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Shopping for nursing bras can feel overwhelming when you're already juggling a million pregnancy to-dos. Your breasts change so much during pregnancy and breastfeeding that buying too early means they won't fit, but waiting too long leaves you scrambling after delivery. Most moms find the sweet spot is around 36-38 weeks pregnant—that's when to buy nursing bras for the best fit and value.
A nursing bra is designed to make breastfeeding easier. It has clips or panels at the top of each cup that you can open with one hand to feed your baby. You don't need to take off the entire bra, which is much more convenient when you're holding your baby.
Regular bras don't work well for breastfeeding. They're harder to pull aside for feeding, and they don't accommodate how much your breasts change size throughout the day as they fill and empty with milk. Nursing bras use stretchier, softer fabrics that move with your body.
Most nursing bras skip the underwire, which is important because tight wires can press into your milk ducts and cause blocked ducts or mastitis. They also have wider straps to handle the extra weight from milk production, making them more comfortable for all-day wear.
The ideal window for buying nursing bras is around 36-38 weeks of pregnancy. Your breasts have done most of their growing by this point, so the size you measure now will be close to what you'll need for breastfeeding. This timing gives you a stable baseline to work from while still allowing flexibility for the changes that happen when your milk comes in.
Yes, shopping too early usually backfires. Your breasts continue growing throughout pregnancy, so bras purchased in the second trimester often don't fit by the time you actually need them. You'll end up buying replacements anyway, which doubles your expense. Waiting until the third trimester ensures you're closer to your final size.
Waiting until after delivery isn't ideal either. When your milk comes in 2-5 days postpartum, your breasts will swell temporarily, but nursing bras are designed with enough stretch to handle this change. If you wait to shop until after birth, you'll be navigating sizing decisions while managing newborn care, recovery, and sleep deprivation—not the best conditions for making good purchases.
Start with 2-3 nursing bras around 36 weeks. This gives you enough to rotate through laundry while you're getting used to breastfeeding. If you're nervous about sizing, buy just 1-2 initially, then add more once your milk is established and you know exactly what fits and feels comfortable.
Shopping in late pregnancy positions you for success without overcommitting before you know what works for your body. While your breasts may shift slightly in the early breastfeeding months, buying at 36-38 weeks means you'll have supportive, comfortable bras ready when you need them most.
Maternity bras, nursing bras, and everyday bras look similar but serve different purposes at different stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
| Feature | Everyday Bra | Maternity Bra | Nursing Bra |
| Purpose | General support | Pregnancy support | Support + easy feeding access |
| Cup Access | No opening | No opening | Drop-down cups with clips |
| Support | Often underwired | Wire-free | Wire-free |
| Fabric | Standard | Soft, stretchy | Soft, breathable, stretchy |
| Adjustability | Standard straps | Extra-wide, adjustable | Extra-wide, highly adjustable |
| Size Flexibility | Fitted to current size | Accommodates growth | Handles daily size changes |
| Best Timing | Before pregnancy | During pregnancy | While breastfeeding |
Regular bras provide support for your current breast size with standard sizing and often include underwire for lift. They work fine before pregnancy but lack flexibility for the rapid changes your breasts go through. The fixed sizing won't accommodate growth, and underwires can restrict milk ducts during nursing.
Maternity bras support your changing body during pregnancy with wider bands and straps to handle heavier breasts. Multiple hook-and-eye closures let you adjust as your ribcage expands. Seamless, wire-free cups prevent pressure on tender breasts. However, they don't have nursing clips, so they're not practical once your baby arrives.
Nursing bras combine maternity bra comfort with drop-down cups or clips that let you feed without removing the entire bra. This is essential when nursing multiple times daily. They use stretchy, wire-free fabrics and accommodate size changes as breasts fill and empty. Extra-wide straps prevent shoulder strain from increased breast weight.
Regular bras can't handle the 1-3 cup size increase during pregnancy and nursing, causing painful compression and potentially blocked milk ducts. Underwires dig into milk-producing tissue and can interfere with milk flow. Trying to breastfeed in a regular bra means either removing it completely or pushing it aside, which provides no support and stretches out the bra.
Your breasts change significantly during breastfeeding as they adapt to feeding your baby. Knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared.
Finding the right nursing bra involves more than just picking your size. Several key features make the difference between a bra you'll love and one that sits unused in your drawer.
You need clips you can open and close with one hand while holding your baby. This sounds simple, but it matters more than you'd think when you're nursing eight times a day. The clips should snap open easily without fumbling or requiring both hands. Drop-down cups or clip-down styles tend to work best for quick feeding, whether you're at home or out in public.
Your breasts change size throughout the day as they fill and empty with milk, so stiff fabric won't work. You want soft, breathable materials that stretch without getting saggy after a few washes. Nylon-spandex blends usually hit the sweet spot—they're stretchy enough to accommodate size changes but still provide support. The Ultra Soft Seamless Nursing Bra YN21 uses 61% nylon and 39% spandex, which gives you that comfortable stretch without losing its shape.
Skip any bra with underwire. Those wires can press into your milk ducts and cause blocked ducts or mastitis, both of which are painful problems you don't need. The good news is you can still get plenty of support without wires. Some newer nursing bras use clever design instead—the Jelly Strip Seamless Nursing Bra YN46 has a 4-layer gel waistband that supports like an underwire bra but without the actual wire. It also wraps 360° around your breasts to prevent sagging.
Seams create pressure points that dig into your skin, especially when you're wearing a bra all day and night. They also show through clothes, which isn't ideal. Seamless bras eliminate these issues and feel much more comfortable against sensitive skin. This matters more during pregnancy and postpartum when your skin is already dealing with hormonal changes.
Breastfeeding and pregnancy cause your body to change constantly, so you need a bra that can adapt. You may modify the fit as your breasts change thanks to the adjustable straps. When your band size varies, extenders or different hook-and-eye settings come in handy. Detachable padding is another feature of some bras, which is useful because you might desire padding on some days but not on others.
Invest in a bra that can be used as a hands-free pumping bra if you intend to pump. You can avoid purchasing two different kinds of bras by doing this. Breast pump flanges are now securely held in many nursing bras, allowing you to pump while using your hands for other tasks like eating, working, or using your phone.
Seek certifications such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, which indicates that the fabric has undergone testing and is free of dangerous chemicals. This is important because the bra will be close to your baby when you are nursing and will be touching your skin throughout the day. Additionally, better fabrics endure more frequent washings, which ultimately saves you money.
Instead of retaining moisture and heat, a nursing bra should allow your skin to breathe. To enhance airflow, look for breathable materials or design elements like scalloped edges. If you have night sweats or reside in a warm climate, this becomes crucial.
The best nursing bras are supportive, comfy, long-lasting, and easy to use. There are bras that can accomplish all the things you need, so you don't have to settle for one that does one thing well.
Getting the right size makes all the difference between a nursing bra you'll wear every day and one that ends up in the back of your drawer. Measuring for a nursing bra takes just a few minutes with a soft measuring tape.
Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage directly under your breasts. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and make sure it's level all the way around your body—not riding up in the back. This measurement determines your band size.
| Your Measurement (inches) | Your Band Size |
| 24.5 - 26.5 | 32 |
| 26.5 - 28.5 | 34 |
| 28.5 - 30.5 | 36 |
| 30.5 - 32.5 | 38 |
| 32.5 - 34.5 | 40 |
| 34.5 - 36.5 | 42 |
Now measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Keep the tape snug but not tight—it should feel comfortable, not restrictive. Gently press the tape down between your breasts for an accurate reading. This number is your bust measurement.
Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The difference tells you your cup size.
| Difference (inches) | Your Cup Size |
| 4.5 - 5.5 | B |
| 5.5 - 6.5 | C |
| 6.5 - 7.5 | D |
| 7.5 - 8.5 | E |
If your band measures 32 inches and your bust measures 38 inches, the difference is 6 inches. This puts you in a C cup, making your size 32C.
Measure yourself around 36 weeks pregnant for the most accurate size, since this is when your breasts are close to their breastfeeding size. If you're measuring earlier in pregnancy, you may need to remeasure closer to your due date as your breasts continue growing.
If your measurements fall right on the line between two sizes, choose the larger size. Nursing bras with stretchy fabric and adjustable features like hook-and-eye closures give you room to adjust as your body changes. A slightly looser bra that you can tighten works better than one that's too small and uncomfortable.
Measure yourself when your breasts aren't engorged or overly full—first thing in the morning usually works well. Wear an unpadded bra or no bra at all while measuring to get the most accurate numbers. If possible, have someone else take the measurements for you since it's easier than trying to do it yourself in a mirror.
Taking a few minutes to measure properly means you'll get nursing bras that actually fit and feel comfortable from day one.
You'll need 3-5 nursing bras to comfortably rotate through laundry cycles while breastfeeding. Three is the bare minimum—one to wear, one in the wash, and one clean. This works if you do laundry every few days, but it doesn't give you much cushion for the reality of breastfeeding. Milk leaks happen, especially in the early weeks when your supply is still regulating. Spit-up gets on your clothes. Sometimes you just can't get to laundry as planned. Having five bras means you won't be washing constantly or stuck without a clean option. If you plan to use your bras for pumping, consider getting one or two extras since pumping sessions can leave bras feeling sweaty or stretched out. Start with three bras when you shop around 36 weeks pregnant. Once your milk comes in and you figure out which styles work best for your body, you can add more if needed.
Yes, it's perfectly fine to sleep in a maternity or nursing bra, and many women find it more comfortable. Sleeping in a maternity bra can help during late pregnancy when your breasts are heavier and more sensitive. A soft, supportive bra reduces discomfort at night. During breastfeeding, wearing a bra helps manage milk leaks—you can use nursing pads inside to catch leakage and avoid waking up in a wet shirt. The key is choosing the right bra. Pick something soft, stretchy, and wireless that won't restrict your breasts or dig into your skin. Skip anything with underwire or tight bands, as these can press on milk ducts and cause blocked ducts. Look for seamless, breathable fabrics that feel comfortable for extended wear. If a bra feels uncomfortable at night, you don't have to wear one—it's your choice based on comfort and whether you're dealing with leaks.
Nursing bras typically last 6-12 months with regular wear. The lifespan depends on how often you wear them, washing frequency, and quality. If you rotate between several bras and follow care instructions—gentle wash cycles and air drying—they'll last longer. Replace your bra when the elastic stretches out, the band rides up, the fabric wears thin, or the clips stop working properly.
Underwire bras can press into your breast tissue and block milk ducts, leading to plugged ducts or mastitis. Your breasts change size throughout the day as they fill and empty with milk, and rigid wires don't flex with these changes. The wire creates pressure points that can interrupt milk flow and dig into your skin. Wireless nursing bras provide support through wide bands and structured cups instead of metal wires.
Stop wearing underwire bras once you become pregnant or start planning for breastfeeding. Many women switch to wireless bras during the second trimester when their breasts grow and become sensitive. If you notice discomfort, redness, or pressure marks, switch to wireless immediately. You can return to underwire after you finish breastfeeding if you want, though many women stick with wireless bras because they're more comfortable.
No, underwire bras don't reduce your total milk supply, but they can block milk flow where the wire presses against your breast. This prevents milk from draining properly, which can cause engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis. If milk isn't removed efficiently from certain ducts, your body may produce less milk in those areas over time. A properly fitted wireless nursing bra lets milk flow freely from all areas of your breast.
Knowing when to buy nursing bras—late third trimester around 36-38 weeks—saves you from sizing mistakes and last-minute stress. Choose bras that are wireless, stretchy, and easy to use with one hand while you're holding your baby. Starting with 3-5 well-fitting bras gives you enough to manage laundry and leaks without constantly washing. Invest in quality nursing bras now, and they'll support you comfortably through your entire breastfeeding experience.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.
