FINDING THE PERFECT FIT
ANITA BRAS
For a PERFECT FITTING Anita bra, use Anita's Bra Size Calculator
BRAVADO BRAS & CAMIS
WHAT's MY BRA SIZE?
Don't know what your current bra size is? You're not alone! Here's how to determine your bra size:
Before you start
Make sure you are wearing an unpadded bra that is not a compression or a sports bra. Stand straight and relaxed, with your arms down, and breathe normally. If you can, ask someone to help you measure. If you’re doing this solo, measure yourself in front of a mirror…
Band Measurement
Place the measuring tape around your back and underneath your arm pits. Check that the tape is on a bit of an upward angle and positioned directly under your arm pit when wrapping tape around your body. Tape should be lying flat and parallel on the hook and eye closure of your bra. Pull snug – you want it to feel tight, but not constricting. Look down and record your measurement.
HINT: If your measurement falls in between even numbers, round up. For example, a 33’ would become 34’. If you are just above an even number (for example, 32.5’), then round down.
Chest Measurement
Place the measuring tape around your back and place on top of the fullest part of your chest. Be sure to push the measuring tape in between the center of your breasts (it should be touching the place between your breasts) to ensure you account for your full bust capacity. Check that the tape is horizontal when wrapped around your body. Tape should be lying flat and parallel on the hook and eye closure of your bra. Hold the tape loosely in place. Look down and record your measurement.
HINT: It is ideal having someone assist you with this measurement.
Using your band and chest measurements, determine your bra size using the chart below:
A SIMPLE GUIDE TO BRA SIZING
Something important to anticipate during and after pregnancy are the many changes that will affect your bra size. Let's walk you through what to expect as we look at a pre-pregnancy-size of 34B.
3 Months Pregnant:
At 3 months, you'll start noticing many changes to your body, including your breasts and ribs starting to pronounce themselves Your 34B may feel a bit tight. You're moving from a 34 to 36 and becoming a C cup.
We recommend: Original Nursing Bra (S+), Body Silk Seamless (Small), Essential Nursing Bra Tank (36 B/C)
6 Months Pregnant:
At 6 months pregnant, you're not only glowing but your belly is more pronounced, and your breasts and rib cage both feel bigger. You're now a 36C.
We recommend: Original Nursing Bra (S+), Body Silk Seamless (Medium), Essential Nursing Bra Tank (36 B/C), Bliss Nursing Bra (36 B/C), Sublime Nursing Bra (36 B/C)
9 Months Pregnant:
At 9 months pregnant you're radiant, and almost ready to deliver. Your breasts may begin to feel a bit puffy and tender the last few weeks, and your ribs may feel very pushed out. You are closer to a 36D now, but not for long!
We recommend: Original Nursing Bra (S+), Body Silk Seamless (Medium), Essential Nursing Bra Tank (36 D/E), Bliss Nursing Bra (36 D/E), Sublime Nursing Bra (36 D/E)
3 to 4 days after you've given birth:
It's now 3 to 4 days after you've given birth. You've been breastfeeding since birth, but today your breasts are significantly bigger and heavier. You've increased at least a full size in the cup (to a E(DD) or more) but feel relief in your rib cage now that the baby is born. You're also wearing a nursing bra to bed for greater comfort.
We recommend: Original Nursing Bra (S++), Body Silk Seamless (Medium), Essential Nursing Bra Tank (36 D/E), Bliss Nursing Bra (36 D/E), Sublime Nursing Bra (36 D/E)
A breastfeeding rhythm has been established:
You and baby are happily working on your breastfeeding relationship. Around 10 to 12 weeks after birth your breasts have relaxed in size and weight and you could easily wear a 34D.
We recommend: Original Nursing Bra (S+), Body Silk Seamless (Medium), Essential Nursing Bra Tank (34 D/E), Bliss Nursing Bra (34 D/E), Sublime Nursing Bra (34 D/E), Allure Underwire (34 D/E)
© 2010 Bravado Designs Ltd.
To breastfeed or not to breastfeed...
Breastfeeding is normal. That said, it is not black and white, all or nothing, right or wrong; and just because it's 'natural' does not mean that it will always be as easy as the books make it sound! There is no question that breastfeeding is normal and species specific, but there can be many reason; physical, emotional, social that can place stumbling blocks in a mother's path.
Often mothers looking comfortable—out shopping and breastfeeding their baby as they go—-give the impression that baby was born, latched on and that was all it took. More often than not, that is not the case. Breastfeeding is a learned art. Most mother / baby pairs have to work at it. It takes time and practice to learn the steps to the dance and even longer to perfect them.
It is important to remember that life is about the journey – not the end point.
Breastfeeding does not have to be all or nothing… What is most important is to find what works best for you, your baby and your family. Some mothers choose to nurse solely, some choose to pump and bottle feed, some choose to supplement and some choose not to breastfeed at all. The point is that it is a "choice." What is 'right' for you may not be 'right' for another.
That said, our goal at Bellybum® and Breastfeeding & Parenting Solutions is to help moms get the research based, accurate information you need to make an informed decision about breastfeeding; and to provide you with the professional support, tools and assistance you need to be successful--wherever your chosen path may lead.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the health benefits of breastfeeding for moms?
The benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby are impressive! Not only is breastfeeding the healthiest choice for feeding your baby, skin to skin contact and the very act of breastfeeding soothes, nurtures and calms, while strengthening the incredible bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding women experience lower rates of postpartum depression, osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancers, and type-2 diabetes. Breastfeeding mothers take fewer sick days because breastfed infants are ill less often. Exclusive breastfeeding delays the return to fertility, for parents who’d like to space out or postpone future pregnancies. Plus, breastfeeding can burn between 500 and 1,000 calories per day, so it’s a great way to easily lose the pregnancy weight!
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2. What are the health benefits for babies?
Breastfed babies are healthy babies. They are sick less and spend less time at the pediatrician’s office. Not only does breastfeeding strengthen the incredible bond between mother and child, but it lowers rates of obesity, breast cancer, heart disease, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, childhood leukemia, and type-2 diabetes. Breastfed babies also seem to get less gas and constipation than bottle-fed babies. Better still, breastfed babies have been shown to have higher IQs!
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3. Is there any way I can prepare my body or my breasts for breastfeeding before my baby comes?
Although in the past women were told to prepare their breasts for nursing with things like special lotions and certain kinds of exercise, research showed that none of the techniques actually made a difference in milk production. Your body is going to produce colostrum and milk, regardless whether you choose to breastfeed or not.
The best way you can prepare for breastfeeding is by a) talking with a professional about your questions and concerns and b) surrounding yourself with a supportive group of family, friends and breastfeeding experts. Get as much support and information about breastfeeding as you can before your baby comes, and you’ll have a wonderful head start, because knowing where your resources are can make all the difference.
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4. Can every baby breastfeed?
There are three conditions that require special formula, including:
- Pheyketonuria (PKU) – PKU is a rare condition in which a baby is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine and will need special formula. There is a spectrum for PKU, meaning that the babies often can breastfeed but may need to have levels checked to maintain a "safe" range. The incidence range is 1 in 4,500 to 1 in 100,000.
- MCAD: This occurs when a baby is unable to break down medium chain fatty acids. There is a process in which the medium chain fatty acids are spun out from the milk in order to provide the baby with the other components of human milk. Incidence is approximately 1 in 17,000.
- Galactosemia: About 1 in 60,000 newborns have a metabolic condition called galactosemia where the infant is unable to metabolize galactose and is placed on a galactose-free diet. Infants with this condition must be fed with a special formula. Of course, there is a spectrum, and some babies with this rare condition can have a bit of breastmilk. In many states, newborn screenings will test for this condition.
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5. How soon should a baby be breastfed after birth?
The ideal is to breastfeed within that first hour after birth. However, some babies do get very sleepy, and you may be unable to wake your baby to breastfeed. Just remember to request that the hospital and nurses not give your baby a bottle by letting everyone know you’ll be exclusively breastfeeding.
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6. How long should I breastfeed exclusively before introducing other types of foods?
The world health organization, all of the American Academies of Physicians, and Unicef agree that a baby should be exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life. The introduction of other foods by definition constitutes the start of the weaning process. How long you choose to continue to breastfeed after starting the weaning process is personal. It is also very influenced by the people around you. As with everything else, do your research and follow your heart.
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7. Can I supplement formula with my breastmilk?
The world health organization, all of the American Academies of Physicians, and Unicef agree that a baby should be exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life. The introduction of other foods, including formula, by definition constitutes the start of the weaning process. How long you choose to continue to breastfeed after starting the weaning process is personal. It is also very influenced by the people around you. As with everything else, do your research and follow your heart. That said, the World Health Organization (WHO) offers the following hierarchical recommendations for feeding:
- Breastmilk from the mother's breast
- Expressed breastmilk from the mother
- Breastmilk from a healthy wet-nurse or a human-milk bank
- Breastmilk substitute
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, reasons for supplementing formula to a breastfed baby include:
- Severe dysmaturity, (postmaturity) or when the fetus has grown slower than is expected
- Very low birth weight
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Acute water loss
- If mother is suffering from an illness
- If mother requires medication that is dangerous to the baby
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8. My mother-in-law says that formula is just as good for babies as breastmilk. Is that true?
Extensive research of both breastmilk and formula over the past 3 decades has shown the amazing and overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. Human milk is species specific. Breastmilk is a live substance with antibodies and immunological properties that protect your baby from present and future illness.
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9. How much will it cost to feed my baby with formula for the first year, if I don’t breastfeed?
Research shows that feeding a baby with formula can cost from $1,400 up to $7,200 a year for babies needing specialty formula! This is just another reason breastfeeding is nature’s most amazing food. Even with the purchase of nursing bras, tops and pads, storage containers for breastmilk, and a double electric breastpump, breastfeeding should only cost about $330 to $540 per year. That means that moms who exclusively breastfeed will save an average of $1,000 a year!
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10. What about Pumping?
- Pumps come in a range from hand pumps to hospital grade pumps. The first question to consider before buying or renting a pump is to think about how much and how often you think you will be pumping. Pumping for an occasional bottle is different than pumping because you are returning to work. Hospital grade pumps (that one rents) are more efficient and more effective that pumps that can be bought.
- Pumping is a learned art; it takes time and practice. Pumping should NOT hurt. If it hurts there is a problem and you may need to talk to a lactation consultant to help figure out why – possibilities include: suction too high, wrong flange sizes,
- It is very important to understand that NO pump is as efficient as your baby. The amount that you pump may have no relationship to the amount that your baby takes at the breast. And the breast is NEVER empty!
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11. I'm feeling pressured to/not to breastfeed by those around me. What should I do?
Peer pressure is defined as influence exerted by peers (group of people who share some similarity) to change ones attitudes, values or behaviors in order to conform to the group. Parenting is a pivotal time in your life. It is a time that you look at how you were raised, how your friends are parenting, and start thinking about how you want to parent. This does not make what others are doing is right or wrong. We each find our own path. It is a time for you to grow, stretch and expand your wings. This is a time to make your own decisions and your own mistakes. You need to follow your heart and allow yourself to do, or not do what you feel is best for you and your family. At the end of the day neither your friends nor your parents are going home with you.
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12. My partner says if I breastfeed exclusively they’ll feel left out. How can I include them?
There are many ways to interact with your child other than feeding. Your partner will probably do many things that you won’t. Partners are often better at rocking than mother’s are. Your partner, other children and grandparents can bathe, walk, swaddle, sing to, and change the baby.
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13. What do I do if I'm expecting multiples?
The body will make the amount of milk that we ask it to make – mothers of twins, triplets and quads have all managed to successfully breastfeed their children without the need for supplementation. The secret to success – as always is having accurate information and a supportive team. Much of what is written in America is not as positive and the literature from overseas on breastfeeding multiples. There are more and more mothers choosing this path – so get help finding them for support and encouragement from someone who has 'been there.'
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14. Can I breastfeed if I'm adopting my baby?
Adoptive breastfeeding has probably been around for as long as human beings have inhabited the earth… “And Pharoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me.” Exodus 2.9
As with parenting, breastfeeding, and life—there are no 'rights' or 'wrongs.' A mother who chooses to breastfeed an adopted baby can do so for nurturance alone, for nurturance and what milk comes, or wanting a full milk supply. The means to these ends are equally varied: There are pharmaceutical protocols, homeopathic/herbal protocols, combinations of herbs/pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine and there a mothers who just put baby to breast. What's most important is finding a practitioner who will work with and support you along whatever path that you choose.
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15. How do I breastfeed if I'm planning to go back to work?
Yes! But there are some things you should know:
- Returning to work is adding another job onto an already full plate. Pumping at work requires scheduling. Many mothers have a conversation with their supervisors prior to taking maternity leave. Ideally you want a private, clean space to pump in.
- There is a lot of excellent information available on the advantages for the employer that you can share. The Connecticut Department of Public Health published one in October of 2011 that you could pull pieces from at www.breastfeedingct.org. Another excellent source for articles and the law state by state is: www.llli.org/law/lawus.html.
- If you can, start pumping and storing milk approximately a month in advance to going back to work so that you will have an ample storage set aside. This can reduce the stress around pumping enough for the next feed – you always know there is back up!
- Pump choice – this is very personal but Double pumping typically takes ½ the time! Hospital grade rental pumps are the most efficient and most effective but can be costly over time and are cumbersome. Portable pumps may not be quite as efficient but they are easier to transport and can be used 'anywhere,' even in a car… If you choose to buy a pump – do research – who is the manufacturer and what is their vested interest? The most expensive or the best marketed is not necessarily the "best".
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16. Is it possible that I just won’t make any breastmilk?
It is very unlikely. It is rare but, there are women who do not make enough to fully fed their babies.
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17. Other women in my family have had a hard time breastfeeding, so will I be able to?
The inability to breastfeed is not genetic, so your mother or sister’s experience doesn’t have to be your own. However, if other women in your family had a negative experience with breastfeeding, you may not receive the support you want from them.
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18. Do I have to drink milk to produce breastmilk?
No. Drinking cow’s milk or any other form of milk does not affect your production of breastmilk.
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19. Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
There is a small chance you can get pregnant again while breastfeeding. The Bellagio Consensus Conference on breastfeeding as a family planning method established that a mother who is fully or nearly fully breastfeeding her infant and remains amenorrheic (without her menses) will have more than a 98 percent protection from pregnancy in the first 6 months postpartum.
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20. Does the size of my breasts affect how much milk I’ll produce?
No, breast size is related to fat tissue not glandular structure.
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21. One of my breasts is much smaller than the other. Can I still nurse?
Yes. It is very normal for breasts to be different sizes. Breast size does not affect your ability to breastfeed or the amount of milk you will make. Breast size may affect milk storage capacity.
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22. Will my age affect milk production?
Milk production is determined by glandular tissue – much of which does not start to develop until you become pregnant.
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23. Can I still breastfeed if I've had breast surgery?
There is possibly more that we don’t know than we do know. I consider that any woman who has had any type of breast surgery someone who needs to be watched closely. It is important that we make sure that mom is ok and baby is getting enough to eat. That said. I have worked with mothers who have had reduction surgery who made plenty of milk; I have worked with mothers who have had augmentations who had plenty of milk. I have also worked with mothers who had breast surgery and did not make enough milk but breastfeed for the nurturance and what milk there was.
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24. Where can I go if I get discouraged or having problems breastfeeding?
If you are feeling discouraged, locate an internationally board certified lactation consultant who will come to your home and spend time evaluating what is going on and help you formulate a plan that will allow you to reach your breastfeeding goals. One place to look is: www.ilca.org
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25. What do I do when difficulties arise?
Difficulties arise in every aspect of life and breastfeeding and parenting are no exception. As we do with other difficulties—reach out to the professionals that can help you. There is a plethora of information and advice online—some is good and some is not good. What your girlfriend, sister or sister in law did, may or may not be right for you. Reach out to a professional who will walk with you through your journey and provide the information, support and encouragement that you want and need.
Some common stumbling blocks:
- Sore breasts or nipples
- Concern about how much the baby is getting
- Too much or too little milk production
- Engorgement
- The challenges of nursing multiples
- Premies
- Cluster feeding
- Nursing strikes
- Tongue tie, lip tie and other physical impairments
- Yeast, mastitis and other breast infections
- Returning to school or work
- Medications
- Post-partum Depression
You do not have to struggle with these concerns alone, there is help available. Reach out! The ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association) has a wonderful list of resources and directory of Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants who can help. Click Here For More Information.
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When all is said and done, breastfeeding is not for everyone. We want you to make an informed decision and the one that is best for you and your family is the 'right' decision. You can and will be wonderful parent, no matter your feeding choice. You will have a full and fulfilling relationship with your child/children--no matter your feeding choice. We, at Bellybum® and myself as a lactation consultant and parenting coach are here to support and encourage you and support you along your path.
Sincerely,
Patricia Berg-Drazin, RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
800.LACTATE (800.522.8283) or 847.512.7187
patricia@breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com
and The Bellybum® Team
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