Fitting Room Frequently Asked Questions
Sister sizes are alternate sizes that surround your bra size where the cup volume remains the same. Handy for when your favourite bra isn’t available in your size or the style runs a little small or big. Think of it like a See-Saw, when you go down in the band, you need to go up in the cup size to keep the cup volume the same. Then in reverse, when you go up in the band fit, you need to go down in the cup size.
For example: 12D sister sizes down to 10DD or sister size up to 14C – all have the same cup size
We know your body shape is changing constantly, so we recommend taking our Fit Quiz to find out what your size is. Sizes are shown in US sizing
We have Nursing lingerie for every style and occasion, every lifestyle, and every stage of pregnancy and nursing. All our bras are designed for your comfort – take a look at ourshop by trimesterto find the style best for you. Sizes are shown in US sizing
Designed by mothers for mothers, our priority is on your comfort, support, and wellbeing.
We use certified premium fabrics, materials, and accessories to ensure you have only the best nursing bras and we follow the latest in trends to ensure you have the best fashion styles to choose from.
Hotmilk nursing bras feature soft cup linings, drop-down clips for breastfeeding, minimal seams, graduated straps, and 6 hooks & eyes for back adjustment so they'll stretch and grow with you through pregnancy and post pregnancy.
Nursing pads are going to be an essential item for you. One of the less glamourous sides of breastfeeding is that your breasts will leak in-between nursing. The pads are worn inside your bra against your skin. They are bamboo and washable and will catch any leaking to ensure you stay dry.
Your regular bras do not allow room for your diaphragm to expand during
pregnancy. We recommend you change to a nursing bra as soon as you feel
that your bust is changing during your pregnancy. All our nursing bras
can be worn while pregnant, but also have drop-down clips for
breastfeeding. They have 6 rows of hooks and eyes for back adjustment
(regular bras have three) so they can be worn while pregnant and grow
with you, and then post-pregnancy you can move it back in again. Sizes
are shown in US sizing
It’s never too early to start wearing our lingerie, but we say it's a personal choice, the right time is when you feel like things are changing. Our bras are all designed to transition with you through all the stages.
Trimester One & Two - you will find your body changing and an increase in your bust and/or band size as your pregnancy progresses. If the bra you are wearing is too small and starting to dig in to you, take our fit quiz to find your size.Sizes are shown in US sizing
Trimester Two & Three - It is time to check your fit. Uou may find your band and your breast size will have increased, don't worry, it is not uncommon for your band and bust size to go up a couple of sizes during pregnancy, and there can be a need to have multiple different bra sizes during your pregnancy. We are all so different so it is important to check your fit. Sizes are shown in US sizing.
Trimester Four (baby arrives) – From now you may even want to slowly go down a band size as your rib cage will come back in. Most people need at least 2 cup sizes bigger than their original size, but once baby is settled and feeding regularly, you may start to decrease in bust size as well. Don’t forget though, if your bra feels constrictive in any way, you need to re-take our fit quiz. Motherhood can be a bumpy ride, you haven’t got time for uncomfortable nursing bras. Sizes are shown in US sizing.
We recommend at least 2-3 Hotmilk nursing bras. One on the body, one in the drawer, and one is always in the wash! You will need your first Hotmilk bra in your 1st or 2nd trimester and then another couple at your re-fit at end of the 2nd or early in the 3rd trimester. It's very common to need multiple different bra sizes during your pregnancy. This will see you through the birth of your baby and your milk flow arriving. It also ensures you will always have a clean, dry bra available when nursing.
Every woman is different. It is not uncommon for a woman to go up 2-3 band sizes and 2-3 cup sizes in pregnancy. For early pregnancy, it's good to go up in both. When you are closer to birth, you won't need to increase the band any further, but we do suggest going up one more cup size to allow for when the milk comes in. Sizes are shown in US sizing.
FIT TIP - Don’t underestimate how much your body will change. Your cup and band size could increase multiple sizes... Its all part of becoming a mama!
The extra hooks and eyes of our Hotmilk bras cater perfectly for the growth through pregnancy and post birth, so don't go too big in the band.
Flexiwire bras are amazing for shape and lift, so we say these are ideal styles for work, going out and special occasions. We don’t recommend them to sleep in or for the hospital and the first few weeks of having a baby. Flexi wire support holds the shape of the cup and holds the bra against the frame of the body offering great shape & support We recommend wirefree if you’re experiencing any discomfort, for your hospital stay and also those initial weeks when baby is born as you want to be super comfortable in those early weeks and you need a bra that won’t dig in when your milk comes in and wire-free styles are far more able to accommodate you if your breasts do get bigger.
Excerpt from The Australian Breastfeeding association:
"Many women prefer underwire fashion bras and are confused when told these are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. The reason for this is, once again, your changing breast shape. When breastfeeding, the breasts can increase and decrease in size during the day, as milk is produced and removed. Retained fluid in late pregnancy can also cause the breast to swell. Although only a slight change in size is occurring, a rigid underwire may put pressure on the breast when it is fuller. Such pressure can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended. However, there are now nursing bras available that have flexible metal support, similar to an underwire, designed to flex and change position with your changing shape. These are less likely to cause problems."
We have some amazing fitting videos which you can watch here fitting videos.
Also, chat to us. We're here to help and can offer some great advice, people even like to email us photos (headless for privacy), so that we can help ensure the fit is correct.
Step 1. Before fitting the nursing bra, extend the shoulder straps out right to the end.
Step 2. Slip the straps over your shoulders and whilst holding both ends of the bra, lean forward into the bra so your bust will fall naturally into the cups.
Step 3. Stand up straight and fasten the back closure as tight as you can, it's better for a strong support. All Hotmilk bras have 6 rows of hook & eyes to provide room for expansion in the diaphragm while you are pregnant. Note: If you are 7-8 months pregnant when you are being fitted, the bra doesn't need to have as much room for expansion as your rib cage won't increase too much more now.
Step 4. Pull the bra down firmly to position the back fastening underneath the shoulder blades.
Step 5. Lift your bust into the bra cups by using the opposite hand to the breast. This ensures the breast is correctly positioned in the cup and isn’t sitting under the band or spilling over the top of the underarm. Note: There should be enough room in the cup for you to slide your hand into the upper cup for expansion when the milk flow arrives.
Step 6. Lastly, adjust your shoulder straps so they give a firm but comfortable uplift to your bust.
We have a collection of vides that we have made for you to watch, learn and enjoy:
