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Nursing Bra Advice

Find the Perfect Fit All About Nursing Bras

At Seraphine we understand that selecting the best size for you during pregnancy can be a tricky business, and especially when it comes to selecting a nursing bra, as your breast size will tend to fluctuate. Every woman is different, but we’ve tried to cover all the most commonly asked questions to help you find the perfect fit.

Select Your Size to Find the Perfect Fit

UK	USA	FRANCE	AUSTRALIA	INTL
32A	32AA	85A	10AA	70A
32B	32A	85B	10A	70B
32C	32B	85C	10B	70C
32D	32C	85D	10C	70D
32DD	32D	85E	10D	70DD
32E	32DD	85F	10DD	70E
32F	32E	85G	10E	70F
32FF	32F	85H	10F	70G
32G	32FF	85I	10FF	70H
32GG	32G	85J	10G	70I
32H	32H	85K	10H	70J
34A	34AA	90A	12AA	75A
34B	34A	90B	12A	75B
34C	34B	90C	12B	75C
34D	34C	90D	12C	75D
34DD	34D	90E	12D	75DD
34E	34DD	90F	12DD	75E
34F	34E	90G	12E	75F
34FF	34F	90H	12F	75G
34G	34FF	90I	12FF	75H
34GG	34G	90J	12G	75I
34H	34H	90K	12H	75J
36A	36AA	95A	14AA	80A
36B	36A	95B	14A	80B
36C	36B	95C	14B	80C
36D	36C	95D	14C	80D
36DD	36D	95E	14D	80DD
36E	36DD	95F	14DD	80E
36F	36E	95G	14E	80F
36FF	36F	95H	14F	80G
36G	36FF	95I	14FF	80H
36H	36H	95K	14H	80J
36GG	36G	95J	14G	80I
38A	38AA	100A	16AA	85A
38B	38A	100B	16A	85B
38C	38B	100C	16B	85C
38D	38C	100D	16C	85D
38DD	38D	100E	16D	85DD
38E	38DD	100F	16DD	85E
38F	38E	100G	16E	85F
38FF	38F	100F	16F	85G
38G	38FF	100H	16FF	85H
38GG	38G	100J	16G	85I
38H	38H	100K	16H	85J
40B	40A	105B	18A	90B

Take your measurements
with a measuring tape

Bra Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN SHOULD I BUY A NURSING BRA?

Most women tend to buy a nursing bra at some point during their third trimester, although you may find that you need a different fit far earlier on in your pregnancy. The easiest way to tell that it’s time to switch to a nursing bra is when your usual bras no longer feel comfortable or fit correctly.

How do I measure my bra size?

Wear the bra you feel most comfortable in at the moment (it shouldn’t be padded or restrictive). Stand up straight, keeping you breathing relaxed, and place the measuring tape flat against your back, wrapping it around your ribcage underneath your breasts. Ensure the tape is taut and as straight as possible: This is your under bust measurement. Take a second measurement, this time wrapping the tape over the fullest part of your bust and around your back keeping the tape fairly straight, and be sure to wrap the tape into the area between your breasts: this is your over bust measurement.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST NURSING BRA FOR ME?

Seraphine’s nursing bras are specifically designed to adjust to your changing body shape, with stretchy fabrics and multiple hook and eye fastenings to accommodate and support the size fluctuations you may experience during pregnancy and nursing. Choosing the best bra for you all comes down to personal preference. Here are a few things you may want to consider when buying a bra;

-How Does This Style Fit Into My Lifestyle?
-How Much Shape Do I Need? (Hint – Seraphine's designs help to create a balance between comfort and a shapely silhouette)
- How Long Do I Plan To Breastfeed? (Hint- If you are planning to extend the breastfeeding phase, we suggest that you purchase an under-wired nursing bra for a little extra shape and support.

Can I sleep in a nursing bra?

Yes you can! There is no health risks associated with wearing a bra around the clock whilst nursing and you may find that wearing a nursing bra at night is essential during your first few months of feeding. When selecting a sleep bra, opt for thicker straps and an elasticated under bust panel. Wider cups will also be beneficial in helping to hold breast pads in place.

What are the benefits of cotton lined bras?

Cotton lined bras are generally more practical and comfortable. Cotton helps to soothe and prevents breast and nipple irritation, and the natural fibre helps to wick away moisture in your bra. Cotton also helps to regulate your temperature and is washing machine friendly.

What size nursing bra should I buy?

Your breast size may fluctuate quite dramatically throughout pregnancy, so finding a bra that will fit comfortably through pregnancy and nursing can seem like an impossible challenge. We find that the best way to calculate what size nursing bra you’ll need, is to take your measurements at 26 weeks and add 1 additional cup size and 1 additional band size to your bra size. So for example, if at 26 weeks you are a 34C, you would most likely fit into a 36D as you move into your 3rd and 4th trimesters. Find out your size with the Bra Calculator above!

How will my bra size change during pregnancy?

Every woman is different, but on average, during pregnancy your bra size will increase by 1-2 cup sizes and 1-2 band sizes from your pre-pregnancy size. After your baby is born and during the nursing stage you will typically grow by an additional cup size on top of your pregnancy size. After 8 weeks of nursing your band size will generally decrease to your pre-pregnancy size, and your cup size will be 1 size up from your pre-pregnancy size.

How can I tell if my nursing bra is fitted correctly?

When you try a nursing bra it should fit you on the middle hooks and the strap adjusters should have enough space to be repositioned allowing for loosening throughout pregnancy, and tightening as your band size decreases during nursing. You should be able to run two fingers under the band of your bra, and your hand should be able to fit inside the cup ensuring you have enough room for padding. When you try a nursing bra on, lift your arms up over your head: If the band curves at the back and the cups ride up over your breasts you should consider exchanging for a bigger band size. If your bust is spilling over the cups, you will most likely need to exchange for a bigger bra in both cup and band size.

Is it safe to wear an under-wired bra whilst breastfeeding?

If you want to wear an under-wired bra, ensure that you purchase a specific under-wired nursing bra. These typically have softer and more flexible support wires, usually made out of bamboo-like materials. Non nursing specific under-wired bras can be very uncomfortable and in some cases can lead to Mastitis. It is not advisable to sleep in an under-wired nursing bra.

Will I need a nursing bra in my hospital bag?

It’s a good idea to have a nursing bra ready for the birth of your baby, however you may prefer to pack a supportive nursing top as an alternative if you are feeling uncomfortable wearing a bra straight away.

Nursing Bra Advice

Keeping track of your bra size can be a real challenge during pregnancy, and when nursing comes into play, the situation becomes even more complicated. Hooks, clips, cup size, underwire, no underwire… Our handy guide gives you confidence in your choice and helps avoid costly and potentially unpleasant mistakes.

Once you’ve found your perfect fit, check out our fantastic range of soft maternity and nursing nightwear or head to the gym in our active wear that is optimised for pregnant and nursing women.