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26 best maternity bras and nursing bras for pregnancy and breastfeeding this summer 2024
Stylish, supportive and comfortable maternity bras do exist!
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Tender breasts are often one of the first signs of pregnancy, so it makes sense to invest in a comfortable maternity bra long before you start picking out nursery wallpaper. Plus, if you choose to breastfeed, you'll be unlatching your boobs in the pub/gym/playground to feed your new baby before you know it, so it pays to be prepared, comfortable and supported.
The next question is, when should you switch to a maternity bra? Followed by is underwire bras really a no-no? And, why is it so hard to find functional underwear that looks good too?
We bring you the lowdown on the best, comfiest and prettiest nursing bras for pregnancy and breastfeeding, including where to shop the supportive underwear essential for parents.
Best maternity and nursing bras to shop now
In a hurry? Here are the best nursing bras at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
When should you switch to a maternity bra?
Maternity bras are designed to cater to your changing shape throughout pregnancy.
Once your baby arrives you can then graduate to a breastfeeding or nursing bra, which is worn postpartum to help you feed your baby. However, many brands now cater to both, so you can wear your favourite new bra as your pregnancy develops and beyond.
'There’s no specific timeframe for when you should start wearing a maternity bra,' says Jill Faulkner, Learning and Development Manager at our fave mum and baby boutique JoJo Maman Bébé.
'However, many pregnant women purchase new bras within the first few weeks of pregnancy to allow for their changing shape, which often happens between the 8-10 weeks stage,' she added.
The benefits of maternity and nursing bras
It may be tempting to throw on your favourite crop top. But, wearing a nursing bra, which has been designed specifically for pregnancy and breastfeeding, comes with a number of benefits:
Breastfeeding
Planning to leave the house? If you opt for breastfeeding, then the right kind of nursing bra is essential once your new baby arrives as you're going to need quick access to your boobs on the move. 'Most nursing bras provide ease of access when feeding or expressing,' explains Faulkner.
Leaky boobs
In the early days before your milk flow settles, your boobs can get leaky. Nursing bras usually come in stretchy breathable material that is big enough to fit breast pads, should you need to soak up excess milk.
Clips
Those all-important clips you find on most maternity bras provide easy access at feeding time, wherever you happen to be!
Comfort
Resist the urge to simply size up your everyday underwear, as comfort is key during pregnancy and beyond.
'Breast tissue is very delicate and sensitive to change,' says Faulkner. 'Wearing a well-fitting bra through pregnancy will help minimise stretching and reduce back pain, as it will help distribute the weight evenly, easing any strain on your neck, shoulders and back.'
Should you avoid underwire bras while pregnant?
Women are often advised to side-step underwire bras during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it’s thought wiring could put pressure on your milk glands.
But if you've always worn a structured bra, departure from the support you're used to may feel like a step too far. While soft cupped bras do tend to be more comfortable, the good news is there is no concrete evidence to suggest underwire bras are bad for your breasts, so as long as you opt for well-fitting underwear you are good to go.
'The wires in regular bras tend to have very little flex in them, meaning they can become restrictive and uncomfortable as your boobs and bump grow,' says Faulkner. 'There’s no clear evidence that underwire bras can cause harm, but they must be measured and fitted correctly regardless of whether the wearer is pregnant or not. The wire should fit flat to the chest wall and extend near to your armpit, encapsulating all of the breast tissue.'
If you prefer extra support, Faulkner recommends investing in a maternity bra with Flexi or gel wires, as she advised'These wires help reduce concerns such as mastitis and blocked milk ducts,' she adds.
How to measure for a maternity and nursing bra
For help choosing the right bra that will keep you comfortable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, check for the following:
- Rib band: This should sit parallel to the floor. 'If the band rides up in the back, it’s too big,' explains Felicity Savage, Associate Designer at Bravado Designs. 'You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath. If you can fit more than two fingers, it’s too loose.'
- Cups: The fabric in the cup should be smooth with adequate coverage. 'If there is puckering or extra room, it’s too big,' says Savage. 'If the top edge cuts into the breast, it’s too small. Breast tissue should not spill out of the sides of the bra.'
- Straps: The shoulder straps should anchor the bra. 'If the straps are slipping off, they should be tightened, or a smaller cup size may be needed,' she adds. 'If the straps are digging in, they should be loosened, or a larger cup size may be needed.'
26 best maternity bras for pregnancy and nursing
With the help of our panel of mum testers, we’ve picked out the best seamless, supportive, functional and stylish maternity and nursing bras on the market, leaving you to focus on your growing bump.
Popular retailers to head to shop the best maternity bras to wear during your pregnancy and nursing include Bravissimo, Hotmilk Lingerie, M&S, John Lewis, and Amazon.
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Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over fifteen years’ online and print publishing experience.
Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness.
Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health.
Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene.
Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Jessica is a freelance shopping writer specialising in fashion, beauty, and interiors. Jessica was previously a shopping writer at BuzzFeed and has also had work published on Huffington Post, More!, and Reveal. Her most recent role was as a senior e-commerce writer for Women's Health UK covering everything baby and parenting. Jessica is also a fashion content creator under the name Lifebyjess_x.Jessica has an eye for trending products and scouring the internet for great deals, covering everything from practical home buys to the latest fashion finds. She loves checking out TikTok and Instagram for the latest must-haves, as well as cutting through the noise to share the best new launches and sale finds.When not working, Jessica is passionate about finding the best places for a Sunday roast and cuddling her rather spoilt miniature dachshund, Waffle!
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