Bra Fitting 101

Let me ask you a personal question ... when was the last time you purchased a bra?

Since a vast majority (somewhere between 75-80%) of women are wearing the wrong bra size, I bet it's been a while.  A lot of breastfeeding women are reluctant to make the splurge on a quality bra, knowing that their breast size will fluctuate, but ladies: buying a good nursing bra can be the game-changer!

If your bra is leaving marks on your skin, you have problems keeping your breasts actually in the cups, or is making you feel or look "lumpy" under clothing - it's time for a new one.  The cups of your bra should be flush against your skin and the band should be even all the way around - not riding up between your shoulders.  It should not squeeze into your back, give you the dreaded back cleavage or uniboob. 

For a good fit, find a cloth tape measure and put on your best-fitting bra.  First, measure directly underneath your breasts (around your ribcage).  This is your band size.  Measure around the fullest part of your bust.  The number of inches between your band size and this second measurement determines your cup size.  One inch = one cup size.  So, say that your band size is a 36 and your second measurement was 38", you'd be wearing a 36B.  If the second measurement was 40", it'd be 36D.*

Still confused?  Nummies and HOTmilk both have great fitting resources.

A few things to remember when looking for the right nursing bra:

• at minimum, you should have two in your stash ... one to wear and one to make sure that you have one to wear when the inevitable happens: your boobs leak or your baby spits up (down your shirt).
• it should fit comfortably with a set of nursing pads in.
• all bras are not created equal.  Your bra should be able to withstand multiple washings, the wear & tear on snaps (for easy nursing access), and provide ample support.
• it should not have an underwire!

Outside of normal, everyday-wear bras, there are also those that fall under the 'specialty' category.  For Moms that are pumping frequently, a hands-free bra is something to consider.  Sleep bras are made with pull-aside cups, no hooks or snaps, in a sportier style to make night-time nursing easier. 

To keep your bras in the best shape possible, hand-wash with a mild detergent in cold water.  Lay them flat to dry.  If you must machine-wash, toss them in a lingerie bag with the same instructions (mild detergent, cold water).  Never put your bras in the dryer!

Do not hesitate to buy bras while you're pregnant!  While your breast size may fluctuate greatly during your pregnancy, there's also a decent chance that your breasts will fluctuate again while you're breastfeeding.  Your last pre-baby bra purchase should be during the last few weeks of your pregnancy.  It should be a little larger than what you're wearing at the time to allow for initial engorgement and comfort - too tight bras can cause clogged ducts and mastitis, two things a new Mama doesn't want to deal with.

If you're still unsure of how to achieve the perfect fit, or how to find your perfect bra, please contact a member of the MilkSmartMama team!  Make sure that you're following along on Facebook for information on live bra-fitting events and to join us for an epic event, coming later this week!

or email me katie@milksmartmama.com

The photo featured is of the Nummies Style Bra, found here.

* Every bra manufacturer sizes and fits their bras differently.  Always measure twice and compare to the brand's specific size chart!