Almost everyone knows that the best food for a baby is mom’s breast milk. But have you ever thought about this question: when I become a mother one day, and I want to breastfeed my baby, does that mean that I have to put on and take off my bra repeatedly?

Whether or not you’re a soon-to-be mama or a new mama, we’re here to introduce you something called a nursing bra. No problem if you haven’t heard of nursing bras; you’ll be an expert on the best nursing bras by the end of this article! 😊

What Is A Nursing Bra?

Simply put, a nursing bra is a special kind of bra designed for breastfeeding mothers. During/immediately after pregnancy, a woman’s breasts may grow in size and become heavy. Nursing bras not only provide additional support to lactating women, but the main feature is that nursing bras come with a cup that is foldable to expose the nipple. Think of it as a flap that conceals the nipple when it is not in use. When your baby wants to feed, simply unclasp the flap, fold it down, and pop your baby on your nipple! Easy! 😉

What Are The Types Of Nursing Bras?

Just like regular bras, nursing bras come in different varieties. Some of the nursing bra types include seamless, flexi-wire, wireless, contour, t-shirt, sports, sleep, spacer… there’s really a whole lot of different nursing bras out there, and all you’ve got to do find a type that suits you and your body. Nursing bras may also be underwired, but there is generally a rule to not wear underwired nursing bras if you feel tight or suffocated – they may hinder milk production and even cause infection.

Maternity Bras vs. Nursing Bras

Closely related to and sometimes confused for nursing bras are maternity bras. Typically, pregnant women get maternity bras when their breasts start to grow during pregnancy. What then, is the difference between regular bras, maternity bras, and nursing bras, and do you really need so many bras?

Well, maternity bras are stronger, sturdier, yet more comfortable versions of regular bras. Cups are cotton-lined, and shoulder straps are more comfortable. More hooks and eyes are available on the band to accommodate rapidly growing breast size as well. Most maternity bras are wireless, but some are underwired. The biggest difference between maternity bras and nursing bras is that nursing bras allow easy access to the nipple without having to remove the whole bra. 😍

Why Do I Need A Nursing Bra?

We wouldn’t say that you need one, but for mothers who are breastfeeding, this presents an extremely convenient option. Your breasts need the support, even while relaxing at home, and when your hungry baby starts to cry and look for milk, all you have to do is drop your cup and attach your baby to your nipple, saving you the hassle of being half-naked every time your baby has to feed. We suppose for mothers who pump their breast milk or who are not breastfeeding their baby directly from the breast, a nursing bra isn’t necessary. 🙂

When Do I Start To Get Nursing Bras, And How Many Do I Need?

You could start shopping for nursing bras at around 8 months’ of pregnancy, or anytime during the third trimester. Once you’re in the third trimester, your breast size has more or less stabilised, and will likely stay that way after delivery if you’re breastfeeding. However, do keep in mind that everyone is different, and your body may adapt to the process of pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding differently. 😊

As for how many nursing bras you need, it actually all depends on your budget, but we’d recommend at least three, as per the usual bra rule. One to wear, one to wash, and one to rest. Tip: If you’re wondering what size to get, always get fitted so you know your current size. Never go up or down sizes; you’ll be miserable in a bra that doesn’t fit.

Is It OK To Not Wear A Bra While Breastfeeding?

Well, again, it depends on your personal preference! Women with smaller breasts may find it perfectly okay to go without a bra, while women with larger breasts may need the support. Another factor is how leaky your breasts are. If your breasts do not leak all that much, you can definitely get away without wearing a nursing bra, or any bra for that matter. If your breasts leak a lot, you definitely do not want to be covered in your own milk, so a more viable option will be of course, to put on a bra. 😄

Nursing Bra Reviews: What Are The Best Nursing Bras?

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of nursing bras, it’s time to get to know some of the best nursing bras around! Think of it as your guide to nursing bras, complete with ratings and even a note from our editor for each bra! 👍

1. Gratlin Women’s Lightly Lined Nursing Bra

An underwire nursing bra, this bra will fit on a wide range of cup sizes, running from cup B to cup E. Providing full coverage, this bra will give you the support you need, while its drop down cups allow you easy access for breastfeeding. Furthermore, this bra is a plunge bra, which gives this bra a sexy edge and a boost of confidence!



Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Each color has two designs, plain or lace, lightly padded, full coverage

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: This underwire nursing bra may not be for everyone, but if you’re comfortable with underwired bras, you can give this a go – it makes a good wardrobe staple for new moms!

2. BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women’s Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bra

Wireless and made of a cotton blend, this makes a comfortable nursing bra! Its sports bra design is chic enough to channel athleisure, while its wide bottom band ensures support. It also double ups as a racerback nursing bra, so if you need to go out and about with your baby, this is the perfect fit. Did we mention? It also has a full drop down cup, so your baby will have easy access!



Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Comes in v-neck or full cup styles, drop down cups, wireless

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: We actually don’t think we’ve ever seen a more comfortable nursing bra before!

3. Kindred Bravely Marvella Maternity & Nursing Bra

A Cribsie Award Academy Star Winner, this is a pretty nursing bra too good to pass on! This bra comes in two options, a classic pullover, or a more versatile hook-and-eye clasp with a ring to make it into a racerback should you want it to be. Furthermore, it’s low-cut enough to wear under your favourite low-cut tops, comes in a variety of colors, and features drop down cups as well!



Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Comes in two different designs, low-cut, wireless

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: Functional and beautiful – what more could you want?

4. BAOMOSI Women’s Seamless Nursing Maternity Bra

This isn’t a fully padded nursing bra, but it does have a little padding at the bottom to resemble a push-up bra. Nevertheless, it provides the support you require, and has amazing elastic stretch and memory that will hold to your ever-changing body perfectly. Last but not least, it’s even seamless, so it will practically be invisible under your clothes!



Editor’s Rating: 4/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Comes in pack of 4, hook and eye clasp, adjustable straps, seamless, wireless

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: With packs of 4, you don’t have to worry about not having enough nursing bras to wear!

5. Lamaze Cotton Spandex Sleep Nursing Bra

Okay, this is probably one of the best nursing bras to wear all day, everyday. Not only does it actually look like something you can wear out, like a bralette, but its deep v-neck and crossover is also super convenient for mamas to pull one side of the bra down over their breast. Comfortable and supportive, we wouldn’t need much persuasion to get this at all!



Editor’s Rating: 4/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Can come in packs of 3, wide variety of color, crossover design, super wide shoulder straps

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: We’d get this even if we weren’t nursing!

6. Leading Lady Women’s Wireless Padded Nursing Bra

We’ve been looking for this: a timeless classic design of a regular bra meets the functionality of a nursing bra. A padded nursing bra, it’s wireless to provide maximum comfort, but still maintains its function of supporting the bust. Your search for the best supportive nursing bra may just be over with this find!



Editor’s Rating: 4/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Full coverage, fold down cups, adjustable band and straps

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: The only setback is that we have to hand wash it.

7. HOFISH Full Bust Seamless Nursing Bras

Amazon customers are the singing the praises of this particular bra as some of the best nursing bras they’ve ever had. A crowd favourite, this bra actually looks like a bralette more than anything, but it comes with extra clips and extenders, just in case you grow out a little further. Just like any other nursing bra, this too, features drop down cups for easy access.



Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Comes in packs of 3, extra clips and extenders, adjustable straps

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: It looks just a little like a training bra to us, but if you’re all about functionality and don’t give two hoots about aesthetics, go for this one!

8. Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Bra

Probably one of the best nursing bras for small breasts, also probably one of the best nursing bras for large breasts just because sizes range from XS to XXL-Busty! Mom’s Choice Award Winner, this comfortable nursing bra is made from French Terry, and is easily pulled aside to allow convenient access. Did we mention? This bra is wireless as well!



Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Made from French Terry, easy pull-aside access, wireless, can be a sports bra

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: We would… also buy this bra even if we were not nursing.

9. Anita Maternity Women’s Microfiber Underwire Nursing Bra

For ladies who are looking for something that most closely resembles a regular bra, this is it! An underwire nursing bra, this bra is light and smooth, yet durable and hard-wearing. However, cups are unlined, so if you’re looking for something with some padding, this isn’t for you. Other than that, this is probably one of the best nursing bras for large cup sizes – it goes up to I cup.



Editor’s Rating: 4/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Underwire, unlined cups, hook and eye clasp, large cup sizes

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: We prefer wireless and padded bras, but to each their own!

10. CAKYE 3 Pack Women’s Maternity Nursing Bra

A cotton nursing bra with 5% spandex thrown in, this bra is comfortable enough to wear all day and night – even for sleeping. This bra also has built-in bags in which your breast pads can be inserted, and it features easy pull-aside access as well! Wireless and a pullover, this bra can double up as a sports bra or bralette!



Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5 Price: 🌞 Check Here Color Options: Available in other colors Special Features: Pullover, wireless, easy pull-aside access

BUY AT AMAZON

💜 Editor’s Note: Have you noticed? We’re a sucker for these type of bras!

How To Use A Nursing Bra?

In case you need some help on how to use a nursing bra, here’s a helpful video!

[Video Credit: YouTube/BabyCenter]

😉😁 And we’re done with the nursing bra reviews! Do tell us, which is your favourite nursing bra, and why? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below! 💕