Nursing Bras: How to Choose and How Many You Need

A nursing bra has cups that unclip or fold down, so you can breastfeed without taking the bra off. Bravissimo describes nursing bras as “specially designed for nursing mums” with “a drop-down cup for easy access”. The best ones fit your changing size, open easily with one hand, and are comfortable enough to wear day and night.

Nursing bra vs maternity bra

• Maternity bra: any bra that fits well during pregnancy. Bravissimo describes it as “any bra that fits you well during pregnancy”.
• Nursing bra: has cups that open for feeding. Many people wear nursing bras in late pregnancy too, so they only buy once.

Features to look for

Wireless or underwire?

Many people choose wireless nursing bras at first, because breast size can change a lot in the first weeks and a wire that fits one day might press the next. Underwire nursing bras are fine for many people once size settles, as long as the wire sits on your ribcage and never on breast tissue. If anything presses or feels sore, switch to a softer style and check with your midwife or doctor if discomfort continues.

When to buy nursing bras

Many retailers suggest buying in the last weeks of pregnancy, when your size is closer to what it’ll be after birth. Choose stretchy cups and fasten the band on the loosest hook at first, since your ribcage often gets smaller after birth. You’ll then have room to tighten. Expect to re-measure a few weeks after birth. Our guide to measuring your bra size shows how.

How many nursing bras do you need?

A common starting point is three:

1. One to wear.
2. One in the wash.
3. One spare for leaks and long days.

Add a sleep nursing bra if you like support at night. It holds breast pads in place and makes night feeds easier. Cleveland Clinic notes that a bra at night “may help with breast pain”, especially while breastfeeding. Our guide to sleeping in a bra has more.

Types of nursing bra

• Everyday clip-down bras: the standard option, wired or wireless.
• Sleep nursing bras: soft crossover or pull-aside cups for night feeds.
• Pumping bras: openings that hold a breast pump hands-free.
• Nursing sports bras: for exercise, with clip-down cups.
• Nursing bralettes: light support for smaller busts and lounging.

How should a nursing bra fit?

• Band: snug on the loosest hook, so you can tighten later.
• Cups: no spilling, even when full, and no gaps when less full.
• Clips: open and close easily with one hand.
• Straps: comfortable, not digging.
• No pressure points: nothing pressing on breast tissue.

Wash nursing bras often. Milk and breast pads mean more frequent washing than usual. Our guide on how to wash bras covers the basics.