The best maternity bras
I’ve had three children and breastfed all three. In fact, I’ve now breastfed for over 4 years and counting! – so I like to think I know a thing or two about maternity bras! I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to breastfeeding friendly bras, so whether you’re looking for comfortable nursing bras or sexy nursing bras, check out my list below to see which ones I have tried and tested and LOVE.
What to look for in a maternity bra?
1. Fit
As with all bra’s, it is important it is the right fit for you.
Your breasts will change lots throughout your pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding journey. You may find you need to buy a few different sizes throughout this journey so don’t stock up too much in advance.
2. Comfort
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your breasts can feel tender and there’s some pretty cool stuff going on inside you to create that milk and release it so it is important that the bra you are wearing is a comfortable maternity bra– you don’t want your feeding bra to be cutting into you!
3. Style
Traditionally, maternity bras are not very attractive. At a time when your body is going through so much change, it is a huge self confidence boost to put on underwear that looks (and feels) good!
4. Ease of use/ ease of feeding
It is important that the bra you are wearing whilst breastfeeding is easy to unclip, pull down or pull to the side. Nothing worse than having a baby getting increasingly fussy whilst you try and fiddle around with your bra to feed them!
So… here are my top 5 and why I like them!
1. HotMilk Show Off Nursing Bra – Wirefree
Best for: All day comfort and support
You’ll use this bra from pregnancy right to the end of your feeding journey.
In the late stages of pregnancy when your breasts are getting larger and underwire bras are getting uncomfortable, this is a top choice of maternity bra for pregnancy.
It is wirefree, features a soft cup with full cup coverage and has an adjustable back band which makes it a great supportive bra for pregnancy.
While you’re breastfeeding, this continues to be a favourite as it features easy to use one handed drop down clips and the full cup style means you will feel supported and your breast pads will fit with ease.
Check it out here.
2. Maternity Camisole – My Necessity Cami
Best for: The days after birth, in the hospital
When you’ve given birth, your breasts will be tender, rapidly changing and potentially sore as you navigate breastfeeding with your newborn.
If you’re staying in the hospital you’ll likely have midwives checking on you and observing your feeding so you’ll want a feeding bra for after birth that is non restrictive, easy nursing clip access but is also modest due to the constant visitors you’ll be having during the early days. This is what makes a breastfeeding camisole ideal, as you can easily unclip the straps to access your breasts, whilst you stay covered up around your tummy. They’re generally quite form fitting so it can be best to size up if you want a more relaxed fit.
Check it out here.
3. NAT’V Basics Callie Crop
Best for: Wearing at night or lazing around home
This crop is ultimate for comfort! It is a low-V crop, wire-free and has removable padding. The material is buttery soft and it will sit smoothly under a tight tee.
Ability to cross the straps too if you like to wear racerbacks or halters. I love it for lazing around home and wearing at night to keep my breast pads in place. It is so comfortable I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything – the absence of clips on the back means I don’t have anything digging into me in my sleep.
It does feature a clip for breastfeeding however it can be a little fiddly so I prefer to just pull it down/ to the side to feed with ease.
Breathable, vegan and sustainable – Nat’V really have thought of it all.
Tip: grab a multipack for a bigger saving and to use these on high rotation!
Check it out here.
4. Juem Paloma Maternity Bra
Best for: Comfort and style – when support isn’t necessarily key
The Paloma bra is a feminine style nursing bra with a dainty scalloped trimming & will make you feel good whilst maintaining comfort at the same time.
It is designed to fit like a normal bra and is made from soft GOTS certified organic cotton ribbed elastane.
This bra is wire-free, medium coverage and features a maternity clip at the top of the frame which can be easily unfastened with one hand whilst feeding.
Check it out here.
5. Hot Milk Warrior Plunge Contour Nursing Bra – Flexi Underwire
Best for: When you’ve established breastfeeding & want to feel sexy!
Did someone say maternity lingerie? Sexy maternity bra? I know – I didn’t believe it when I heard it either.
With a plunging neckline, strap style sling and lace back you’ll forget you’re wearing a maternity bra! It has low cut cotton lined contour cups and wire support to ensure lift and shape aren’t compromised. It has some cool magnet style nursing clips too (twist to open).
This Flexi Underwire style isn’t recommended during pregnancy, to sleep in or during the first weeks of pregnancy however is fantastic for those special occasions once you’ve established breastfeeding. Check it out here.
About underwire and breastfeeding
Excerpt from The Australian Breastfeeding association:
"Many women prefer underwire fashion bras and are confused when told these are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. The reason for this is, once again, your changing breast shape. When breastfeeding, the breasts can increase and decrease in size during the day, as milk is produced and removed. Retained fluid in late pregnancy can also cause the breast to swell. Although only a slight change in size is occurring, a rigid underwire may put pressure on the breast when it is fuller. Such pressure can lead to blocked milk ducts or mastitis and it is for this reason inflexible underwire bras are not recommended. However, there are now nursing bras available that have flexible metal support, similar to an underwire, designed to flex and change position with your changing shape. These are less likely to cause problems."
Oh and when your breastfeeding journey comes to an end, don’t forget to re-measure your size as it is likely your breasts will have changed and what fit you prior to baby may not fit you any more!
Whilst I am affiliated with some of the above mentioned brands, I have tried and tested all of these styles and these reviews are genuinely on my end. They are all bras I wear on high rotation through my pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys.
I accept no responsibility for incorrect claims/ information, please be sure to check with the brand that all claims I have made are correct prior to purchasing.
This article may contain affiliate links where I may earn a commission for purchases made via those links. This comes at no cost to you.
