? for moms with big boobs (PR)

*Barbie*

just this one, then I'll stop. I'm not going to the bump because it seems to be a hotbed of stupid. 

I need to get measured by a pro, but I'm a full 38D on a daily basis - possibly larger. 

I'm only 5.5 weeks and the ladies are getting huge/heavy - I snapped an underwire just sitting on the couch last week. 

any recommendations on pregnancy (and eventually nursing) bras? 

What brands did you like/what are good stores to try? I'd prefer try something on before buying anything online. Did you prefer an underwire? (I do on a daily basis, but I read that it can actually inhibit milk production.)

I'd like something reasonably priced, because I'm sure I'll have to get several different sizes throughout the pregnancy. 

TIA. 

NOLABridesmaid

- I snapped an underwire just sitting on the couch last week.  Ouch!

I hope you find something comfortable soon. I know how the wrong size bra can be torture.

AuntFlo

Before pregnancy, I was a 38C.  
Throughout pregnancy, I just kept buying cheap bras as I grew.   I think I bought a new one every few weeks because I was so uncomfortable. 
Before delivery, I bought a couple of nursing tanks and one cheap nursing bra in the size I was in at that time. 
The lactaction consultants advised me to wait 1-2 weeks after delivery before getting fitted for a nursing bra.  (My hospital had free fittings and provided discounts on Medela bras in their shop.)   This gives you time for your milk to come in and settle.   At that point, I was put in a 40D.  I bought 1 Medela bra there and another brand at Motherhood Maternity a week or so later.
They said to come back in about 3 months to get fitted again.   By that point I had stopped BF so I didn't buy any more bras.
I am now wearing a 38D.    It's true that your boobs will never be the same again after having a baby.  

nicoleg1982

I have tiny girls in comparison, but AF gives excellent advice.

Heffalump

1.  I had to stop buying underwires because they gave me plugged ducts, which can be hella uncomfortable.

2.  Don't buy a lot of nursing bras ahead of time, because you don't know what size those puppies will be once your milk comes in.

I have some Medelas that run S-M-L-XL (I'm a L), and some that I bought at Motherhood that I didn't like as much and only wear when the Medelas are in the wash. 

Try a local store.  That's where I had the best luck, vs. the big chains.

*Barbie*

thanks guys. I'll def. wait on the nursing bras until I'm at that delivery -2 weeks postpartum timeline. 

I like the idea of just buying cheapie bras until deliver - so just something like Target/Walmart?

AuntFlo

Target was my store of choice, but Walmart would probably be even cheaper.

And I forgot to answer your questions about underwires...  
I normally cannot stand bras that do not have underwires, but they are super uncomfortable while breast feeding so I didn't miss them at all.  The C's do not recommend them wearing underwires and underwire nursing bras are hard to find anyway.

baconsmom

I bought from Breakout Bras, because they had underwire nursers up to an I, IIRC. I went from an F to an H during pregnancy and nursing, and frankly? Nursers aren't comfortable or flattering. At all. In any circumstance. I would put off buying the nursers as long as you can (and I could have skipped them altogether, considering I couldn't nurse outside the house, anyway.). 

Also, depending on the shape of your breasts, you'll want to investigate alternate nursing holds. The lactation consultant at my hospital was useless, and had me holding Bacon in the usual crook-of-the-arm position, but then I had to use my other hand to keep my breast from suffocating her. Not comfortable. I finally found the "football" hold, where I propped her under my breast and let her lay her body behind me, which allowed me to lean back, not suffocate her, and use my hands for other things.