When to Buy a Nursing Bra - Plus, a Handy Guide on Fit, Style & Leakproof Options
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Time to read 6 min
We get it: scrolling 'when to buy a nursing bra' at 8pm on a Saturday life feels a real departure from life six months ago. But if there's one item you'll wear over and over during pregnancy, it's a maternity bra.
Plenty of clothes work perfectly fine at any stage of pregnancy and postpartum. Elasticated waistlines, empire lines and oversized silhouettes mean you can get away with avoiding maternity-specific clothes if you so choose (though, you might be pleasantly surprised, and a lot more comfy, if you don't).
But there's one item, we would argue, that is a bit of a necessity. If you're planning to breastfeed, pump, or a bit of both, a nursing bra isn’t a bad idea.
None of the above? Investing in a maternity bra is still worth it for pregnancy comfort.
Thankfully, the days of clunky and ugly nursing and maternity bras are largely gone, having been replaced with functional, inconspicuous and, dare we say, pretty designs from the likes of Bravado , Natal Active and the nothing short of revolutionary Lesh (more on that later). Swapping out your spicy lingerie, figure smoothing solution wear and even sports bras is no simple task, but if you're hoping to feel supported and comfortable in the challenging months ahead, it's time to squirrel away your old bras, and invest in the best nursing bras, now.
And, spoiler: not all nursing bras are created equal. Let us explain.
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Do you really need a nursing bra? When to buy a nursing bra? Trending nursing bras What exactly is a nursing bra and why do you need one? Why are underwire bras not recommended? What to look for in a nursing bra What are clips? How to choose the right nursing bra for you How to find your bra size 9 Nursing & Maternity Bras we Love Best nursing bra for sleep Best Bravado nursing bra Best sports nursing bra Best cute nursing bra Best leakproof nursing bra Best nursing bra for pumping Trending breastfeeding accessories Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really need a nursing bra?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding is of course possible sans bra, but a quality nursing bra can be vital in avoiding discomfort and difficulty in feeding. Lactation Consultant, Independent Nurse and author Sarah Oakley told us: ‘When breastfeeding breasts are full and heavier than usual, especially in the beginning, or in larger breasted mothers, a supportive bra… can be helpful in terms of comfort and help reduce back strain. Nursing bras … can make feeding out and about much easier too, as opposed to wearing a normal bra.’
When to buy a nursing bra?
It might surprise you but trimester one is not too early. In the beginning weeks of pregnancy your boobs change a lot - it's all thanks to hormones. There's also a major change in the early weeks of postpartum; so buy early and wear for months.
Trending nursing bras
What exactly is a nursing bra and why do you need one?
Doing what they say on the tin, nursing bras are bras that let you nurse, or breastfeed, with much greater ease.
"ill fitting bras can cause blocked ducts and mastitis.’."
Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová:
Why are underwire bras not recommended?
Nursing bras are typically without an underwire to improve comfort, but also to ensure your milk and milk ducts aren’t physically blocked or restricted.
What to look for in a nursing bra
When scrolling and shopping for a nursing bra, there's more to consider than free shipping. It pays to have these things in mind:
- Fluctuations in breast size
- Breastfeeding access
- Support needs
- Pumping access
- Clips or no clips
What are clips?
Nursing bras with clips: Fashioned with clips above a fabric cup (called ‘drop down cups’), they allow you to access your chest and feed your child in a simple manoeuvre, as well as promoting that much-lauded skin to skin contact.
Nursing bras without clips: Designed with a low V-neckline that easily pulls to the side for feeding. Front strap sliders allow quick support adjustments—ideal for fluctuating cup sizes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Styles vary from traditional clasp backs to elastic crop-top designs.
How to choose the right nursing bra for you
According to Lactation Consultant Oakley, while feeling supported is great for back pain and general comfort, a too small bra, or one that has restrictive underwires, is your biggest concern when choosing a maternity or nursing bra as, ‘ill fitting bras can cause blocked ducts and mastitis.’
How to find your bra size
You’ll need a tape measure to get two key measurements: band size and bust size.
To measure your band size, wrap the tape measure under your breasts, around your rib cage, keeping it snug but not too tight.
For your bust size, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. These two measurements will help you determine your cup size.
To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust size. Each inch of difference corresponds to a cup size. Here’s a guide for UK cup sizes:
- 1 inch = A cup
- 2 inches = B cup
- 3 inches = C cup
- 4 inches = D cup
- 5 inches = DD cup
- 6 inches = E cup
- 7 inches = F cup
- 8 inches = FF cup
- 9 inches = G cup
- 10 inches = GG cup
Once you’ve got these measurements, you can confidently choose the right nursing bra for support and comfort during pregnancy and beyond.
Oakley suggests, ‘sizing can be an issue if you buy [bras] before birth as breasts will change size and shape when milk comes in and then again when supply stabilises…I would suggest just getting one or two [when pregnant] and then investing in more once baby has arrived to allow for changes in breast size.’
Photo by dihandrea
9 Nursing & Maternity Bras we Love
Best nursing bra for sleep
Jorgen House’s Lounge Bra features a zip front and waffle knit and is brilliant as the name suggests to lounge about in or for sleep. With no metal, clasps or adjustable straps it's the comfiest underwear for broken nights and 4am feeds.
Best Bravado nursing bra
Breastfeeding (sadly) isn’t all lounging about on the sofa, and you need bras that can not only fit into your busy life, but enhance it: Bravado’s Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bras are the smooth, bust-supporting bra of choice for those wanting to feel a bit more polished and put together
Best sports nursing bra
If you’re ready to work out, consider Natal Active’s Artemis Nursing Sports Bra that fits up to a G cup (a solid option if you need a nursing bra for larger breasts).
Best cute nursing bra
If you’re missing a more flirty style, then Six Studio’s Rosa Lace Trim Nursing Bra is the one for you
Best leakproof nursing bra
If you’re prone to leaking, we’d recommend investing in Lesh’s Freeflo Leakproof Nursing Bra which absorbs any surplus milk and even postpartum sweat - we told you it was revolutionary.
Best nursing bra for pumping
If breastfeeding isn’t how you feed your little one, or you want to enjoy some of the freedoms that come with pumping, nursing bras’ adjustable sizing and easy access make them ideal for slipping a hands free pump in too.
More support
Trending breastfeeding accessories
So, now you know just how necessary nursing bras are, how they work, when to get one, that they can be used for pumping and that the right size can help avoid blocked ducts, shop our collection and bring more joy to feeding time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you stop wearing underwire?
Damage can occur if the underwire is too tight, restrictive, and presses against your breast tissue. It's advised to avoid underwire bras during the first trimester of pregnancy and in the first 4-6 weeks postpartum, as this is when breast size tends to fluctuate the most.
Do underwire bras affect milk supply?
Underwire can press on the edges of the milk ducts, potentially leading to blockages, according to NCT. If you choose to wear an underwired bra, make sure it fits with extra care and avoid it if it shows any signs of pressing into your breast tissue.
When to measure maternity bra size?
It’s recommended to have your bras professionally fitted on a regular basis and to update them every six months. This becomes especially important during pregnancy, as breast size and shape often change. Consider getting measured in the first trimester for the best fit.
Many department stores and specialty shops provide free measuring services- even in bras they don't stock.
Is it ok to sleep in a maternity bra?
Yes, as long as you're avoiding underwire. For the best comfort, choose sleep specific brands and think about leakage too. Lesh are changing the game with their leakproof bra.
