What Should I Look For In a Nursing Bra
Okay, so you’re newly pregnant, in the throes of pregnancy, or just gave birth— and you may be wondering— “What am I supposed to look for in a nursing bra?”. This is a great question! When finding the right nursing bra, it can be hard to “choose” one without actually testing it out.
The “best time” to fit or measure for a nursing bra is once your milk comes in or shortly thereafter. However, many of us like to be ready beforehand, so we have everything upon baby’s arrival. In this case, it’s best to wait until you’re about 8 months pregnant before fitting. Kindred Bravely has a great post all about how to measure yourself here. Once you measure, it’s important to look at the specific bra company’s sizing chart (they can be very different from company to company!).
I rounded up some of the Karing for Postpartum community’s voted on faves here in this post. However, there are some simple ‘ground rules’ to look for when choosing a nursing bra— let’s run through it!
questions to ask
There are a few quick questions to ponder before you start “adding to cart”.
Where am I currently in my pregnancy/postpartum state? (Your breasts will grow and become “heavier” after delivery + when milk comes in— give yourself room for this).
Would I consider myself small-medium bust size, or large-busty bust size? This is important because what matters in a bra to a smaller chested woman can vary greatly compared to what a larger chested woman is looking for!
What’s important to me in a nursing bra (support, comfort, easy access, coverage, style, all of the above?)
How many bras should I buy? What am I looking to spend total?
These are just a few questions to run through while you’re scouring the internet searching for the “best options” (no worries, I have them compiled here!). These questions are important, because nursing bras come in many different price ranges + styles, and may excel in one area, while lacking in another. Think about what’s really important to you in your nursing bra because, ahem, you wear it all the time!
l ets break it down...
These are the specific criteria helpful in narrowing down what you need (yes, mama this is all about YOU!)
S U P P O R T
Does it provide enough support? This is especially important to women with larger/bustier chests. If support is something that you are craving (especially since breasts get heavier postpartum), make sure the bra you choose is well-rated in the “support” category! If it touts wider straps, supportive material or a comfortable supportive band, it may rise to the top of your list! Everyone is different— for example, some women with smaller chests may not feel that they need an immense amount of support, yet would rather have other characteristics in their nursing bra!
R O O M T O G R O W
This should really be important to most everyone! Breast size will fluctuate postpartum and you don’t want to purchase a new bra size constantly to accommodate this, right? Most bras will come with an extender on the back to lengthen the strap, or elastic material on the sides to accommodate fluctuations. This is a key feature, as breast size can fluctuate multiple times per day with emptying and engorgement!
Tip!- If your bra is comfortably clasped on the middle hook + eye clasp, it’s typically a “proper fit”
A C C E S S I B I L I T Y
No one wants to be messing around with bra straps when your baby is hungry and crying. Trust me. You want quick and easy access with a clasp down closure (each strap has a clip on it), or a simple cross-front to quickly pull to the side and nurse.
C O V E R A G E
If coverage is important to you, look at the fit of the bra, as well as the cups/padding! Many times women don’t think about the fact that with pregnancy/postpartum our nipples are changing and can become more sensitive! Some women like having the option of removable padding/cup liners to prevent their erect nipples being seen through their shirt and bra.
C O M F O R T
You are wearing this bra constantly, folks. Eating, sleeping, nursing, repeat. You want to ensure the material is comfortable! Cotton is a great material and is moisture-wicking, which is great when you’re nursing (though, you don’t want to forget the breast pads too for extra leakage!). Read the reviews all about comfort as well!
L I F E S T Y L E
Are you into fitness, is this a big part of your lifestyle once “cleared” postpartum? It’s a great idea to have a few bras with a racerback (if you like that for working out), moisture wicking material for sweating, etc. Do you need more bras that are comfortable to sleep/lounge in? Look for bras that have the simple crossover front for nursing access instead of clasps (which can dig in when sleeping), and something soft and breathable. Essentially- think about your lifestyle and what fits your needs!
okay, then what?
Once you have your list narrowed down, read reviews! Look for those key features you chose and what other mamas are saying about them! When you find the bra that perfectly suits you, get it! And get a few! You don’t want to have just one— especially when you’re in the throes of postpartum with sweating, leaking, etc. You want to take care of yourself and your bras by keeping them rotated and clean (this can also help in preventing yeast infections on the nipple like thrush).
Also, it’s important to try and avoid bras with underwire. If it does have underwire, opt for a softer/durable option like bamboo, as this is more flexible. Underwire can be the culprit for clogged ducts (I have a post about that here) forming because of the pressure it puts on the milk ducts— and nobody wants that!
Okay, mama, it’s time! Start your search and find that perfect nursing bra! It’s up to you now. I hope this was helpful and would love to hear what bra you chose and why! I love the Auden brand by Target because they’re comfortable and easy access! What’s your fave?
xx, karrie
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