How many nursing bras do you need?

Any new mother will tell you that easy nursing access is crucial when you have a baby or infant. Luckily, wearing a good nursing bra can achieve this.

There are several styles on the market, so it’s a good idea to try a few different types to find the perfect one for you.

Learn your options  and how to choose the best nursing bra for your needs. 

What are the different types of nursing bras? 

There are several types of nursing bras available, and the best ones for you will depend on your nursing needs and personal preferences. 

Drop cup

The drop cup style is a favorite among nursing mothers. It features flaps on the cups that drop down so you can easily nurse. They’re easy to open and close, and nursing parents love how comfortable, supportive, and convenient they are. 

Wireless

Wireless nursing and maternity bras are remarkably comfortable as they reduce pressure on and around your breasts and don’t have any underwire that could dig into your skin. Wire-free bras also tend to be more flexible and allow for more breadth of movement.

Lightly padded

If you’re experiencing issues with unwanted lactation, consider buying a lightly padded nursing bra. The light padding helps reduce leaking and staining, all while having a little extra support 

Sports

You can find sports bras designed for nursing women. These bras make it easy to nurse and pump while staying active.

Strapless

Yes, you can even find strapless nursing bras! These provide the same comfort and style as your traditional strapless bra, all while offering the additional support and nursing-friendly features you require.

Sleep bra

A sleep bra is just what it sounds like — a bra so comfy you can sleep in it! A sleep bra isn’t necessarily a separate “type” of bra — any comfortable wireless bra can be a great sleep bra. You may want to wear a sleep bra if your breasts are extra heavy from nursing. Additionally, you can wear them to help prevent lactation issues while you sleep.

Nursing/pumping bra

This type of bra doubles as a nursing bra and a pumping bra. It may include drop-down cups to aid with nursing/pumping and extra padding to avoid lactation issues. This makes it convenient for both everyday nursing and night feedings. 

 

How do you choose the right nursing bra? 

There are a few different factors to consider looking for the best nursing bras for you: 

• Fit. There is no question that pregnancy and nursing affects your breasts. Throughout this journey, your breasts and your bra size will continuously change, so it’s essential to frequently re-measure yourself to find your perfect fit. Take our online Fitting Room Quiz or visit our guide on measuring your bra size to find your correct bra size. 
• Material. Opt for soft materials and breathable fabric. If you are especially prone to skin irritation, cotton is an excellent choice. Rough materials may cause skin irritation, which you definitely want to avoid when nursing.
• Cup style. There are different cup styles for nursing bras, including but not limited to the following: clip-down, button-down, and fold-down. These allow for easier access while nursing. Try a couple to see what is right for you.
• Open and close. Do the cups open and close for nursing purposes? And if so, how do they achieve this? While some bras have cups you can clip or fold down for feeding, others simply create a low V-neck so you could pull it down off the breast. The access method should be easy and straightforward enough to do one-handed.
• Wired vs. unwired. While wired bras may provide better support, they tend to be less comfortable than wireless bras. Depending on whether you are looking for additional support or comfort, you can choose the right one for you.

Here at ThirdLove, we want to make sure that breastfeeding parents always feel comfortable and supported. We offer a variety of maternity and nursing bras designed with you and easy nursing access in mind. Need some more help selecting the perfect bra for you? Chat with our Fit Experts at any time using the “chat with us” button below.