Bra Size Chart for Nursing Mothers: Getting the Correct Fit After Giving Birth

It is an obvious fact that a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy and even after she has delivered a baby. This also includes skin, thigh, and breast tissue. Particularly for the nursing mother, getting a back sustainable and  simple is crucial for both her recovery and baby’s health. Nursing and maternity bras are made in a manner that they are more comfortable and also take into account the increased breast sizes that come with breastfeeding. This article will discuss the use of a bra size chart in determining the correct size for women after childbirth while providing hints on how to be sure the bra fits well.

Nursing Bra Fit: How Significant Is It?

A woman during pregnancy and after pregnancy experiences breast changes that include enlargement of the breast tissues, tenderness, swelling that comes along with milk formation. These inconveniences make it hard to wear your bras after pregnancy since they do not offer sufficient support. A properly worn nursing bra can assist in:

• Minimizing pressure on the breasts so that there is no strain on the upper body and also protects the lower spine.
• Considering the fact that rejection stems from the clothes if the weather gets very hot and there are changes of the breasts throughout the day.
• Providing fast and out-of-commotion breastfeeding and/or pumping.

Calculating Bra Size After Giving Birth

While it is recommended to avoid buying bras immediately after pregnancy, whenever you do buy one, a proper technique of bra size determination needs to be employed. Follow this three-step approach:

Find Out Your Band Size

Take the soft measuring tape and using it measure around the ribs directly under the bust where the bra band will be.

To get the size of the sash, ensure the tape is tight around the chest and at the back. Round to the whole number below or above depending on which one is closer.

If this is an even number, increase it by 4 inches. If it is odd then add 5 inches. This tells you what the band size will be.

Example: Your measure under the Bosom is 31 inches then your bust 36 inches band size will be if you add 5 in inches.

Measure Your Bust Size

Put it around the fullest portion of the bust and indeed that is 4 above the nipples. The tape measure needs to be put so that it is firm but not tight.

Do not be concerned when you take this measurement as yes, you will not be using it quite.

Determine Your Cup Size

Deduct the band measurement from the bust measurement in order to get the dimensions of the cup.

The difference computed will help in determining the respective cup size as follows:

1-inch difference = A cup

2-inch difference = B cup

3-inch difference = C cup

4-inch difference = D cup

5-inch difference = DD/E cup, and so on.

Let’s say that your bust measurement reads 38 inches, whereas your band measurement reads 34 inches. In such a situation, the difference between the two measurements is 4 inches, which translates to the D cup. Therefore, your appropriate bra will be a 34D.

Nursing Bra Size Chart

Here is a basic bra size chart to help you identify your size based on measurements:

Band Size	Bust Measurement	Cup Size
32		A
34		A
34		B
34		C
36		A
36		B
36		C
36		D
38		A
38		B
38		C
38		D

Note: These measurements are for guidance only, and nursing bras often come with flexible, stretchable materials to accommodate size fluctuations.

Sister Sizing for Nursing Bras

Nursing bras just like ordinary bras have sister sizes which enable the wearer to alter either the band or the cup size slightly while maintaining the shape. Sister sizes often come in handy when the volume of the breast changes from time to time which happens quite often during breastfeeding.

For example, if the bra size is 34D and the measuring band is a bit on the lower end then a sister size of 36C can be fitted. The volume of the cup will remain constant but the band size will be bigger.

Tips for Finding the Right Nursing Bra

These few tips will help you to ensure that the best fitting nursing bra is chosen for you:

Consider Your Breast Changes

Breast size especially for lactating mothers may tend to change depending on the time of the day especially if there is production of milk. It is advisable to put on the bras at different hours within the day especially when the breasts are fuller.

Check for Comfort

The band should sit comfortably where it is worn though it will not be as loose as desired. It has to encircle the body more or less straight with no riding up nor tearing in.

Cups should not have a spill nor a gap designed to allow one’s breasts to fit into cups.

Look for Adjustable Features

There are some nursing bras that will have some adjustable straps or a number of hook-and-eye fastening, and in addition, stretchable material that can help with accommodating the change in the breast size.

Easy Nursing Access

Look out for bras with drop-down cups or front clasps for easy and swift access while nursing or for pumping. You should be able to do the clasps with one hand.

Breathable Fabrics

When mothers use nursing bras, they can be quite extreme and made of relaxation materials, such as cotton or bamboo. This is more important since a mother’s skin would be quite sensitive after giving birth.

Try a Sleep Bra

For additional ease during night time breastfeeding, it may be worthwhile to purchase a sleep nursing bra. They are most often made of soft, stretchable non-underwired fabric that aids in support, while providing easy access for feeds.

Get Professionally Measured

If you’re still uncertain of your size, you can get a professional measurement from a lingerie store. There are a number of maternity or nursing wear stores that provide the fitting services.

When to Buy a Nursing Bra

The most ideal period to purchase nursing bras is in the third trimester or immediately after an individual has delivered, the scenario for the size of the breasts by then would be the closest to that of the postpartum period. It is also best not to purchase nursing bras too early in pregnancy, because the size is still going to be altered.

A number of lactating mothers realize that in the initial periods after giving birth, when breastfeeding or expressing milk is very active, it is not enough to only have one nursing bra.