How to Calculate Nursing Bra Size

Finding a properly fitting nursing bra is key to being able to comfortably nurse your child while supporting the extra weight of your larger breasts. Bras that do not fit well may be uncomfortable, unsightly or even contribute to clogged milk ducts. Learning to calculate your nursing bra size will help to ensure that your bra fits well, that your breasts are well supported and that you can conveniently nurse your baby.

Instructions

1. Remove your bra prior to calculating your bra size. If your current bra is not fitting well, it may influence your measurements and make them less accurate.

2. Position a measuring tape on your rib cage, directly beneath your breasts. It should be straight and pulled taut in the back. Write down this measurement as your band size.

3. Measure over the fullest part of your breasts, ensuring that the tape measure is straight and not pulled too tightly. Write down this number.

4. Subtract your rib-cage measurement from your breast measurement in order to determine your cup size. A difference of one inch is an A cup, while two inches is a B cup, three inches is a C cup, four inches is a D cup, five inches is an E cup and so on.

5. Put together your rib-cage measurement and your cup letter to determine your nursing bra size. For example, if your rib cage measured 40 inches and you have a D cup, then you will purchase a nursing bra in 40D.

Tips & Warnings

• Try on all bras before purchasing, regardless of size. As with any other clothing item, your size may be slightly different between brands.

• Wait two to three weeks after the birth of your baby to purchase a nursing bra. This extra time will give your milk a chance to come in and your swelling to go down, ensuring that you get a more accurate bra size.

References

• Breakout Bras: What Is Your Size?
• Ma Mere: Fitting Guide