I got fitted but my bra size didn't change?! Advice?

Question for you bra experts. Pre-pregnancy I was fitted to be a 32DD. I have been wearing nursing bras (size M) since I delievered, but they're not as flattering because they are less supportive (no underwire) and the inner pad slides around and is difficult to keep in place. I also have an underwire nursing bra, but it doesn't feel like the right size (36C, so there's some extra unfilled volume in the cup up top). That was the best of the sizes they carry at Pea in the Pod, they don't have a lot of non-standard sizes. I find that I was not really using the nursing features of the bras anyways (I would just push it up instead of unclipping it), so I decided to go back to Nordstrom to find some regular bras at NAS. I had a fitting and she ended up putting me back into my pre-pregnancy size, 32DD. I tried a 34D and that was very similar fit in the cup and a little more comfy/stretchy, but she said the band was too loose (was on the middle instead of the last one) and that it would stretch out too much. I tried 32DDD but there was extra room in the cup. So I ended up buying the 32DD but am seriously scratching my head and wondering if I bought the wrong size. How can I be nursing yet be the same size as I was before? I feel like I'm bigger, and my old button down shirts are gaping more. So why did I end up with the same size? It would be more convenient for me so I could keep the bras after I stop nursing, but I'm wondering if I need to buy a bigger size. I wore the 32DD bra yesterday and found that I needed to unclip the bra at the back to pump, like it was too fitted to slide up and down. So should I go back for the 34D or stick with the 32DD? Confusing!

BTW, these are the two styles that fit the best on me at NAS:
Natori Hidden Glamour
Chantelle Intimates Basic Invisible Memory Foam T shirt bra
And these are the two nursing bra styles I have from Pea in the Pod:
Demi Underwire
Seamless Racerback

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10 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

Was it a bra brand or style you haven't worn before? Lots of bras are made differently so maybe the cups are larger than your regular pre-pregnancy bras?

K. Period.

If you could slide the cup down with your old bra like you described, you were probably wearing too big a bra before nursing! Also, you can have lots of milk and not have your breasts change sizes much at all. I was pretty much the same size (range--since it changed during the day) while nursing as after and before nursing. I just couldn't wear my regular bras for nursing because of the access issues. (And by the way, I can't recommend the Le Mystere Sexy Momma nursing bra enough. Spendy, but OMG it was nice to have a well built and sexy bra to wear while nursing. I got it from Nordstrom online.)

Thistle

What K Said. It probably was too big as you shouldn't have had that much wiggle room.

This may be TMI, but my bra size didn't change much while nursing. The girls were much heavier and I had to replace bras far more quickly (every 3 months or so), but sizewise, things were not much different for me.

deb

I do not believe the bra is supposed to slide up and down when fitted properly. Maybe your old bras were not the properly fit.

Echo

A well-fitting bra SHOULD be too fitted to slide up and down. That may not be convenient for nursing, but it is one of the hallmarks of a well-fitting bra (hence the specialized cups that detach so you don't have to slide it around). I think it is absolutely possible for you to be wearing the same size as you were pre-pregnancy. However, sometimes convenience trumps fit, and if you are more comfortable with a stretchier bra at this point, then wear one (provided it doesn't compromise clothing fit). But I think you were fit correctly.

Eliza

You may have to decide between the bra that fits perfectly and the one that functions well for you while nursing (if you want the slide up and down option). Perhaps having some perfect fitting ones to wear out when away from the baby on occasion will be fun.

goldenpig

(website)

Actually I think the bras I bought were the same (or very similar) to my pre-preg bras--I had one Chantelle and one Natori as well. I should say the ones that slide up and down are the two nursing bras. One because it has no underwire, and the other I think is actually too big. It's convenient not to have to fiddle with the clips though. I had put away all my old bras after I delivered, figuring I needed nursing bras. I'll look into the La Mystere--thanks! I guess it isn't that surprising that I'm the same size, but I thought I'd go up a whole cup or band size or something.

Cindy

Active Member

I agree with everyone else- It sounds like your old bras were too big if you could slide them around. It's the fit of the band that is supposed to support the breasts, NOT the straps. While it may be more convenient to just slide the bra out of your way, you aren't doing yourself any favors by not having proper support. Okay, off my soapbox now. LOL This is a sensitive issue with me since I must special order my bras.

RoseandJoan

You may be bigger Natalie but it is how the volume is distributed which determines the cup size.

Anonymous

I was fitted at a speciality shop as opposed to a department store. The saleslady there told me that department stores (even good ones) do not carry sizes past DD for cost/storage reasons. I ended wearing a DDD or an F (which was a complete shock) but they fit so much better. Several large department stores had sized me in a DD but larger band size, which wasn't a good fit. I didnt know until I wore the correct size. and it is quite snug but looks great.

it could be that Nordstroms only sized you in what they had, instead of what you really are. I would try a specialized bra shop. The one I went to couldn;t have been more than 900 square feet and custom orders whatever they need

I went to Nordie's in Tampa and they sized me, but didn't have more than 2 bras in that size in the whole store. So, I'm not sure it's a case of sizing the stock. They can order for you.
I am exactly between sizes no matter what brand/style I try so I can only wonder at sizing expertise.

DonnaF

When I was pregnant, my ribcage expanded enough to put me in a larger band size. I think I waited until a year or so after giving birth which was a few months after I had stopped breastfeeding before I bought new bras in the new band size. Murphy's Law. I was back down to my old band size and old bra size a couple months after that.

And yes, Nordstrom can mis-size you. I think Angie suggested making an appointment with the head of the department or something along those lines.

elpgal

Are the bra styles similar? In my case, my size went back to my pre-pregnancy size after 8 months or so but my breasts have more volume on the top so I fill out the cups differently even though I am still nursing. My pre-pregnancy bras fit funny now.

rachylou

Cup style/shape also effects things.

raelou

I agree that you have probably been fitted correctly and your previous bra was too loose. I had the same problem for quite a while and it was causing back issues for me while nursing and after until I was sized properly. Two places that I have really liked to purchase from are Breakoutbras.com and barenecessities. I have purchase both regular and nursing bras from those sites.

sarah

What everyone else has said. I could never pump in the bras I wear now without taking them off (or at least undoing the back).

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