Buying the Right Nursing Bra

Shopping for bras is challenging enough, but when it comes to nursing bra shopping it can seem nearly impossible. There are so many variables to bra fitting when shopping for a nursing bra including whether or not you are still pregnant and then trying to guess what your size you will be after you deliver your baby and begin nursing. Whether or not you plan to nurse your baby full time also factors into your prospective nursing bra size. Also, every woman’s body reacts differently to nursing, some women may go up one cup size third trimester pregnancy when they begin nursing, others may increase as much as 2 cups sizes and still others maybe only a half cup size difference if any. Here are a few suggestions and recommendations in shopping for your nursing bras to try to make this task a little less daunting:

If you are expecting your first baby, it is hard to know what to expect with your future bra size when shopping for your nursing bra as you have no history to draw on. The best rule of thumb is to wait until as close to your due date as possible before buying a nursing bra so that you can best gage what your size will be. If you do plan to nurse, you can expect your milk to come in within 2-3 days after you deliver. When you milk does first come in, some women experience a huge temporary uptick in their cup size. However, once your hormones settle down and your milk supply adjusts to a more predictable demand, your size should settle down. You should expect some natural size fluctuation during the day and before and after nursing, so it is best to pick a comfortable stretchy bra which will accommodate these changes while providing the support that you need for heavier lactating breasts.

The second rule is to not buy too many bras until your size has settled down after the first few weeks. You will probably only need about 3-4 bras at most that you can wash and wear so you always have one on hand to accommodate those early weeks. My best advice is to find several styles you like, that are very stretchy and can accommodate several cup sizes to safely fit your fluctuating and uncertain size. The Bravado Original Nursing Bra is an excellent choice. This bra comes in 3 size categories and 4 band sizes to accommodate a range of cup and band sizes and stretches easily while offering good support. Since there are no hooks on the back and a stretchy wide T-back fit, you can even comfortably sleep in this bra if you choose. If you are larger busted, I do recommend buying sleep bras for evening and nighttime wear which will also fit a range of cup sizes. The Majamas Easy Bra is an good choice which comes Small to XXL and fits from a 32A to a 48G. This bra has no hooks in the back and is a simple pull down style for nursing. The Easy Bra now also comes in an Organic Cotton which is very comfortable fabric for sleeping and loungewear.

Once you have survived the early weeks of nursing and motherhood, you will probably want to find a bra that is flattering to wear under T-shirts and gives you a bit more support and shape. Melinda G has a number of bras to choose from that come in a range of sizes. Melinda’s G’s Tee Shirt Soft Cup Nursing Bra is a smooth cup wireless bra that gives a clean look you can wear under a tee shirt or tight fitting shirt. This bra also has support comparable to an underwire bra without the associated risk of mastitis from an underwire bra. The Tee Shirt Soft Cup bra also stretches to fit several cup and band sizes which makes it an excellent nursing bra.

If you are bigger busted and really need the support of an underwire bra, Melinda G’s T-shirt Underwire Nursing bra is a very good choice. Like the Tee shirt soft cup bra, this bra also provides a clean seamless and smooth look that can be worn under a tight fitting shirt while also giving your breast shape and definition without restrictions. This bra comes in sizes 34C to 38F and is cup and band size specific, so it is best to buy this bra after your milk supply has settled down and you are a more exact size. The hooks on the cups do allow you to adjust the size of the cups to smaller or larger for before and after nursing to help with that size variation and superior fit.

If you are looking to get back your pre-pregnancy figure and hit the gym, you will probably feel more comfortable in a nursing sports bra when exercising. Bella Materna offers a highly supportive and comfortable Nursing Sports Bra that stretches to accommodate up to 2 cup sizes for your normal size fluctuation. The quick drying Italian Lyca/Nylon fabric will not pill or fade or show sweat marks. This bra has a 4 hook closure on the back for maximum support and adjustable wide straps with clip nursing access. You will probably want to wear this bra even after your baby is weaned for its support, comfort and flattering uplifting design.

Once you find comfortable supportive nursing bras to accommodate your size variations and daily life routines, you will find your quality of life improves tremendously as you reclaim your body, your life and embark upon the joys of motherhood.

About the Author

Amy Jarman is owner of TummyStyle.com an online store selling a variety of maternity clothes, nursing bras, and nursing clothes and nursing sleepwear.

Jesse McCartney – “How Do You Sleep?” aka The Bra Incident

MEDELA SLEEP NURSING BRA MATERNITY ALL SIZES/COLOR NEW $99.99

MEDELA SLEEP NURSING BRA MATERNITY ALL SIZES/COLOR NEW $99.99

MEDELA SLEEP NURSING BRA MATERNITY ALL SIZES/COLOR NEW $99.99

MEDELA SLEEP NURSING BRA MATERNITY ALL SIZES/COLOR NEW $99.99

MEDELA SLEEP NURSING BRA MATERNITY ALL SIZES/COLOR NEW $99.99

Vtg Olga Nylon Nightgown Gown Padded Bra Sleeping Pretty Negligee Lingerie 9200 $49.99

NWT VTG OS OLGA SLEEPING PRETTY #9200 BLUE LACE BRA TOP LONG GOWN 34 S 120″ SWP $99.00

Sexy Rich Red Velvet Sleep Dress with Lined Bra area & spaghetti straps by NY&CO $11.99

New Vanity Fair Sleep Bra 32 $7.98

GLAMORISE Bra 38D 38DD 38 D-DD WRAP COMFORT Leisure STRETCH Sleep 1850 White NEW $12.95

GLAMORISE Bra 40D 40DD 40 D-DD WRAP COMFORT Leisure STRETCH Sleep 1850 White NEW $12.95

GLAMORISE Bra 44D 44DD 44 D-DD WRAP COMFORT Leisure STRETCH Sleep 1850 White NEW $12.95

Vintage Olga Nightgown~Sleeping Pretty~Bra Chiffon~M $26.00

lot of 2 bras size 44d EUC black-white- 1 underwire-1 comfort/sleep $7.99

NWT Abercrombie OLD SCHOOL meshy sheer BLUE floral sleep lounge WIRELESS bra S $32.95

NWT Abercrombie OLD SCHOOL meshy sheer BLUE floral sleep lounge WIRELESS bra L $32.95

NWT Abercrombie OLD SCHOOL meshy sheer BLUE floral sleep lounge WIRELESS bra M $32.95

WHITE SLEEP/LEISURE BRA Size 38 (fits B,C & D Cups) Wireless $9.99

1 WHITE SLEEP/LEISURE BRA Size 46 (fits B,C & D Cups) Wireless $9.99

WHITE SLEEP/LEISURE BRA Size 48 (fits B,C & D Cups) Wireless $9.99

1 WHITE SLEEP BRA Size 36 with Velcro (fits B,C & D Cups) Wireless $9.99

1 WHITE SLEEP BRA Size 44 with Velcro (fits B,C & D Cups) Wireless $9.99

NWT BLUE NEW PLUS SIZE 44 C D DD E FRONT HOOK CLOSE SLEEP LEISURE COMFORT BRA $16.95

NWT RED NEW PLUS SIZE 42 DDD F G H FRONT HOOK CLOSE SLEEP LEISURE COMFORT BRA $16.95

NWT RED NEW PLUS SIZE 48 DDD F G H FRONT HOOK CLOSE SLEEP LEISURE COMFORT BRA $16.95

NWT MELON NEW PLUS SIZE 42 DDD F G H FRONT HOOK CLOSE SLEEP LEISURE COMFORT BRA $16.95

NWT MELON NEW PLUS SIZE 48 DDD F G H FRONT HOOK CLOSE SLEEP LEISURE COMFORT BRA $16.95

Victorias Secret Leopard * Polka Teddie – Sleep / Bra Sz 34C New $99.00

New in Package Pullover Sleep Bra Size 38 Beige Pretty NIP $4.99

Womens 40C Ebony Nursing Sport Sleep Bra Gilligan & O’Malley NWT $8.99

Quick Clean Breastpump and Accessory Wipes 24 Pack $7.00 Hygienic wipes are proven safe and effective for cleaning breastpumps, kits and more. Unique wipes allow easy & convenient cleaning without soap & water. Use anywhere – ideal for in the car, at work, travel and more. Unscented, alcohol and bleach free.Efficient – just one wipe cleans both breastshields, valves & membranes.Also great for changing tables, high chairs, cribs, countertops, toys and ot…

The New Edition Baby Briefcase …

Breathe Right Nasal Strips For Kids …

Apple iPad Smart Cover – Protective cover for web tablet – leather – navy – Apple iPad 2 $39.99 So much more than a case, the Smart Cover was designed alongside iPad 2 to be its perfect match: a thin, durable cover that magnetically aligns for a perfect fit. It automatically wakes and sleeps your iPad. It’s a handy stand for reading, watching, and typing. Its microfiber lining keeps your iPad screen clean. And it’s a way to make your iPad as personal on the outside as it is on the inside….

Lamaze Cotton Spandex Sleep Bra for Nursing and Maternity $18.00 Wear it while pregnant or after. This bra is cottony soft and super comfortable and offers you the support you need at night. Its simple crossover front design makes a super comfy nursing and sleep bra….

Medela Sleep Bra $19.00 This Sleep Bra by Medela is perfect for light support and nighttime nursing. Luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design ensure comfort against your skin. Keeps nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Drawback design for convenient nursing….

Medela Nightime Nursing Sleep Bra Nursing Bra…

Barbie Dreamy Touches Fashions – UNDERWEAR (2000) $16.99 Barbie Dreamy Touches Fashions is a 2000 Mattel production. Model #68089-93. Included in the package is a white w/brown & black Leopard pattern Bra w/black trim around top & center bust & black straps; also there’s a pair of matching Panties (no black trim). Also included in the package is a pair of creamy beige color sheer Pantyhose w/an elastic waist. Fashions fit most Barbie & 11.5″ fashion dol…

Ecoland Women’s Organic Cotton Wireless Soft-Cup Light Sports Bra – Made in USA $36.00 Ecoland women’s organic cotton wireless soft-cup sports bra is made with the highest quality organic cotton. Our easy to wear pullover sports bra is especially designed to conform to your body shape. It has a double layer to which padding can be inserted and covered elastic band to support the bust which is great for sensitive skin. It has a shirred front for shaping and is racerback which keeps s…

Timex Triathlon Digital Heart Rate Monitor Watch $70.00 Timex Unisex #T5C351…

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra Nude (Large) Medium Nursing Sleep Bra $21.95 “Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67721 (Small) Item # 67722 (Medium) Item # 67723 (Large) Item # 67724 (X-Large) The Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra Features: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – Nude, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra Nude (Medium) Medium Nursing Sleep Bra $21.95 “Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67721 (Small) Item # 67722 (Medium) Item # 67723 (Large) Item # 67724 (X-Large) The Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra Features: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – Nude, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra Nude (Small) Medium Nursing Sleep Bra $21.95 “Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67721 (Small) Item # 67722 (Medium) Item # 67723 (Large) Item # 67724 (X-Large) The Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra Features: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – Nude, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra White (Large) Nursing Sleep Bra – White $21.95 “Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra-Large, Item # 67701 (Small) Item # 67702 (Medium) Item # 67703 (Large) Item # 67704 (X-Large) The Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela White Nursing Sleep BraFeatures: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – White, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place to Avoid Leaks, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra White (Medium) Nursing Sleep Bra – White $21.95 “Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra-Medium, Item # 67701 (Small) Item # 67702 (Medium) Item # 67703 (Large) Item # 67704 (X-Large) The Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela White Nursing Sleep BraFeatures: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – White, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place to Avoid Leaks, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra White (Small) Nursing Sleep Bra – White $14.95 “Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra-Small, Item # 67701 (Small) Item # 67702 (Medium) Item # 67703 (Large) Item # 67704 (X-Large) The Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela White Nursing Sleep BraFeatures: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – White, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place to Avoid Leaks, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

RUBY CHIFFON SLEEP SHIRT BRA THONG INTIMATES SET $32.99 RUBY CHIFFON SLEEP SHIRT BRA THONG INTIMATES SET

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra Nude (X-Large) Medium Nursing Sleep Bra $24.95 “Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67721 (Small) Item # 67722 (Medium) Item # 67723 (Large) Item # 67724 (X-Large) The Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela Nude Nursing Sleep Bra Features: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – Nude, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra White (X-Large) Nursing Sleep Bra – White $21.95 “Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67701 (Small) Item # 67702 (Medium) Item # 67703 (Large) Item # 67704 (X-Large) The Medela White Nursing Sleep Bra is a bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Medela White Nursing Sleep BraFeatures: Night Nursing Sleep Bra – White, Available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place to Avoid Leaks, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra (White) Extra Large Nursing Sleep $21.95 “Medela Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67704 Item # 67714 Item # 67724 The Medela Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra is an extra large (XL) size nursing sleep bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra Features: Night Nursing Sleep Bra, Size: Extra Large (XL), Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place to Avoid Leaks, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

SmartFit Sleep Bra $15.99 Our exclusive design has the support and comfort you crave. Nylon / Spandex stretch lace at cups and midriff provides a non-binding fit. Wide stretch straps. Polyester / Cotton / Spandex Body Washable Imported SmartFit

Sleep Bra by SmartFit $15.99 Our exclusive design has the support and comfort you crave. Nylon / Spandex stretch lace at cups and midriff provides a non-binding fit. Wide stretch straps. Polyester / Cotton / Spandex Body Washable Imported SmartFit

Sleep On It $9.76 Sleep On It

Sleep $15.24 Sleep

Medela Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra (Mid-Blue) Extra Large Nursing S $24.95 “Medela Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra, Item # 67704 Item # 67714 Item # 67724 The Medela Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra is an extra large (XL) size nursing sleep bra with drawback design for convenient nursing. It features luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design to ensure comfort against your skin. It keeps the nursing pads in place to avoid leaks. Extra Large Nursing Sleep Bra Features: Night Nursing Sleep Bra, Size: Extra Large (XL), Luxurious Combed Cotton & No-Tag Design, Keeps Nursing Pads in Place to Avoid Leaks, Drawback Design for Convenient Nursing, Material: 95 Cotton, 5 Spandex”

Medela Sleep Bra – XL – Nude $18.95 Designed for nighttime postpartum comfort.  Soft combed cotton with no-tag design to prevent poking.  Draw-back cup design makes for convenient nighttime nursing. Features: Luxurious combed cotton and no-tag design ensure comfort against your skin Keeps nursing pads in place to avoid leaks Drawback design for convenient nursing Available in Nude and White.