With your body going through so many changes during each stage of pregnancy, it’s hard to know when you should buy a nursing bra. This is especially true if you would like it to also fit postpartum so you can actually nurse in it.
What to Consider
Most nursing parents go through a range of bra sizes during their pregnancy and nursing journey, so be prepared to undergo a few size changes before you've weaned your little one. A well-fitting bra is important for breast health and even more so when pregnant or lactating - if it’s too tight, it can contribute to clogged ducts which could lead to mastitis. So every time you purchase a bra, we recommend you get remeasured or measure yourself to account for any changes!
If you are in your first or second trimester, you may be wondering, should I buy a nursing bra now?? Any time you are experiencing any discomfort or soreness, or have signs of an ill-fitting bra such as marks being left on your skin, it's the right time to find a better option. We encourage you not to wait to get new bras if you are uncomfortable! A nursing bra, which can be worn by anyone, they are still bras after all, may fit the bill for you as they are designed with growing breasts in mind.
Want to wear the bra to nurse your baby? If you are buying a structured bra (one that has band and cup sizing, such as 38C or 40F), you’ll want to wait until pretty close to your due date to buy a nursing version. Ideally, wait until you are a few weeks postpartum. By 33-36 weeks, most of the significant changes will have occurred but your breasts will likely get even larger when your "milk comes in". We'd recommend larger "regular" bras most of the time during pregnancy, although if you find a nursing bra you like... go for it!
If you can't wait until after baby arrives to pick up a structured nursing bra, buy one that does not have an underwire if possible. According to La Leche League International "bras with under-wiring, or other firm structure, can contribute to blocked ducts and even mastitis so are best avoided in the early months". You will likely not be able to wear this bra immediately postpartum if it fits while pregnant but your breasts will probably be close to the size they are around 36 weeks once your supply has stabilized, which happens after the first 6-12 weeks postpartum.
Nursing Bras to Buy During or After Pregnancy
Besides having a daytime bra, you may find that you want a little extra support at night throughout your pregnancy. A clip-free, nursing "sleep/lounge" bra is helpful to prevent soreness during pregnancy as extra fluid and blood collects in the breast tissue. It can also hold nursing pads in place at night for any leaking which is common after 22 weeks.
Soft, stretchy bras such as the Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless - recently named the Best Nursing Bra of 2024 by The Bump! - or the Bravado Designs Restore, are the choices we recommend for providing the support and flexibility you need at any stage, but especially during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. Because they stretch, one bra will work for a range of sizes, so it is more likely to still fit as your body changes.
Measure Before Purchasing
If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can use string or a shoelace to get the measurements. If you are currently breastfeeding, the best time to measure is when your breasts are full, to avoid getting a size that is too tight.
The first measurement should be directly under your breasts, around your rib cage. Make the tape snug but not overly tight and make sure it is straight (not dipping lower in the back, etc). Round up the measurement to the nearest whole inch - this is your band size.
Next, for the cup size, put the tape around the fullest part of your bust. The difference between the first and the second measurement is your cup size - one inch equals A, two inches equals B, and so on. So for example, if your measurements are 36 and 40, your band size is 36, and your cup size is 40-36=4, or D, for a bra size of 36D.
A well-fitting bra shouldn’t pinch or slip or be uncomfortable in any way. You should be able to fit 2 fingers (and just 2) under the band. Your breasts shouldn’t be spilling over out of the cups, but they should fill the space without any gaps or puckering. Ensure you have a little room (or stretch) to account for size fluctuations.
Make sure the fabric is breathable, soft, and comfortable and that it has a well-designed clip so that you can operate it with one hand while holding your baby.
Stop in at Natural Resources if you would like a bra fitting. You will receive personalized assistance in getting measured or choosing a bra that is right for you. Buying in-store also allows you to try it on, so you can be confident you are choosing a comfortable fit.