My son is almost 2. I was wearing size 34 pre pregnancy and now I am size 38 (i think). I am looking for good bras and feel like crying because I feel so huge. Yes I have put on lot of weight. Anybody else had to go up couple sizes after pregnancy? I was hoping I would get back to my pre pregnancy size but doesn't look like it. I was size 32 for a long time and when I went up to 34 I did feel very bad. And now 38 ! Also my breasts are sagging(??) , I mean they don't look the same as before and feels awkward to wear tight fitting clothes now. Any suggestions? What kind of bras should I look for? Most bras I see are padded which I really do not need. It's been 3-4 months since I stopped breastfeeding and I still have some milk in there. How long does it take for milk to dry up? Would losing weight help reduce fat in breasts as well?
I really need to get some good fitting bras for the summer, your advise is much appreciated. Thanks!
I like the Calvin Klein "t-shirt" bras
Go to a Nordstrom's or Macy's, and the employees in that department will help you with sizing and selection.
Some bras are padded or just lightly lined ( so that nipples don't show up through your t-shirt.)
Or get bra strap extenders. Sometimes that is all you need for a better fit.
Milk takes time to dry up completely.
You should go get yourself measured so you can be sure you're wearing the correct size. I was shocked to find out that post-pregnancy, I was not a 40C, but a 36DD. (I had been a 36C pre-pregnancy.) If there's a SOMA near you, they will measure you, and their bras are more supportive than the ones I used to buy at Victoria's Secret pre-babies. ;) Something the sales lady told M. that I hadn't known is that if your bra goes up in the back (rather than going straight across), you are wearing the wrong band size and you should go down a size at least. To compensate, you likely need a larger cup size. (Hence why I was wearing a 40C and should have been wearing a 36DD!)
In terms of milk drying up completely, I am not sure if it ever goes away totally. At this point, your cup size is probably the one you're stuck with.
Try Nordstrom. They have a great bra selection and all sizes! They have consultants who can help you make the right choice for what you are looking for. I think my milk was dried up by 4 months but don't exactly remember. By the way, welcome to the "water balloon" club! I nursed 2 kids and mine got HUGE with both. Took a shower with my 4 year old and he told M. I looked like I had water balloons now...no more showers with him!
Absolutely go somewhere and get measure and fitted.
As for bra recommendations. I know you have weaned and are going to groan at the idea of wearing a nursing bra but...Bravado Allure is amazing! It looks just like a nice bra you get at Victoria's Secret, isn't a granny bra. It's got a low middle so you can wear something with a little bit of dip in the front. Because of their sizing it can accommodate changing sizes as your milk dries out more and you settle into the shape you're going to be.
I have them and I can guarantee I will continue to keep wearing these after I am no longer nursing.
They offer great support, I'm a 36E and they keep M. nice and perky without causing any plugged milk ducts or anything, which obviously you do not have the same issue but it says something about how gentle and comfortable it's support is. They are not padded but are lightly lined.
It is completely normal to have your rib cage expand during pregnancy and stay that way. Band size may not all be fat but bones widening because of your baby. Don't beat yourself up! You might loose some size in your breasts after losing weight but it's not a guarentee. Pregnancy makes permanent changes to your breasts. It's just fact.
