How to Measure for a Nursing Bra Size

Getting a nursing bra that fits your breasts well and makes nursing convenient is very important. You wouldn't want a tight bra, which would compress your breasts. Excessive compression can increase pressure on your milk ducts, which can result in breast inflammation. A very loose bra also would be uncomfortable. While a professional bra fitter can help you find the right size nursing bra, you can get the measurements yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Full-length mirror

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Instructions

• 1

  Stand in a comfortable posture without slouching. Wear a non-padded bra that you feel comfortable in. Take the measuring tape and bring it around your back under the arms to measure the area just below your breasts. Do not tighten the tape under your breasts while measuring; leave the tape a little loose. The tape should be straight and even on both sides while taking the measurements. You can use a full-length mirror to check tape positioning.

• 2

  Note the measurement. If the number is odd, make it even by rounding it up to the nearest even number, and add 4 inches to it. For example, if your measurement is 29, make it 30. Add 4 inches to this number. This will give you your band size, which is 34, according to the example.

• 3

  Take the tape and bring it around your back and under your arms to measure your breasts where they are the fullest. Do not hold the tape tight around the breasts; let it be a little loose in such a way that makes you feel comfortable. Keep the tape straight around the fullest part of your breasts and take a measurement.

• 4

  Subtract the band measure from the cup measure. Note the difference.

• 5

  Use this final number to find your cup size. Go to Herroom.com, Barenecessities.com or Brasizeinfo.com and use the available charts to find your nursing-bra size.