The Best Nursing Bras

Buying Guide for Nursing Bras

Why buy a nursing bra?

If you plan on breastfeeding your baby or pumping breastmilk for bottle feeding, you may want to consider owning a few nursing bras. Nursing bras are an absolute game-changer for most nursing mothers because they combine the structure and support of a traditional bra with added conveniences like easy hooks on the cups or split-open fronts for easy access.

What should you consider in a nursing bra?

• Fit: When purchasing a pumping bra all on its own, make sure it is compatible with the type of breast pump you have. If you love the style, buy a breast pump compatible with the nursing bra.
• Comfort: A nursing bra should be comfortable and easy to use. After all, it’s about making your life a little easier with a baby. Adjustable straps, padded straps, and a little extra support without wires can help make a nursing bra comfortable.
• Ease of Use: Make sure it’s at least somewhat easy to attach your pump and also gives the baby easy access if they need to eat during the process. You’d have to struggle out of a traditional bra, don’t struggle with your pumping one.
• Size: A pumping bra should fit perfectly, and you can measure for a nursing bra the same way you measure for a regular bra. It is important to measure your current body, as the changes from pregnancy might have caused a fluctuation in your cup size.

Do nursing bras affect milk supply?

It should not affect your milk supply if you buy a nursing bra that supports and fits without being too tight or constricting. The best advice is to purchase a nursing bra that fits while your breasts are engorged. In other words, it may be a good idea to size up slightly, especially in the early days after your baby is born.

Our Picks for the Best Nursing Bras

Pros: Available in multiple colors and sizes, this pumping bra is designed for hands-free pumping and nursing, either separately or together. Even if pumping and nursing multitasking isn’t necessary, it is always an option for moms with this bra. This bra can fit a range of breast pumps: Momcozy, Medela, Lansinoh, Phillips Avent, Bellema, Spectra, Evenflo, and more. Made of 97% cotton and 7% spandex, it is designed to be comfortable while offering support for all-day wear. The adjustable straps also mean you can get it to fit just right. There are also convenient drop-down cups for easy privacy-protected feeding.

Cons: This bra is not seamless and will show lines under your shirt. It’s also not as soft as some other brands.

Bottom Line: This is a top selection for a nursing bra that holds your pump in place, no matter the brand. Its adjustability and size make it a no-brainer for new and experienced moms.

 

Pros: This bra features a dual clip for hands-free pumping and unobstructed nursing access. The design has one clip for the pumping layer and another for the nursing layer. Easy to use and comfortable to wear, this bra allows easy multitasking and is made to hug your postpartum shape. Fully adjustable straps help you find a fit right for you, and the thin layer of removable padding means a smooth look under just about any clothing item. This nursing bra is compatible with most of the pumps on the market for a great hands-free fit. And unlike many other nursing bras, these come in larger sizes, F and above.

Cons: The sizing chart is confusing for some people, so you may want to try your bra on right away and exchange it if you need a different size.

Bottom Line: This bra provides comfort, support, and a smooth look under any outfit. You can easily access your breast for breastfeeding or pumping without fuss.

 

Pros: Featuring a zip-and-hook closure, this bra is easy to take off and put on and is specially designed to fit the Medela double electric breast pump. The structure provides a secure fit that is without straps. And this unique bustier is designed with added no-slip support around the cups so you can pump without worry. Also, it’s built to retain its shape, even after multiple washes. This bra also has a reinforced opening to securely hold breast shields and is available in two colors—black and nude- and various sizes.

Cons: It’s only made to be compatible with one pump brand, so if you use another brand, do not expect an exact fit. Also, it fits a bit tight around the bust, especially on bustier ladies, which may be uncomfortable for some.

Bottom Line: This cute bustier is great if you want hands-free pumping at home. It can be worn under your clothes and creates a flattering shape.

 

Pros: This flattering nursing bra offers a variety of color options to help you choose your style and multiple sizes to help you find a fit that is just right. It is made from a cotton and spandex blend and is ideal for hands-free pumping and one-step nursing. Comfortable enough to be worn daily, it is both stretchy and smooth, with a push-up design to help alleviate clogged milk ducts. Adjustable and universal, this bra is made to fit you and almost all standard pump flanges.

Cons: It may be a good idea to size up with this bra, especially if your breasts become engorged with milk.

Bottom Line: Overall, this nursing bra is a great find. It’s comfortable and easy to use and has flattering stitching and design. You can even sleep comfortably in this nursing bra.

 

Pros: These attractive nursing bras are made with super stretchy nylon and spandex, so they’re buttery soft, so much so that you can sleep in them. These bras fit even when the size of your breasts fluctuates a bit. They open and close with a simple hook-and-eye closure like standard bras and come with a racerback loop for extra lift. This pack also comes with matching expanders, so you can continue to wear them as your body changes. The easy-drop cup opening easily unclips so you can manage it with one hand. And you can machine wash these bras on warm or cool, then hang them to dry. You need to remove the pads and hand wash them separately so they don’t get lumpy.

Cons: The sizing may be confusing and inaccurate.

Bottom Line: Seamless and comfortable, you can wear these nursing bras anywhere and under any outfit—even to bed. Plus, the three-pack is a great value.

Final Thoughts

Nursing bras are necessary for nursing or pumping mothers, especially for new ones taking on this change in their bodies. They make access easy and comfortable for you and your baby so that you can enjoy the process without stress. Feed your baby in ultimate comfort and support with a quality nursing bra.