Maternity and Nursing bra fitting guide

Here at all nine maternity and baby we are trained maternity and nursing bra fitters.

As well as being trained bra fitters Rachel, Liz and Jacqui are all mothers who have breastfed so have experienced all that pregnancy and nursing brings first hand!

What size am I?

We are here to help.  This is only a guide, but will help to establish your current bra size. 

Grab a tape measure

Take your measurement in inches.

Measure yourself with your bra on.

Measure your rib cage, just under your breasts.  You may find it easier to get someone to help you or stand in front of a mirror.    This measurement is the rib band size. (eg 36 inches)

Next measure around the fullest part of your breasts and make a note of the measurement, this will enable you to establish your cup size. (eg 42inches)

Take the cup size measurement away from your ribcage measurement and convert into your cup size using the table below: (eg 6 inches)

1 inch – A cup

2 inch – B cup

3inch – C cup

4 inch – D cup

5inch – DD cup

6 inch – E cup

7 inch – EE cup

8 inch – F cup

9 inch – FF cup

Our example would be a 36E.

We would like to reiterate that this is only a start guide and bras to differ in their fit.  It is therefore really important to try them on and to fit them properly.  We offer a fitting service in store but also we offer free exchanges on bras when they are purchased online to ensure you also get the perfect fitting bra. 

When trying on your bra you need to look out for the following:

Rib size:

Your stage of pregnancy  – Your rib cage will expand during pregnancy, so you need to ensure that you have room to increase the rib size of the bra (ideally fit on the first hook and eye so you can give yourself more room later). 

Nursing – after baby is born your rib cage size will decrease.   Your nursing bra should be fitted in late pregnancy and be fitted on the last hook and eye or so you have room to tighten the bra.

Cup size:

Pregnancy – your cup size is likely to increase; this can go in phases typically at the start of your pregnancy and towards the end.  You can check that you have some  growth space by just ensuring you can slide your hand inside the cup and making sure you have more space if required and making sure that in early pregnancy the cup covers your breast.

Your bust size will almost certainly increase when your milk kicks in after baby is born.  Again you need to make sure you have enough room in the cup size to cater for some expansion.  So ensure you still have some give in the cup.

An ill fitting bra can cause all sorts of problems such as blocked ducts and mastitis making it very painful to breastfeed.  A well fitted bra can make you feel great!

If you email or phone us with your measurements and your stage in pregnancy or nursing we are happy to give advice on the bra which will suit you.  Even better come and see us, or if you live locally we can come to you!

Other things to watch out for when trying on your bra:

Back riding up – Back size to big

Wrinkles in the back or side of the bra – Back size to big

Loose cups – cup size to big

Boob overspill – cup size to small