Nursing Bras & Maternity Bras
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Nursing Bras & Maternity Bras
Feb 2009
I'm looking for a good source for a nursing bra in the Oakland/Berkeley area. Friends had recommended Cotton & Co., but when I tried to call them I found that they have gone out of business. Looks like most of the recommendations on the nursing bra advice page are at least a little out of date.
I am a 44D but could probably use a good fitting as well. Does anyone have any suggestions where to start?
Susan
Fashion After Passion in Alameda - make sure you get their new address - they moved about a year ago or so. They had a lot of sizes and there were bargains to be had on some good bras. Or the Nurture Center in Lafayette - they had a good selection of european bras that were supportive and comfy - important if you're a bigger size.
Susan
try natural resources in SF, they have an online store and carry a huge selesction of Bras. Greta place only carry products that are sustainable, organic and all the toys have been tested for led etc...Cara is the owner but all the girls are real helpfull. 415-550-2384, 1361 Valencia, www.naturalresources-sf.com
Mathew Carson mathewcarson@gmail.com
Although Cotton and Company has closed, they are still doing nursing bra fittings and sales through ''In Full Swing'' - a plus-size clothing store up the street. Give them a call and schedule a fitting. 654-5144.
Hoping to be helpful
I believe that In Full Swing on College Avenue in Oakland has just started a fitting service for nursing bras. They began offering it after Cotton Kids closed. http://infullswing.com
Laura Ward
I had a good experience at Fashion After Passion in Alameda.
Becky
Try Mimi Maternity in Emeryville (expensive, but they will probably be helpful in fitting).
May 2006
I'm expecting my second child in July, and I'm at a bit of a loss
for a good nursing bra... I was hoping some of the other
voluptuous women on this board could help :-).
Last time the biggest I got was a 40F... but my favorite nursing
bras by far were the Medela softcup seamless bra, either in 38 or
40 DD. They fit well, they were very comfortable, they didn't
make my breasts pointy, and they were easy to unhook and rehook.
Alas... I'm 7 months pregnant and already wearing a 38 G. I am
kind of afraid of how big my breasts are going to get when my
milk comes in, but I am right now going on the assumption that I
will need a 38 H. The wonderful, comfy Medela bras don't come in
cup sizes higher than DD.
By the way, yes, I have visited Cotton and Company in Rockridge,
twice, been helped twice by the expert there, and both times I
have ended up leaving the store with a bra or two that kind of
fit well in the store but was really so annoying or uncomfortable
in actual practice that I never wanted to wear them. In my
experience, they don't have enough brands or enough large-sized bras.
Soooo... here's what I'm looking for - please, if you have a bra
that fits all these criteria, let me know! I don't have the
money to buy a bunch of $40 bras that probably won't work, and I
ONLY had luck with the Medela before.
--No underwire.
--Not pointy.
--When you unhook it, there is still fabric around the whole
breast, not just on the outside - i.e., you open up the flap and
there's a hole for breastfeeding, not just a side strap. Also -
the hole has to NOT make the breast into a weird torpedo shape.
--Looks good under a t-shirt - not too much lace, no unfortunate
seams right at the nipple, you can't really see the hook/snap
part at the top.
--Very very supportive.
--If possible, doesn't give you a uniboob.
I know, I know, I'm being really picky. But I plan to nurse for
a long time (nursed for 3 years last time) and I am just DONE
with uncomfortable bras that don't work well for me. Please tell
me you know the perfect bra!
Thanks,
Jen
go to Fashion After Passion, Webster Street, Alameda on a day
the owner, J, is working. She is amazing. I promise you will
NOT leave the store unitl you find the perfect fit. I think she
has over 6,000 bras in stock. Seriously. Big, small whatever.
Me, I am ''low breasted'' and have big shoulders - we found not
one, but three nursing bras that I love. Cannot say enough good
things about her. Pretty sure she is there most weekdays.
good luck
I am normally a DD. Nursing I was a G, depending on the fitting
method used. I think with my last kid I was using the goddess
bras which can be purchased through Motherhood.com. I didn't buy
through them though because, as you would probably understand, I
refuse to buy bra's mail order unless it is my regular brand and
style. I started out by going to a place called Under It All.
(Last time I checked they were listed in the Oakland phonebook
even though they are located in Pittsburg.) It may seem far to
go, but it is TOTALLY worth the drive. 1st: they have all sizes,
well past G and H. 2nd: your personal fitter comes in to the
dressing room and measures you, hears your preferences and
brings out choices to you. They were very patient and
knowledgeable. 3rd: They sell many brands and styles. In fact
post babies, they are the only place I will go for specialty
bras (like that strappless contraption required when one is a
bride's maid) because I know they will carry my size and fit me
properly.
sometimes bigger doesn't seem better
Boy do I feel your pain! I was at least a G with my first and
probably bigger with my second (I'm a DD right now 2years post
birth). I tried a bunch and had the same set of criteria you
have with little success. I liked the Bravado the best for
comfort, but they lost fabric strength (stretch) rather
quickly. With my second I tried Target since I was sick of
paying $40 and up for each bra. For something like $20 they
have tank-top style nursing bras. They are very easy to
unclasp and the whole tank top is still on with only the flap
lowering. They are smooth stretchy cotton and never seemed to
lose their stretch. The do give a bit of the una-boob look,
but I was SOOOO happy to sacrifice individuality for comfort,
cost, longevity and ease of use! I also recommended these to
my PT and she LOVES them - I am now her patient ''who
recommended her nursing bra''. If nothing else, just take a
look at them. They might be the comfort bra you need for
casual settings and you can save the expensive, shapely one for
special events.
F
For comfort and support, I cannot recommend highly enough
www.decentexposures.com. Choose a nursing bra or not, the
regular bras lift up or down very easily. Choose the most
supportive fabric for your first purchase. They are wonderful
about helping you size yourself, and adjust your bra for free the
first time. The only other place I have gotten bras that fit
(and these are not nursing bras, my three year old only nurses at
wakeup and bedtime so I just switch to a Decent Exposure bra
then) is Nordstrom. They have great fitters there on staff and
are very helpful about suiting YOUR needs, not theirs. Good luck!
32 G who has been nursing 6.5 years
my wife really liked the glamourmom (www.glamourmom.com) nursing
bra tops -- they max out at g but/and are super stretchy and, she
thought, more comfortable than a nursing bra -- fits most of your
mentioned requirements. only the nursing bra top comes in larger
sizes. the nursing bra tank isn't as supportive
leanne
Might try Nurture Center in Lafayette. They had a pretty good
selection & were helpful for me
I will be interested to read the suggestions you get because I have some of the same
needs. I also love the Medela seamless bras but only use them at night since they
do give the ''uniboob'' look. I've been somewhat happy with 2 Anita bras I
purchased at the Nurture Center although, like you, really want something that has
much more fabric to support my breast when it is unclasped during nursing. I came
across the ''all-round'' model a few minutes ago and am considering it for my next
purchase. I know Anita has a website of their own, too, but I'm nursing as I type
this and can't to the other room where I have their web address!
http://braexperience.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BE&Category_Code=AnitaNursing
Also am picky and hate badly made bras
Sept 2005
My sister-in-law is expecting in October and is currently
wearing a size J cup bra. Does anyone know where she might be
able to find nursing bras in cup size J and higher (since her
size will likely increase once her milk comes in)? It seems that
no one makes nursing bras in these larger sizes - does anyone
have other ideas/alternatives to a nursing bra? Going braless
isn't really an option. Thanks.
- wanting to provide support...
Try calling Claudette (owner) of Cotton & Company on College Ave
in Rockridge. She's very knowledgeable. Good luck.
elizabeth
I haven't tried them myself, but a friend who's a championship
shopper swears by Decent Exposures bras
(www.decentexposures.com). They go up to size 54L and can be
ordered with or without nursing flaps. She said they were very
comfortable both when she was pregnant and when she was nursing.
Pam
From an internet search, these companies sell bras that large:
http://www.breastfeedingworld.com/Nursing%20Bras.htm
http://braexperience.com/FanceeFree.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007T8EUW/002-
6106909-5591256?v=glance
http://www.buststop.com/thebuststop/exsupnurbra.html
http://www.birthandbabyorders.com/index.php?p=166
Here's a British company. They may ship to the US or perhaps
you can find the same brands here in the US:
http://www.mothernaturebras.co.uk/nursing-bras.html
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Anon
I haven't tried them, but I've heard Fashion after Passion in
Alameda has a good selection of plus size nursing bras. I have
ordered from www.breakoutbras.com, and they carry the Goddess
line of nursing bras, which do run up to a J cup and seem to run
big overall, so that might work. They do returns or exchanges
and shipping is free.
Bras for Body and Soul in Fremont saved my J-cup dilemma.
www.hersfund.org. Newborn Connections at CPMC on California in
San Francisco also has a pretty good selection. Good luck!
Well supported
It's hard to find. I was there and that size and it's very,
very hard. That said, I did have some luck at ''Fashion After
Passion'' and actually Nordstroms did give great service and
help. This was 3 years ago. I hope it's better out there and
it's sweet of you to think of her and help!
glad I'm not a J anymore!
Try the Fancee Free Nursing Bra at:
http://www.biggerbras.com/brand_fancee_free_plus_size_and_nursing
_bras.shtml
These are the ones that I purchased when looking for nursing
bras and I needed a J cup as well.
Try Cotton and Company. There is another store that was across
the st from them. I cannot remember the name; and they moved.
Cotton and Co should have what she will need, will fit her and
all.
erika
Have you tried Fashion After Passion on Webster in Alameda? Jay
is real good at helping you and has lots of bras in stock or
would know where to order if she doesn't have the correct size.
Laura
Figleaves.com has nursing bras up to J size, and has free
shipping. I would recommend that she order several different
brands, as I found they all fit fairly differently. I ended up
with the Emma Jane, as it seemed to be the largest of the J
cups. Also, when my milk first came in, and before I lost the
pregnancy weight, I couldn't find a bra that fit, so one good
thing to know is that for each band size (eg 34 to 36) you go
up, the cup size goes down one size--thus a 36J would the same
cup size as a 34K--so she can buy a larger band size in a J and
have a tailor alter the band to fit. Good luck to her!
Been there!
Go see J at Fashion after Passion on Webster street in
alameda. she stocks over 6,000 new nursing bras and will know
what to do -- even if she does not carry it. she is not great
at answering her phone but is usually there. She is amazing.
love my bras!
http://breastisbest.com/
They go even beyond J!
June 2005
I'm still nursing my 15 month old, and my Bravado nursing bras
make me look like a sack of potatoes. I want to keep the ''easy-
access'' feature of nursing bras but find something that won't
make me look so dowdy. I think underwires are out, but are
there any other brands/styles that give some shape back to
nursing mommas?
Thanks
anon
I've tried lots of nursing bras. Ultimately, I like the Anita
bras that I get from Cotton and Company in Oakland on College.
They carry a $36 microfiber bra that has more shape (and keeps
it) than most non-underwire nursing bras. If you want to get
fitted at Cotton and Co. you need to make an appointment, but if
you know your size you can go without an appointment.
Catherine
Try www.birthandbaby.com they not only have an amazing selection of nursing
bras, but they have wonderful advice on which ones are right for your size AND
shape breasts. I have HUGE boobs so I really need an underwire and I like the
Leading Lady bras they carry. They give you lots of support, great shape and easy
access. I do find that they wear out rather quickly but I don't think that's too
unusual considering the weight they are carrying and how much I wear them. If you
buy from there and remember, please use my name as your referal because I get a
little off my next purchase for people I refer there. Thanks!
Lynn
June 2003
I'm looking for good, supportive nursing bras. Does anyone
have a favorite?
I checked the website and found everythig to be from 2000.
There have been a lot of new maternity lines since then, so I
was hoping for some more recent info.
Thanks!
While nursing two babies for one year each I bought nursing bras
everywhere from specialty shops to Target. My favorites - by
far - were the ones from Target. They have a great
selection,they have good supportive styles, the bras lasted a
long time and they're pretty inexpensive.
38D
I was fitted at Cotton & Company right before delivering and
ended up with Leading Lady bras for my large chest. Nothing
flashy, but comfortable enough that I'm still wearing them, even
though we've weaned!
*In need of new bras, too*
My favorite is the soft cup satin & lace available at Motherwear
(www.motherwear.com) which also has a pretty wide selection of
different styles, with support-level ratings.
Holly
Instead of buying too many pricey nursing bras, I converted some
of my comfortable, 100% cotton bras into flip-downs. Just snip
strap above the cup, add a snap, and sew on a length of elastic
from the strap to just below cup (so you don't lose the strap
when cup is flipped-down).
Or, you could go to Cotton & Company on College (near Rockridge
BART) and spend $25 on a Japanese Weekend bra. Very comfy, all
cotton. The Bravado felt even better, it's $34.
Be sure to avoid underwires, as they can lead to plugged
ducts/mastisis.
anon
The only nursing bra that I've found remotely comfortable,
supportive and easy to use (you can open and close it w/ one hand)
was by Olga. I got it at Mimi Maternity and, last time I checked,
they no longer sell the Olga one, but sell the exact same bra
under their own label. It is the ''cotton softcup nursing bra''.
http://MimiMaternity.com/Product.asp?category_Name=&category_Id=&product_Id=66453071
Another bonus of this bra is the no-seams at the nipples. I was
shocked when first shopping for bras that seamless bras are very
hard to find.
Good luck. I spent way too much money buying horribly
uncomfortable bras before finding this one.
Molly G
There are many different brands of nursing bras available. It
is probably best to go to a store such as The Nurture Center or
Cotton & Co. to check them out.
Medela makes a good, seamless bra, available in softcup and
underwire, that is quite supportive.
Other supportive bras are the Olga underwire, and then the
larger cup size bras (DD and up) by Fancee Free and Gabrialla.
Sherry
The best, most supportive nursing bra I found was Fancee Free
style #94305D Extra Support Softcup Nursing Bra. I bought one at
Fashion after Pasion in Alameda, liked it so much I ordred 2
more from www.lactationconnection.com. I'm up to a G-cup(!!!)
and it's the only one I'll wear now - I wear it on long walks
and it keeps everything in place. Laction Connection's
description of the bra is:
''This Fancee Free nursing bra has foam under support for lift
without the discomfort of a wire. Padded shoulder straps, 100%
cotton three-step cups, four-wide back closure make this the bra
of choice for larger busted mothers. White only.''
anon
I just got a nursing bra from Title 9 in Berkeley that I LOVE. I
wasnt' thrilled with the Bravado, as it seemed to stretch out too
fast. And I've tried a few others that have not offerred
adequate support. I don't know the name of the brand, but they
only have two (Title 9 is on 10th off Gilman, right near Smith
and Hawken) and this is the one with the lace in the middle
(which is great because it looks like a lace camisole under a
shirt if you want it to). The other one that they carry seemed
very supportive as well but they didn't make it big enough for
mamas like me.
Hilary
With my first son I purchased some Goddess bras toward the end
of nursing that I really liked, but they were expensive; around
$50 each. With my second son I found a sale at Motherwear.com
for about $30. I continued to use both brands and still prefer
the Goddess bra because the cup closure is easier to close with
one hand. (It is a plastic clasp instead of a hook and eye
closure.) I also have found that the Goddess bra held up better
in the laundry. They are in better shape that the ones from
Motherwear even though they have been around longer. Depending
on your size you may have more options than I did.
Rose
Fashion After Passion on Webster St in Alameda has the biggest
selection of maternity/nursing bras in the Bay Area. The owner,
Jaye, is extremely nice and helpful and the prices are quite
reasonable - especially for hard to find larger sizes (which is
what I was). Tell her I sent you!
Jessica
I don't know if you need large size nursing bras, or just
supportive ones. I have found www.birthandbaby.com to be a
wonderful site for nursing bras. I particularly like Goddess
brand, model 5011. A good site for fitting tips is
www.plussizebras.org.
The fit makes all the difference. Many people increase band
size when they actually need a smaller band and a bigger cup.
Melissa
I would second the recommendation for Goddess (511) bras--you can
get them at Lady Grace online for about $34 (until mid july)--I
have been using mine for the last 2 years of nursing and am very
happy with the support, the durability, the ease of unsnapping
one-handed, etc. They are white cotton, soft, no underwire, no
lace next to the skin, although they do have seams (which don't
bother me). I tried Bravado but found it too stretchy, the
Leading Lady was not enough support and not as comfy and would
unhook itself periodically, the Walmart one I tried had little
support, the Medela one I tried didn't stay as supportive and the
hooks were more difficult. As you can see, I was very happy once
I found Goddess! Good luck.
36C-40D depending on the moment!
Jan. 2000
What brand of maternity bras did you find most comfortable and supportive?
Where did you get them? How about nursing bras? Again, I'm interested in
comfort,
support and ease of use. Where did you get those? Thank you for your
information.
Alicia
I was able to wear 'normal' bras during maternity, although a much bigger
size. As a result
I did purchase several Olga's as they were very supportive at Macy's. About
two weeks before
my due date, I visited A Pea in a Pod in Walnut Creek next to Nordstrom's
for nursing bras.
I highly suggest going to a maternity store for purchasing of nursing bras.
The sales people
at "Pea" were very helpful and patient. I tried on about 10 bras, different
styles/sizes.
I ended up with two varieties: for day use - Olga with snap front but
support when open,
for night use -a jog style (slips over the head). I had originally bought a
different night
bra but prior to use changed my mind - they exchanged it no problem. They
will also allow
you to exchange after the baby and milk have arrived. I thought I would
have to exchange
after the fact but with their knowledge I purchased the right size the
first time. Good Luck!
Teri
Hi - Two things about nursing bras I would consider. First, if you are
going to pump a lot and have a Medela pump, I would certainly look into
a Medela nursing bra, since they already have all the loops and so forth
for using the hands-free pumping equipment (totally great - indeed,
revolutionary -- for frequent pumping at work), and you will not have to
"retro-fit" all your bras for this purpose. (If you will only pump once
in a while, however, this is not a big consideration, nor is the
"retro-fitting" all that difficult, anyway.)
That having been said, I bought my (non-Medela and retro-fitted) nursing
bras at Room for One More on Main Street in Walnut Creek, and was very
satisfied from the point of view of comfort, fit and price. The woman
who owns the place is great at sizing up one's needs. I have also heard
that Cotton & Company on College Ave. is good, but I have no personal
experience with them for bras (they are good for kids' shoes!).
Wendy
Best nursing bra I found was Bravado, sort of a sports type nursing
bra...very comfortable and easy to use. Cotton & Co. on College Ave. has
them. They have a web site too. Plus they have others and are quite good
at fitting you to a bra.
Hilary
I really loved the "Bravado" nursing bras. Snap closure is easier than
hook-&-eye (one-handed operation); stretchy cotton was very comfortable;
fabrics were pretty. You can get them thru the mail or at Birth & Bondage
on Solano.
Letitia
Regardless of the brand you choose (it will depend on your size) you must
go to Cotton and Company on College Ave and get fit by the woman my mom's
group nick-named "the bra goddess." I don't know her real name, but she
is white, has shortish hair and is middle-aged. She's extremely nice and
knows her bras!! She will take one look at you and set you up with the
right one. I haven't nursed for over a year but I wish I could take her
with me to get my regular bras!
Good luck!
I used the Bravada (Canadian-made), which can be obtained in a wide
range of great prints from the Bay Area Lactation Center at 2999
Regent Street across from Alta Bates hospital. It's around $30, and is
built like a comfortable sports bra but with a sturdy snap holding the
top of the cup to the strap, for quick and complete access during
nursing.
I got a rather plain Bravada for a discount rate
(20-something) at another maternity store (can't recall, but they are
spreading in availability).
In combination with the Bravada, which I wore sleeping as well as
awake (they are that comfortable, but to keep them clean you need at
least two), I used the Curity nursing pads (the only ones which really
didn't leak for me), and to overcome initial nipple soreness, an
occasional application of Lansinoh purified lanolin (endorsed by La
Leche League), available at Longs for $8 (more at Rite Aid). The
Lansinoh was a good purchase -- it also works on small cuts, diaper
irritations, and on the occasional cracked dry spots that I get on the
skin at the edges of my fingernails in winter
Heather
I bought my nursing bras from Macy's. The brand name is "Olga."
They are very comfortable and ease of use. I used them as maternity
and nursing bras. Good luck!
Recommendation for maternity and nursing bras: I recommend Melinda G bras,
which
are widely available (at Cotton on College and also at the Bay Area
Lactation Center next
to Alta Bates). They come in white and black. Very very comfortable and
easy to use.
Miriam
Not a specific bra recommendation, but if you are anywhere on the larger
side, I'd suggest getting one cheap nursing bra and then waiting about two
weeks to go to someplace where you can be fitted by someone with experience
(I, too, went to Cotton & Co.). The reason is that the first couple of
weeks after the birth, you'll be somewhat larger and possibly engorged a
bit until your milk supply "settles" down - I stretched out a really good
nursing bra, which made it much less useful later on.
Lysa
Another recommendation for bra extenders, which can greatly extend the
lifespan of maternity bras. They're just a 2" piece of elastic with hooks
and eyes that you attach to your bra. They're only $1 or $2 apiece (way
cheaper than a new bra!), and you can find them at any fabric store. I got
mine at Stonemountain and Daughter on Shattuck.
Jennifer
Sept. 1998
I am about half way through my pregnancy and cannot find a bra that fits
anywhere! The mall maternity shops don't carry anything that is big enough.
I have heard that Fashion After Passion in Alameda has a large stock of
bras in all sizes, but everytime I try to go there they are closed. I cant
even find their listing in the phone book to call ahead for their hours. I
know that I cannot be the only woman who did not begin pregnancy as a 32A,
but you would never guess that from what the stores sell. Even JC Penny's
only goes up to a size F. I am getting very frustrated and uncomfortable!
Can anyone recommend a shop that has maternity or nursing bras larger than
a size G in stock? I dont' want to buy something without trying it on
first! Thanks for any advice.
Try Lullaby Lane in San Bruno. I don't know if they have size G but they
have a lot of bras. You should probably call ahead about the bras but
you should check Lullaby Lane out anyway because they have an amazing
amount of baby stuff.
Loretta
My wife received excellent help from the folks at Cotton and Company on
College Avenue.
Bob
I recently bought a Bravada maternity/nursing bra and I love it!
I am still pregnant, so when the
baby is born, I will buy a few more to accommodate my added size. It is
kind of expensive, though--$32--so be aware. After using my old sports bra
for the past four weeks, I feel great!
Laurel
I would check out Cotton and Company on College Avenue in Rockridge. I do
not know what their largest size is, but I do know that they have an
extensive selection that spans larger cup sizes. I would talk to Claudette,
the owner, who is an excellent fitter. If she does not have what you need,
I think that she can special order something, or have bras specially made.
It is a great place. Good luck, Gail
Gail
I'm not quite as large breasted as the writer, but I did find exceptional
service and a very good selection of nursing/maternity bras at Cotton & Co.
on College Ave. in Rockridge. There is an elder woman there (the owner?)
who spends a lot of time with you and fetches loads of bras for you to try
on (a lot of stock is in the back, so you may mistakenly think the selection
is not overwhelming.) 3 out of the 4 nursing bras that I love and have used
for over a year were purchased there. I definitely recommend calling and
finding out the hours of this extremely helpful saleswoman before you visit
the store (of course, you may want to inquire about the availability of your
size as well.)
Diana
To bra searcher:
I
know Cotton and Company (On College Ave) also sells and fits maternity
bras. Trust me I was a D before pregnancy and off the charts during
pregnancy and breastfeeding.
I bought my nursing bras, with which I am very pleased, from Room For
One More in Walnut Creek. Although I did not get super-buxom, and so
have not had the difficulties you have experienced, Room for One More
specializes in fitting nursing bras, and you might call them to see what
they can do for you. They do keep regular business hours, are extremely
pleasant, and might even do a special order. They also have reasonably
priced casual maternity clothes. Good luck!
You might also try the stores that specialize in clothing for larger
women. Two that spring to mind are Says Who? on Piedmont Ave. in
Oakland (and its consignment cousin, Seams to Fit, on Telegraph, I
think), and In Full Swing on College Avenue in Elmwood/Rockridge.
It'd be worth a phone call, anyway.
Wendy
Have you tried Cotton and Company, on College in Oakland? The owner is
very knowledgable about fitting bras, and they are open better hours than
Fashion After Passion. The only catch is that I do not know the range of
bras they keep in stock. I had no problem, but I wear a much more
"typical" size. Good luck!
Dawn
I have a 4-month-old and found that Medela (producer of many breast-feeding
products) makes incredibly comfortable all-cotton nursing bras in a wide
variety of sizes and levels of support. The bras even come with directions
on how to fit a nursing bra correctly (not an easy task!) I found them at
Babies-to-Kids on Paseo Padre in Fremont (where I live). You might find a
retailer closer to your home by calling Medela at 1-800-435-8316 or on
their web site www.medela.com.
Carol
Try calling Mimi Maternity in San Francisco, they are located at the same
shopping mall as Nordstrom. There is another great maternity store right
next to Nordstrom in Walnut Creek, I don't remember the name but they are
somehow affiliated with Mimi Maternity, so you can get both numbers by
calling M M.
Tatiana
Try
calling Nordstrom. A few years ago they carried a nursing bra by Olga
which was quite comfortable.
Natasha
Rather than getting a maternity bra, I was advised to go to Nordstrom's
and get fitted for a Wacoal brand bra. They come in large sizes and are
*very* comfortable (although not cheap). The style I bought was called
"Body Suede," and I highly recommend it. If you go, tell them you are
pregnant, and they can also sell you some extenders for the back hooks, so
that you do not have to keep buying new bras as your ribcage expands. (If
you go to Walnut Creek, ask for Chrystal Newton, the Asst. Manager in
Lingerie -- she was wonderful.)
I have also heard that Cotton & Company on College Ave. is a good place to
go for nursing bras, but I am not ready for those yet, so I haven't
personally experienced it!
To the woman who needs a large size maternity bra: There is a store in
Walnut Creek that sells maternity clothes and is said to be the best place
to get large size maternity and nursing bras. I had a friend whose cup
size went up to H during nursing and she found she had a good selection
there. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the store, but if you
look in the yellow pages and call around you'll find it. Its NOT one of
those chains connected to Pea in the Pod. Its not located in the mall but
on one of the main shopping streets. Sorry I can't be more specific but I
hope this helps.
Jenny
I want to second (third? fourth? :)) the recommendation of Cotton &
Company on College Ave. for nursing/maternity bras. I also blew up like a
balloon and Claudette saved my life! Also, I'd like to nominate Cotton &
Company as the first recipient of our "Good Feedback" from this list.
Apparently lots of people have had good experiences there--let's let them
know!
Lea
There is a relatively new shop run by two pediatric nurses at 2999 Regent
Street across from Alta Bates hospital that will special order maternity bras
for you. They have a small selection of bras in-stock too. The women were
extremely nice and helpful. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the
store but perhaps if you call up the Long's next door to it, they might be
able to tell you.
Denise
this page was last updated: Nov 29, 2009
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