up. I’ve been wearing these since my third trimester and our baby turns one in two weeks. They’ve lasted a long time. 

I loved my nursing tank tops from GlamourMom. I found most nursing bras/tanks sizing to be infuriating, as they just came in S/M/L. My torso would fit a M or L, but my bust was at least an XL. GlamourMom has “busty” nursing tanks, with an adjustable bra band built into the tank. They were the only nursing tanks that were supportive enough for me to feel comfortable leaving the house in. 
If you can afford it, and if you plan to nurse for more than a month or two, I’d invest in at least 1 or 2 nursing bras that have regular bra sizes, not just S/M/L. 

I swear by these bras, and I have tried them all!

https://www.ingridandisabel.com/collections/nursing-bras/products/cooli…

I am a DDD and got by with Target nursing brad and tank tops. I preferred the tank tops when I was out of the house because i felt like it allowed for the most coverage while nursing in public which was important to me. 
 

I didn’t leak at all and was able to get away with a few days’ worth of bras and tank tops (you will be doing a lot of laundry anyway). I didn’t need different sizes. They might have gotten a little roomier later on but they still fit. Good luck!

Hi, 

after pregnancy I suddenly had an E chest and struggled with the exactly the same issue. I bought three busty Kindred Bravely bras and have been wearing them for over a year now. They are that work for me. It’s pretty much all I wear. I do wish there were some more options out there for busty women who also breastfeed. My dream bra would have slightly more support and give a little more shape than the Kindred Bravely. 

I hear you! I'm a first-time new mom of an 8 month old, and have a small band size + large cup size, so figuring out maternity/nursing bras was tough.

I didn't try any of the cheaper brands because of bad experiences with them as a non-pregnant/nursing person, but I can comment on what I found worked for me. The only bras that I've  found to be comfortable and supportive enough are the Sugar Candy basic nursing ones. My cup size and band size both changed throughout pregnancy and post-partum, but I found that the Sugar Candy bras had enough hooks and stretch to fit well throughout the changes. The Ice Cream nursing tank top from Sugar Candy is also the only one I tried that worked for me, but mostly I just wear the bras. I find pullover bras uncomfortable to get on and off so mainly I stuck with the standard straps with regular closure in the back.

You can get re-usable nursing pads which should save you from going through more than one bra per day. I have 3 bras in steady rotation, and that's been plenty.

If you want to get fitted for your new size, I highly recommend Revelation in Fit on Piedmont Ave in Oakland. They carry the Sugar Candy bras and were very helpful in helping me get a good fit that would last.

Good luck!

Hi! I had my first (and only) kid 3 years ago, and nursed for 2 and a bit years. I was a DD/E before pregnancy, and now am around an H. My experience from my peer group is that everyone is different and it's a bit impossible to pre-plan as you just don't know how your body will behave/react to nursing.

In my case i did not leak at all during the whole 2 year nursing experience and I realized a few months into it that the nursing bras i had purchased during pregnancy no longer fit and invested in some quality kindred bravely ones (the kind with a clasp) which were correctly sized. I wore those for the remainder of my nursing time (i did not change size again). And once i stopped nursing i did not go back to my previous size, or decrease in size at all, annoyingly. Again, this was my experience but others in my peer group had very different  experiences. Every body really is unique. 

Because of that, my advice would be to get yourself a couple of cheap nursing bras that fit you in the last month of pregnancy, and then once your milk has come in and you feel like your size has settled/you understand how your body is reacting to this new reality, then invest in good quality nursing bras to see you through the rest of your nursing time. For what it's worth, i did like the Kindred Bravely ones, but that was 3 years ago and there are probably other good quality nursing bras for larger busts out there that i didn't try.

Good luck with it all!

I can't answer your question about specific brands because it's been too many years and there are so many more options now, but I will say that unlike my smaller breasted friends, breast feeding did not have such a big impact on my breast size. Meaning, I went up a size or so during the early part of my pregnancy, but didn't go up again significantly after my milk came in. I could definitely have bought nursing bras to wear during my pregnancy (instead of waiting until after my baby was born, which I unfortunately did  - not to mention that the last thing you want to do immediately postpartum is go shopping!) - I thought I would need an entirely new size bra once I started breast feeding, but this wasn't true. I would therefore invest in some  good quality nursing bras now (yes, it's temporary, but these bras will be working hard and with large breasts you know quality matters!). I would buy at least one bra with an underwire. Be aware you do sweat a lot when nursing, especially in the first few months, so having several good bras is helpful for feeling fresh and put together!  If you do a breastfeeding taper you may find yourself needing an intermediary size at some point, but it sounds like you're planning to stop breastfeeding altogether at a specific point so you won't likely need this. Once you stop completely you will probably go back down a size or so, but not necessarily. (After my last child much to my frustration my breasts simply stayed the larger size.) I would also invest in some sleep bras - those can be cheap bra-lets from Target, etc. for nursing at night. I appreciated a little bit of support when night nursing. Nursing pads can help with leaking, and I don't think there's any way to predict how much you will leak - it seems to be totally individual, and also often is only an issue during the first weeks. I liked to wear a good nursing bra under a fitted stretchy tank top (which I would pull down to release my breast) under a looser top which I would pull up.  I was not self-conscious about nursing in public, but larger breasts will not be shielded by the baby's head (like smaller breasts are) so I found it way more comfortable to have this double layer - my tender stomach stayed covered but so did most of my breast. I hope this makes sense. Feel free to contact me directly if it doesn't!

Large-busted parent here; just finished breastfeeding twins and breastfeed a singleton previously.

I highly recommend nursing tank tops for the first few weeks/first month: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YZV9F4Z. I wore them constantly; once my babies got a little older, I still wore the nursing tank tops at night until they dropped their last night feed. They were super comfy, well-made, supportive, and easy to use. Since they come in a pack of 3, I could rotate them since they frequently got dirty due to leaking and/or baby spit-up. 

With my firstborn, I was able to find a cheaper nursing bra at Target and wore it for a year (when I was done breastfeeding) until it was practically in tatters. With the twins, I tried finding a cheaper bra but the one I initially found was not supportive enough, so I went ahead and splurged on a Kindred Bravely one and it made a big difference: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0765S7XG8/. 

Every person is different, but to share my experience: My breasts grew the most during the first and second trimesters of my twins pregnancy, then mostly stayed the same once the babies were born. My cup size grew more than my band size did. So theoretically, if a bra fits you during your third trimester, it may continue to fit you after the baby is born. I leaked a lot with my firstborn in the first month when my supply was being established (one side would leak when the baby was nursing from the other side), but I didn't leak as much with my twins. As an FYI, a Haakaa/manual breast pump or another kind of "milk saver" can help with leaking. 

After the first month or so with my twins, I was able to manage with just one nursing bra and the set of nursing tank tops. 

Hope this helps! 

Hi~ I’m a 34 DD before pregnancy, def went up to 36 DD as ribs end to expand to accommodate. 

I wore only the Auden nursing+pumping bras from target throughout nursing period and loved them. I bought 3 of their bras to wear throughout the week and washed at the end of the week; i wore them under work clothes and did not bother with swapping bras out when i was pumping at work because that was a waste of time for me, but you should do what works for you. I used a new set of reusable/washable nursing pads daily (purchased a set on Amazon) to help with leaking/keeping nipple area clean and dry. I felt that the one time use pads created a lot of waste, so i went the reusable route. I do recommend buying nursing pads for letdown, leakage, keeping nipple area clean and dry if you’re re-wearing bras.  I also purchased some inexpensive set of 3 nursing tanks (on Amazon) to wear at home for lounging/night feeding. The benefit of nursing tanks is to keeps your tummy warm when nursing baby. I did try the Kindred Bravely bra, and I disliked it because of how tight it was on me (I purchased one that was racerback sports bra feel) and I didn’t need/want that much support/lift. I recommend the Auden bra because of fit and function. I wore size L the entire time. Cup and band size can change throughout nursing period, The Auden bra had a lot of clasps at the back to accommodate for change in size. At the end of nursing period, felt like i was smaller and it was a little loose but did not bother me. 

Hope this helps! 

I had large breasts before I gave birth a year ago and nursed and pumped for 6 months. I didn't get any high end nursing bras, I made do with various nursing and sports bras from Target. If I was going to do it again I'd put a little more effort into it. Here's a couple things that might be helpful. 

Your cup size will definitely change, and your band size may as well. My ribcage changed shape as a result of pregnancy, so even if I hadn't gained weight my band size would have been different. 

Your cup size will likely get larger as your baby gets older and you produce more milk. My boobs grew a LOT over the course of nursing as my milk supply increased, so what may fit now, or when you baby is 4 weeks old, may not fit when your baby is 6 months old. 

If you are planning ot nurse and pump I recommend getting a bra that will do all three of those things! Otherwise you'll be changing between bras all day. 

If I could do it over I'd prob pay for a bra fitting (I saw one advertised that would come to your house and cost $60 bras were $30-80) and I'd get a couple bras that were comfortable and allowed for A LOT of growth. I prob spent more on kind of crappy Target bras than I would have for a fitting and a couple decent bras. 

I was at home/not working the whole time i was nursing so I didn't have to account for looking particularly presentable at work. 

Good luck!  Congratulations on your pregnancy, and feel free to contact me directly if you want to discuss more. 

Hello! I totally hear you on all of this. I am 4 months postpartum and definitely spent a lot of time in the same rabbit hole. Pre-pregnancy I was a 32DDD, that changed to a 34G at the end and a 34I for the first couple of months postpartum. I am now a 34F. I have found the best bra options have a good amount of stretch, so they can fluctuate along with you. Kindred Bravely def has some good options - their busty sizes really are busty. This style is great - https://www.kindredbravely.com/products/simply-sublime-nursing-bra-moch…. Another brand I have found that I really like is Hotmilk - it's out of New Zealand and great. Bravissimo also has some good options. I take the removable pads out, because they're a giant hassle, but Kindred Bravely now has a style with fixed padding and it's pretty great.

Regarding how many and the leaking... breastpads are a good idea, in my opinion. Kindred Bravely makes some bamboo ones that are nice, but if you end up producing a ton and leaking a lot you can find some good options on amazon (I love these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NY11LCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title…).

Having at least a few bras is smart whether or not you use pads. When our bras have to work extra hard with the weight of our bigger busts, they do seem to get worn out. I have 4 for daytime and 2 for wearing to bed.

I hope this is helpful! Congratulations and good luck!

I feel you on this mama!

I'm a double DD and had trouble finding maternity wear and figuring out the right nursing clothes. I bought this 3-pack from Amazon in XL and this 10-pack of reusable nursing pads that I would put in my bras during the first few months of breastfeeding. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EFNPF20/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asi…

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FY8VUKQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asi…

The bras have lasted me the last 12 months while I've been breastfeeding and have removable pad inserts. I didn't want to spend a lot on something that I knew I wasn't going to use for too long and they've served me well. I also bought a few pullover bras from Target to use in between and at night during the height of breastfeeding which I found more comfortable and easier to breastfeed in. I'm honestly not sure how much my bra size has changed and am overdue for an upgrade in bras at this point.

Hope you find what you need!

Hi, the cheap bras from target wore out very quickly in terms of the elastic material and I pretty much threw them away after a few washes. I have tried all kinds of brands but I keep buying the Sugar Candy Basic Wireless Nursing Bra. I was a size E pre-pregnancy and I wear a Medium. It's expensive but I feel like it's the most comfortable and the most durable. However, I have to buy a new one every few months or so because the elastic wears out. I just wear breastfeeding shirts and the nursing bra, which has worked for me. It is pretty much the only bra that I wear because I can't wear underwire because of mastitis so I have a lot of them.

A few weeks after giving birth, I went for a fitting at Revelation in Fit in Oakland. I highly recommend them, they had a lot of large sizes of nursing bras and the entire experience was pleasant. It was helpful to get re-measured after starting to breastfeed, as my size definitely shifted. https://www.revelationinfit.com/

Hi there,

first of all: congratulations!! I saw your question a while ago, but as life is busy, I wasn‘t able to respond until now.

But I feel you, I am busty too and I had the same question. First I tried all the bras on amazon with free returns and none of them worked… due to the busty-size they were too big under the chest or too small for my breasts. So I did end up ordering bras from kindred bravely as most of the other responders. They are great and fit much better, but they are more on the expensive side. But I just ordered one last week and received yesterday a coupon to save 25% with free shipping, so I wanted to share with you: use KBLOVE25NOW. Everyone who has never bought a bra on their homepage before, should be able to use the code. So spread the love ;)

The „night bras“ did not work out for me at all from their page, but I found those on amazon and they feel like I am wearing nothing! That good! UOTJCNR Women's Seamless Wireless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TW74CYV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Oh and sewn in pads! Otherwise, when you pull the bra up or down, they move… and it is not fun to readjust while in public… and I do not have any experience with nursing tank tops, I am fine with just the bras. I have three (kb) for the day and two (amazon ones) for the night. I leaked a lot the first 3 months and used pads for that (otherwise I would have had to wash them every day or twice a day). Regarding the size, you probably have to wait till your baby is born. Your breast size will change again, especially on day 3 as the milk is coming in… I had one of the amazon bra for the first days.

I hope that helps! Wish you all the best!