CONTRIBUTED BY MEREDITH NOVARIO
I didn’t even dare formulate this question in my head in my post-partum days. I don’t think my delicate state of being could have withstood a trip to a Japanese clothing store where the bras would have been a much better fit for my neck than my actual apparatus. So for the brave lady who dared to ask, may you find the perfect fit.
Where can I find a maternity store that carries nursing bras? The exchange carries a very limited supply, but nothing in the larger sizes. Am I forced to internet shop for these? I really wanted to try them on before I buy to ensure the proper sizing and fit. I have a feeling the Japanese stores won’t carry much in the way of larger sizes, but thought I’d ask anyway!
If you need larger sizes than DD try http://www.birthandbaby.com
The ladies there are very helpful with fitting and offer a good return policy.
I was just at the American Village Jusco today and checked out the nursing bras there. Definitely a limited selection but I also saw some larger sizes there so it may be worth checking out. I specifically saw one that said “E85” on the tag which according to the website listed below is equivalent to a 38DD. Hope this helps!
http://www.cameo-intimates.com/lingerie/biz/bra_sizing.html
When I was nursing (almost 6 years ago), I tried lots of nursing bras for larger sizes and hated all of them but the Bravado bra:
http://www.bravadodesigns.com/home.asp?area=US
This is the only one that I found that actually supported me and was comfortable. I found that the straps were usually too small and skinny to give any support, especially when you are heavy with milk.
I don’t think you will find it in Okinawa, and even if you were in the states, it would be hard to find a good selection of plus sized nursing bras. I think you are going to have to shop online.
I’m not sure whether or not they carry nursing bras at Nishimatsuya (near Araha Beach) but you can try checking there if you have some time. If anything you can find some clothing or gear for babies and young children.
Check this post for directions and more information.
http://okimama.wordpress.com/2007/02/04/nishimatsuya/
Good luck!
I am sorry but this island does not have much selection for anything but petite women. I was an XL during my entire prgnancy so I ended up just buying them at http://www.motherhood.com You might want to try the mall thing down in Naha. I know there are tons of stores in it, just dont know if there is a maternity store…never hurts to try though
They do have nursing bras at JUSCO. They are in the maternity section next to the baby clothes. They may not have a huge selection (I haven’t personally shopped for one, I’ve just seen them there), but it’s a start. Hope this helps.
Yikes, that is a difficult one, but I’m glad you asked it b/c I might need the answer someday. Have you asked your OB/GYN? SO many women having babies on this island, someone has to know…
I have no idea where you could find one locally, but a friend of mine was an expert on large sized bras and her maternity bra recommendations even back in the States were to order online from one of these three:
undercoverexperience.co.uk
bravissimo.com
decentexposures.com (for a cotton one for sleeping in)