Especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is important to have a well-fitting nursing bra that does not leave any pressure marks and does not further irritate the sensitive breasts. The nursing bra must therefore be particularly comfortable, provide reliable support and at the same time have easy handling for breastfeeding.
It’s not that easy to find the perfect nursing bra, so we’ve compared nursing bras and selected 9 great models. Among them, you will find chic bras, simple t-shirt bras that do not stand out, and also something super comfortable for the night.
Next, we want to help you decide which nursing bra is right for you. In our product recommendations you can find it today.
- You can start looking for a suitable nursing bra as early as the 36th week of pregnancy. At this time you will be able to estimate approximately what size your breasts will reach.
- At the latest 4-6 weeks before the birth you should buy a nursing bra.
- During your pregnancy you should measure the size of your breasts several times. Ideally, the first time in the 4th month and another time in the 7th month.
- When determining the size, proceed as with normal bras and measure the underbust and upper chest circumference. You can now determine your size using common size charts.
- The underbust band should be tight when you buy it, as the rib cage widens during pregnancy and becomes narrower again after birth.
- Choose a bra with several closures sizes, at least 4 or more.
- When buying, the outermost clasp should fit. The bra must fit snugly.
- Half a fist should still fit in the cup at the time of purchase to allow for further breast growth.
- A bra with underwires may seem constricting . Therefore, it is advisable to have an underwire-free one on hand just in case.
- Don’t wear an underwire bra while sleeping to avoid squeezing your breasts.
- Choose a sturdier material than ordinary bras. Your breasts will increase in weight during breastfeeding and need to be supported accordingly.
- Make sure that the material is comfortable to wear and has sufficient elasticity.
- Cotton is particularly suitable. It is skin-friendly, breathable, comfortable to wear and adapts to the shape of your breasts.
- Bras made of synthetic fibers such as polyamide, polyester spandex or nylon are very insensitive, easy to clean and easy to care for. They also offer a particularly high stability.
- Preferably buy bras marked as machine washable . So you can simply add them to the normal wash. Mixtures of polyamide and spandex are usually not suitable for the washing machine.
Table of contents
Recommended Nursing Bras
Tip: You can find practical nursing pillows in our guide to nursing pillows.
The Best Sellers Of Nursing Bras
In this bestseller list we have compiled the most popular nursing bras for you.
Tip: Fashionable nursing dresses can be found in our guide to nursing dresses.
Current Offers Of Nursing Bras
Here you will find a collection of current offers on nursing bras.
Nursing Bra Advice
Which Nursing Bra Suits Me?
Especially with the nursing bra applies: You must feel comfortable and it must be comfortable! I would like to help you decide which nursing bra is right for you. Since you’ve been using bras for a while now, I’m sure you can tell exactly which type you find most comfortable. Many now shy away, because often means comfortable boring. But this does not have to be the case. There are now many good-looking nursing bras that are very convenient and comfortable.
Which Type Of Nursing Bra Are You?
Most new moms prefer a nursing bra without an underwire because it is especially comfortable and does not leave any pressure points during the night. Another reason is that bras with underwires cause unpleasant milk retention for many women. If you also prefer to have a comfortable underwire-free nursing bra, then you type A.
If you feel more comfortable with underwire, which is often the case with women with larger breasts, then you are type B.
If this is your first nursing bra, it may well be that you first have to try around and test several models until you really find the ideal bra. In the course of pregnancy and especially during breastfeeding women often have a different body feeling and also the breasts change. Therefore, it often happens that they now prefer a completely different type of bra than before and therefore have to test out several models.
You Prefer A Nursing Bra Without Underwire?
You Are Type A!
You’re like most young moms because an underwire-free nursing bra feels as natural as possible. Since during the breastfeeding period a bra is also necessary at night, which keeps the nursing pads in place, an underwired bra is recommended at the latest for this, which leaves no pressure points. I have recommended four great and different nursing bras, among which there is certainly one for you.
The Nursing Bra and the Sleep Bustier are suitable for you, as well as the Anita Maternity Pregnancy and Nursing Bra and the Feelin Girl Nursing Bra Set of 3.
The Medela Comfort Nursing Bra
The Medela Comfort Nursing Bra is very comfortable and provides good support without pressing, even without underwires. I find the removable cups especially nice here. During pregnancy, these provide a particularly good shape and, if desired, make room for nursing pads during breastfeeding. Also, the underbust band is pleasantly elastic and fits well without cutting in or pressing. It is so flexible that it also does not wear out directly when it is used more often.
The Medela Comfort Nursing Bra is my test winner because it is simply always super comfortable and can be opened with one hand for breastfeeding. The price is perfectly fine and the Medela nursing bra also does not stand out under T-shirts.
The Medela Sleep Bustier
The Medela nursing bra in the beautiful wrap look, or criss-cross design does without all details, such as hooks to adjust, which could interfere with sleeping because it was developed specifically for quiet nights. It, therefore, does not give as much support as some other nursing bras, especially with larger breasts, but for the night it is perfect and keeps nursing pads in place. When breastfeeding, simply push the fabric on the chest a little to the side. I personally find him very comfortable for daytime, but that’s a matter of taste.
The Anita Maternity Pregnancy And Nursing Bra
With its pretty design, you can hardly tell that the Anita Maternity nursing bra is underwire-free and suitable for breastfeeding. It has a cute polka dot pattern and is available in three colors. It is well padded, which gives the breast a particularly nice shape and is therefore especially perfect for smaller breasts, but is also available up to size G. Due to the padding, nursing pads are well concealed even with tight tops. Breastfeeding is also quite easy, but here you have to push the thick pad to the side, which you have to get used to first.
The Feelin Girl Nursing Bra Set Of 3
The cozy bras have a closure at the back, but are still very suitable for sleeping and are also practical during the day. Especially for first-time nursing bras, the 3 pieces set is highly recommended because it has a good price and the bras do what they are supposed to. However, they wear out a bit after a few washes, but I’m happy to forgive that at the price. The nursing bra is also suitable for t-shirts under which it is barely visible. It has comfortable padding, which can be removed if desired and can be released with one hand while breastfeeding.
You Would Prefer A Nursing Bra With Underwire?
You Are Type B!
Some mothers prefer a nursing bra with an underwire even during breastfeeding, at least during the day, because it offers particularly good support. Especially for larger breasts, a nursing bra with an underwire is even recommended. However, you should make sure that the underwire does not cut into the breast because otherwise, it can lead to unpleasant milk congestion. At night I would advise you to rely on a nursing bra without underwire because there you need it primarily to accommodate the nursing pads.
For you I have picked out a great model with underwire that not only looks very good, but is also functional and comfortable.
The Selente Nursing Bra
The Selenite nursing bra is available in black and white, each finished with fine lace. Finally, a nursing bra that not only looks practical! Selenite offers a wide variety of cup sizes and adapts perfectly to its customers. Smaller cups have padding that beautifies the shape of the breasts. Larger cups are without padding so as not to make them look even bigger and have extra-wide straps for more comfort.
Breastfeeding is also very comfortable with the Selenite nursing bra because the hook can be easily released with just one hand. The nursing bra is definitely worth the money and convinces with a beautiful look and good quality.
Nursing Bra Info
Why Do I Need A Nursing Bra?
Already during pregnancy, the female breast changes and prepares for its future task. During breastfeeding, the breast is larger, heavier, and, above all, more sensitive than usual. Many women find their breasts uncomfortable at the beginning because they first have to get used to the new feeling. This is one of the reasons why you should get yourself a nursing bra, or better yet, several. A nursing bra is designed to support your breasts perfectly without pinching.
The second reason is that a nursing bra is, of course, just incredibly practical. It’s not uncommon for your baby to be hungry and want to nurse eight to twelve times a day. You certainly don’t want to take off your bra every time or awkwardly push it down so that it presses, do you? With a nursing bra and ideally also a nursing top or nursing dress, you only need to make yourself comfortable with your little treasure, open the bra and not take it off and you’re ready to go. This is practical not only on the road in public but also at home.
Most nursing bras can be opened at each breast with a hook. So you keep the bra on and benefit from its supportive function even during breastfeeding. The hooks can usually be released with one hand, so you can hold your baby with the other arm.
Another variant, such as the Medela Sleep Bustier, is that the fabric can simply be pushed to the side.
What You Should Consider When Buying A Nursing Bra
Your Breast Is Now More Sensitive
During breastfeeding, your breasts are much more sensitive than before, so your nursing bra must be really comfortable to wear and made of a soft material. Since your nipples can quickly become inflamed during breastfeeding, you should also make sure that the nursing bra is only made of good and skin-friendly materials.
Depending on how big your breasts are, it makes sense to use wider straps, at least during the day, to relieve your shoulders.
Nursing Bra With Or Without Underwire?
This is first and foremost a question of taste. However, many mothers switch to a bra without underwires during the breastfeeding period, as this exerts less pressure and prevents milk buildup. But in the first place, it all depends on how you feel more comfortable. Many also prefer the nursing bra with underwire, especially with larger bust size, because this usually offers even more support than an underwire. However, if you choose a nursing bra with an underwire, you should pay special attention to the fact that it does not cut in.
How Many Nursing Bras Do You Need?
This cannot be determined exactly at first. If you plan to breastfeed for a long time, then it is worthwhile to buy several nursing bras. If you want to use different bras for night and day, I recommend at least three bras each. Especially for the daytime bras, it makes sense to buy different colors so that you are prepared for every occasion.
Even if you are willing to wash more often, you need this number of bras, because when breastfeeding something goes wrong quickly and so you are prepared for all eventualities.
Breastfeeding Bra FAQ
A nursing bra is a special bra designed especially for breastfeeding after pregnancy. It is particularly easy to open (usually with just one hand) and thus facilitates spontaneous breastfeeding without complicated undressing and tangling.
It is best to buy a nursing bra 2 sizes larger than your normal bra size.
Your breasts will continue to grow during your pregnancy. Therefore, it makes sense to buy a nursing bra after the 36th week, because then you will know more or less how big your breasts have become.
In principle, a nursing bra can be worn as long as you want. You can use it for the whole breastfeeding period.
There is no general answer to this question, as there are many good models. If you are unsure which nursing bra suits your needs and/or when and in which size you should buy it, take a look at our guide on the subject. There you will find a detailed, yet clear checklist as well as specific product recommendations. So you can find what you are looking for today and prepare yourself optimally for this special time after birth.
Nursing bras should be purchased in good time. However, not too early. The growth of the breasts cannot be estimated from the beginning. The right time to start looking is usually from the 36th week of pregnancy. If you need help choosing materials and sizes, feel free to take a look at our guide. There you will find a comprehensive checklist with product recommendations.
It is important that you can estimate the growth of your breasts and that the nursing bra is not too big or too small. You can usually do this from the 36th week of pregnancy. If you need more specific hints and tips, feel free to check out our guide article. There you will find concrete product recommendations and a checklist with the most important purchase criteria.
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