Nursing bras are one of the most vital bits of kit to own when you're a breastfeeding new mama – and the very best maternity bras can be worn throughout pregnancy, too. Though feeding your baby is a priority (obviously), it's a total minefield. Luckily, it can be made a whole lot easier with a top-rated nursing bra if you choose – or are able to – breastfeed. Eat, sleep, burp, repeat.
Which brand nursing bra is best?
ASOS has a brilliant range of nursing bras for all sizes – Calvin Klein’s sporty style is made from soft and sustainable modal-mix jersey with lightly padded cups. Marks & Spencer’s soft lace bra is designed to be invisible under your clothes and comes in beige nude and black, while the Bravado Ballet Maternity and Nursing Bra at Jojo Maman Bebe has lined cups for support and lift but a second-skin feel. It's so comfy, in fact, that it can double up as a sleep bra.
Bravado Ballet Maternity & Nursing Bra
2pk Lace & Mesh Nursing Bras B-H
Do you really need a nursing bra?
A nursing bra is wildly more practical than your normal bra, which you'd likely need to size-up in anyway in order to make way for growing breasts. Nursing bras are designed to fit your boobs as they change throughout pregnancy, they're more breathable and they're usually made to fit breast pads which will soak up excess milk. What's more, most styles have drop down cups that unclip when you need to feed, while some have cross over cups that you push the fabric back from and slip out a nip for no-fuss access.
During pregnancy it’s recommended that you wear a non-wired bra. It’s also comfy to continue wire-free during nursing, but if you feel you need more support there are plenty of options with wires.
When should I start wearing a maternity bra?
While every body is different, most pregnant people begin wearing a nursing bra towards the end of their first trimester – when their breasts really begin to change. It’s likely your bra size will rise as your milk comes in so consider getting fitted in your second, third and "fourth" trimesters, too.
How many nursing bras should I have?
We'd recommend owning at least three nursing bras. That gives you one to wear, one to wash and one as a back-up.
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and pregnancy pillows, over here for maternity leggings and in this direction for maternity clothes. We've also got maternity jeans, sleep bras, mum to be gifts, maternity knickers, maternity wedding dresses, baby changing bags and maternity wedding guest dresses. Don't forget: best fertility and pregnancy books, maternity trousers, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
Scroll for our full edit of the best nursing bras on the market.
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