Bra Talk

When you’re pregnant, your body will, obviously, go thorough several changes – including having a little person inside you; once you give birth, however, you’ll find that you’ll still carry some pregnancy weight and that your bust will have slightly increased, too. Here are some tips to get a new bra:

• Find your bra size. Maddeningly, this is only an estimate, worse even than finding a jeans size. Stick the tape measure under your armpits and draw it across the very top of your chest. If it’s odd, add 1″; that’s your band size. If it’s even, that’s your band size.
• Figure out your cup size. Put on your best fitting bra and put the tape measure around the middle of your chest over the cups. Why wear a bra for this? If you’re like most moms, gravity and childbirth has, um, lowered your center. Wearing a bra will give you a better sizing. Subtract the band size number from that number; if the difference is 1″, your cup size is A. 2″ is B, 3″ C, 4″ D, and so on.
• Find a bunch of bras that you like. Push-up bras often work nicely for post-partum chests. There are even full-coverage push-ups these days. Underwires have the best support (Bali bras are perfect to try). Regular bras are often loose in the upper cup after a baby. Get a selection, and don’t forget to get a variety of sizes, because manufacturers vary.
• Determine if the bra fits well. Nothing should gape; the band should sit straight across your back and front. If the band is going up in the back, go up a band size. A well-fitting bra should fit on the loosest hook; the band will stretch. The bra cups should not be cutting into your flesh, nor should there be any side-spillage – go up a cup size if this is happening. Sometimes underwires cut in the armpits.
• If there is loose material at the top of the breast but it fits fine at the bottom of your breast, try a different style rather than size. Remember, breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and not all bras can accommodate your uniqueness.
• Your nipple should be about halfway between your shoulder and your elbow. Adjust the straps to see if this bra will make that happen. If not, move on. A larger bust often needs wider straps for more support.