Here’s a teeny, tiny reality check that may leave you a tad wistful: Your beloved collection of everyday bras, as lovely as they are, are about to face a new challenge – breastfeeding. Even if your girls haven’t ballooned too dramatically during pregnancy, trust me, they’re poised for a grand entrance once you start lactating. All that liquid gold, the milk, needs somewhere to flow, doesn’t it?
No shade to your regular bras, but chances are, they’re going to be as snug as skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. They simply won’t suffice in this new chapter of your life. Now, enter the unsung hero of motherhood: the mighty nursing bra. A high-quality, well-designed nursing bra is not only your ticket to comfort, but also your secret weapon for those on-the-go feeds and sudden midnight snack demands from your little one.
Whether you’re finding yourself a bit lost trying to figure out your newly amplified bra size, or you simply need a guiding hand picking the perfect nursing bra, fret not. You’ve stumbled upon a goldmine of information and support.
So, take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and continue reading. This is your ultimate guide to understanding nursing bra sizes, and so much more. We’re going to dive into every nook and cranny of this important postpartum wear, demystify any confusion, and ensure you feel as fabulous as you truly are. Because, mama, your breastfeeding journey deserves nothing less than the best!
When Should I Buy a Nursing Bra?
Even if your due date is weeks away or even if you aren’t planning on breastfeeding, you’ll likely want to buy a maternity or nursing bra pretty early on in your pregnancy.
Most women start noticing breast changes pretty early into their pregnancy, and your regular bra might start to feel a bit too tight and pokey as your second trimester begins.
A top-tier maternity and nursing bra won’t just provide the easy-access features you need to nurse; it also provides the right type of support and comfort for your extra-sensitive tatas.
For instance, a bra like the Dream Feed Nursing and Sleep Bra is wireless and hardware-free, meaning no poking or prodding, ever. Plus, the front pulldown design makes it super easy to access your nips whenever and wherever you need to. This is the bra that you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over during your pregnancy.
How Do Nursing Bra Sizes Work?
Here’s the good news: Figuring out your nursing bra size is the exact same process you use to figure out your regular bra size. All you need is a measuring tape and a mirror.
First, stand up straight, and wrap the measuring tape around the ribs, right beneath your breasts (AKA where the band of a bra would sit). Check that the measuring tape is even, with no overlap, and the inches side showing. The closest even number rounding up is your band size – so if you land on a 32, that’s your size. If you land on a 33, your band size is a 34.
Next, wrap the measuring tape around your chest again, this time at the fullest point of your breasts. Some retailers suggest wearing your current fave bra while you do this so that you get the measurement based on exactly where you want your boobs to sit. Although, if you’re measuring because your current bra is too tight, this might not be a good option.
Just like before, ensure the tape has no overlap or sagging, then read the measurement in inches. This is your bust measurement. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, and the difference will give you your cup size:
- 0 = AA
- 1 = A
- 2 = B
- 3 = C
- 4 = D
- 5 = DD
- 6 = F
- And so on.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re doing it correctly, you can always head to a bra retailer for assistance. We’d be more than happy to help you figure out your size at any of our HATCH storefronts.
Choosing the Right Nursing Bra
Choosing the right nursing bra is about more than just size, though. It’s also important to find a style that you feel comfortable in, as well as the right features to make breastfeeding a breeze.
One of our current faves, the Essential Nursing and Pumping Bra, checks all those boxes. The seamless design is crafted out of our ultra-comfy finely ribbed modal blend in five lovely colorways: Petal, Sand, Black, Bordeaux, and Steel Blue. Thoughtful features like an easy-to-use nursing clasp, pulldown front, and adjustable straps make this bra a necessity for any new mom.
Plus, it’s Oeko-Tex Certified, AKA free of chemicals that may harm you and your babe. Pair it with a matching High Tuck Brief for an intimates set you could wear day in and day out.
The Wearable Pump Bra is another nursing essential. This body-hugging bra applies the most compression yet to keep a wireless breast pump nice and snug, letting you pump in the car, on the go, and wherever you need to discreetly. It’s also seamless, stretchy, and hardware-free for maximum comfort. Um, we’ll take a million, please.
And when you need something that feels like a second skin, the Skin to Skin Bra has got your back. The ballet neckline, hardware-free design, and seven different shades all serve one goal: to maximize your comfort and minimize inconvenience. Don’t be surprised if you forget you’re wearing a bra at all.
Other Nursing Must-Haves
Aside from a few (properly fitting) nursing bras, there are a few other essentials we think every new mama should have in her arsenal. First, and maybe most importantly, a rescue balm.
Chapped and chafing nips are no joke, and the right balm can go a long way towards soothing your irritated skin – especially one packed with as many superfruits and tropical butters as our Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm. The lanolin-free formula is super hydrating and will have your nips (and other sensitive bits) feeling moisturized in no time.
It’s also common to have leakages while breastfeeding, so a fantastic set of anti-leakage pads are essential for saving the day when you just can’t risk any spotting. If you’re planning on pumping, you’ll need a high-quality breast pump, as well as food-grade storage containers or specialized breast milk bags.
Finally, you need a few self-care items just for you — like our Cooling Leg + Foot Cream, specially designed for the restless legs and swelling that can be common during pregnancy. Or our quick-dry Belly Oil, chock-full of botanical oils and perfect for hydrating your tummy and smoothing those stretch marks away.
Pulling It All Together
Being a mom is tough. Honestly, it might just be the toughest job in the world. If anyone deserves a little self-care and relaxation right now, it’s you.
Sources:
