How to Choose a Nursing Bra Size

One of the must haves for a nursing mother is a good bra. Choosing a nursing bra in the right size can help you avoid mastitis and make nursing in public easier. Here are some tips on how you can choose the perfect one.

1. Choose a bra with flaps can be opened with one hand. What can be more frustrating than trying to hold your hungry baby while struggling with your bra? Choose a style that makes this easier for you. Try on the bra is possible to see if you can open it quickly and easily with one hand. If not, skip it. Some nursing bra styles feature stretchy cups that merely move to the side. These are great for nighttime use.

2. The bra should fit comfortably. If it is the right size, it will not leave deep marks in your chest when you take it off. It should be snug against your rib cage but not so tight it’s uncomfortable.

The cups should not be gaping in front (meaning the cups are probably too big) nor should the placket stick too far away from your breastbone (indicating that you need a larger rib cage size).

Your breasts should also not spill out the sides of the cups, that means the cup size is too small.

Wearing a bra that is too tight can leave you vulnerable to plugged ducts and mastitis. For your comfort, and to minimize this risk, choose soft cup styles.

If you are large busted, buy a bra with wider, or even padded shoulder straps for comfort. Keep in mind that your breasts will get larger a week postpartum when your milk supply increases. Then after a few weeks, you may be able to go back to the size you wore in your last weeks of pregnancy.

It’s a good idea to go bra shopping in your last trimester, but since your breasts will get bigger once your milk supply comes in, buy at least two bras in a cup size up.

3. Get at least three bras. You will want on to wear, one that can be on standby and one that you’ll obviously be washing. This way you never are totally without.

4. Choose a bra with breathable fabric. If your breasts remain too moist this may lead to a yeast infection of the breast (called thrush). Therefore you want a bra that will allow airflow and minimize moisture. Avoid plastic backed nursing pads for this reason. Cotton is more comfortable and looks more natural, and can be washed and reused.