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Congratulations, you are having a baby! Now you just need to prepare for its arrival. With cots, prams, baby clothes and everything else to purchase, your own requirements can get overlooked, but you will need to invest in a nursing bra to ensure optimal comfort and support in the early days post-partum. In this article, we can guide you and help you find your perfect bra for breastfeeding.
With top picks from best-selling brands such as Bravado and Hotmilk, we've chosen a range to suit everyone; pretty plunge bras, practical bralettes and budget-friendly options too. We take into account the best fabrics to opt for, the different fittings and how to measure yourself to ensure the correct fit. Having a baby can be hard work, but choosing a nursing bra doesn't have to be.
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A breastfeeding bra needs to feel comfortable and secure, particularly in the early days post-partum when you will be tender and sore. However, before the baby arrives it can be difficult to gauge the correct bra size.
Your body will change dramatically after giving birth and so it is important to take that into consideration. Experts recommend buying two cup sizes up from your pre-pregnancy bra size, so check that the range you're considering can provide this. Fortunately, nowadays there are many inclusive maternity brands as well as those designed for those with a larger bust.
It is also advised that you visit a nursing bra retailer towards the final weeks of your pregnancy and get measured properly. While you need to go up cup sizes, you will be required to go down at least 1 back size once your bump begins to reduce in size. Being measured properly means you will have the correct support once the baby is here, without having to trek into town with a newborn to shop for bras.
Don't forget the nursing pads!
It is common to have very sensitive skin post-partum, and once your milk comes in you can suffer from engorgement too. So, you are going to want a bra that feels comfortable without adding to your already-rising body temperature. Ensure you check the materials present in your breastfeeding bra before you buy, as not all are made the same.
Cotton or cotton-mix bras are a great choice as natural fabrics are soft and breathable. Synthetic materials such as polyester can be less breathable, although they often have moisture-wicking technologies and are durable and machine-washable – all much-needed in a nursing bra. If you opt for a recycled material, look for the OEKO-TEX certification to ensure it is free from harmful processing ingredients.
You might also want to pick up a sleep bra for comfort during the night
Breastfeeding bras are non-wired to help prevent blocked ducts and mastitis, but they do come with handy features to ensure easy access when you have a hungry baby. There are two main types to decide between: simple fold-down panels, or clips that connect the cup panel to the strap and can be folded down when feeding time comes.
Both styles feature easy access, but the fold-down panels can be a little more fiddly to tuck away which you may find a problem when out and about with the baby. Clips are the favoured design as they are practically effortless and provide a subtle transition to feeding. If you buy nursing tops along with breastfeeding bras, it will make feeding that little bit easier.
There's also the option of a nursing cover for breastfeeding while out and about
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bravado Seamless Nursing Bra | £36.00 High Mid | An Ultra-Comfy Seamless Bra in a Great Range of Sizes and Colours | ||
2 | neppein Maternity Nursing Bra|Pack of 3 | £17.84 Low Mid | A Three-Pack of Bralettes for Those After a Budget Option | ||
3 | Ivory Rose Maternity Fuller Bust Lace Wired Non-Padded Nursing Bra |Teal | £18.00 Low Mid | A Top-Drawer Treat for Larger Chests | ||
4 | Hotmilk Nursing Ambition Wire-Free Soft Cup Bra | £30.00 High Mid | A Stylish Plunge-Style Bra Designed for Skin-to-Skin Contact | ||
5 | John Lewis & Partners Amelia Padded Nursing Bra | £20.00 Mid | Practical, High Quality and Suitable for All Cup Sizes | ||
6 | Medela Seamless Sleep Maternity & Nursing Bra | £12.29 Low | A Stretchy Sleep Bra to Wear Throughout Pregnancy and Nursing | ||
7 | Momanda Wire-Free Lace Nursing Bralette | £18.00 Low Mid | A Pretty Bralette Available in a Wide Range of Colours | ||
8 | John Lewis & Partners Lace Trim Modal Nursing Bra|Pack of 2 | £35.00 High Mid | Pack of 2 Lace-Trim Nursing Bras for Superior Comfort | ||
9 | Lindex Moulded Nursing Bra | £20.00 Mid | Moulded Cups From a Sustainable Scandi Brand | ||
10 | Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Nursing Bra | £36.00 High Mid | The Super-Soft Designer Bra From a Best-Loved Label |
A comfortable, easy style for seamless wear under t-shirts and vests, this bra from Bravado comes in multiple colours meaning you can buy the range to suit whatever outfit you have on. It also comes with the all-important one-handed clips which will make feeding time much easier.
This nursing bra is made from 70% recycled nylon, making it not just an ultra-comfy option but a sustainable one too. But don't fear, it comes with the all-important OEKO-TEX certification, so it is free from any harmful chemicals used during the processing stage. If you want a bra that will withstand wash after wash – and who doesn't – then this is it!
Budget doesn't always mean basic, and this pack of three nursing bras are proof. Despite being very reasonably priced, no detail has been spared. The team at neppein have gone one step further than other maternity brands by including free bra extenders, meaning you can wear it through pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Made from super-soft material, the bras are comfortable enough to sleep in and their durable material means they'll stand up to repeated washing – a must-have in case of leaks. The straps are adjustable, ensuring a secure fit, and each bra is finished with an easy clip for feeding.
Maternity and nursing bras have gained themselves a reputation for being practical but far from pretty. We are pleased to say that this breastfeeding bra breaks the mould. Whilst it comes with the features you would expect, the designers have incorporated a stunning deep teal shade with lace and cute bow detailing to finish.
Looks aren't everything either – we are thrilled to see that this bra comes in a huge range of sizes aimed at those with larger chests. Adjustable straps help ensure a close and comfortable fit and a clip for easy feeding. Just note that this one is hand-wash only.
Hotmilk are a renowned company specialising in trendy maternity and nursing underwear and this bra is no exception. With a plunge front and stylish under-cup elastic, it appeals style-wise but still has the practicalities associated with nursing underwear.
We love that the clips are magnetic, meaning that when you are trying to do yourself back up one-handed, the magnet guides the clip into place with minimal hassle. The cups include a 'side-sling' too, so you can have full skin-to-skin contact with your baby whilst still wearing a bra.
John Lewis is synonymous with quality and this bra is everything you would expect from this well-loved brand. With soft padded cups, easy clip access and adjustable straps, it incorporates all the necessities required for a comfortable and secure nursing bra.
John Lewis also provide a free bra-fitting service in-store which you can book an appointment for, meaning you are guaranteed the perfect fitting underwear without too much hassle. This bra is also machine washable. While it may not be the prettiest, it does an excellent job in practicality.
This bra is designed to take you from pregnancy through to nursing. Made from super-stretchy fabric, it will accommodate your ever-changing shape over all four trimesters. There are no seams or clips, meaning nothing to dig into your skin, ensuring as restful a night as possible.
With moisture-wicking abilities too, this bra will keep you cool no matter the weather. This is a very comfortable choice, but not ideal for day wear as the fold-down panel isn't as easy as clips when out and about. This bra is also only available in small, medium and large, so it may not be suitable for all sizes.
If you're a fan of bralettes, this is the one for you. Available in a huge range of colours, this nursing bralette features a delicate lace pattern for a pretty, feminine finish. The cups are slightly padded to help the bra retain its shape, particularly useful if you are using breast pads.
This bra is made from synthetic materials yet doesn't boast the moisture-wicking technologies that other synthetics do, so it is worth keeping an eye on this if you are prone to overheating. Nevertheless, we think the pretty, practical design makes this worthy of our list.
This is a convenient set of two nursing bras from favourites John Lewis & Partners. Crafted from a soft knitted Lenzing modal fabric, they are exceptionally comfortable to wear yet stretchy to ensure a close fit as your breasts change in size. This two-pack comes in pink and black to provide options depending on your clothes.
Whilst these bras do tick most boxes, reviews do state that they are not the most supportive for larger sizes and are not best suited for sleeping in, particularly if you are relying on them to hold in breast pads to prevent leakage.
We adore this brand; Lindex are a Scandinavian company with a sustainable ethos, ensuring all their underwear is made from organic or recycled material. With a double layer to the cups, this bra is perfect for feeding when out and about.
The moulded cups add a bit of style too, and overall this is definitely one of the chicer options out there. On the downside, this bra is hand-wash only and it comes in a fairly limited size range from 34B to 38E, meaning it is not suitable for all buyers.
If you are a big fan of Calvin Klein underwear, never fear, pregnancy doesn't mean you have to relinquish your favourite brand. CK have designed this bra in a similar fashion to your much-loved non-nursing bras, with the iconic labelled under-bust elastic. However, they have included the all-important clip for easy-access feeding.
Despite its title, this bra isn't 100% cotton, but rather a cotton-modal mix, the latter of which is known for its silky-soft feel and absorbent, colour-fast properties. Sadly, this fabric combination, while super-soft, is hand-wash only – not always the easiest option when there is a tiny baby in tow.
No. 1: Bravado|Seamless Nursing Bra
No. 2: neppein|Maternity Nursing Bra|Pack of 3
No. 3: Ivory Rose|Maternity Fuller Bust Lace Wired Non-Padded Nursing Bra |Teal
No. 4: Hotmilk|Nursing Ambition Wire-Free Soft Cup Bra
No. 5: John Lewis & Partners|Amelia Padded Nursing Bra
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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