Nursing Bra Shopping Guide: 
Different types of nursing bras and how to choose the best ones

When shopping for nursing bras, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options that are available. I mean, how do you even start to choose the best option for you?

This guide will highlight various types of nursing bras and what makes each one unique. We'll also give you some tips and tricks that will help you choose the best nursing bra fro you every time. 

What is a nursing bra? 

Nursing bras are special bras that are designed for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. They are designed to offer the extra support that's needed when the breasts start to grow larger and more sensitive in the later stages of pregnancy. They are also designed to make breastfeeding a comfortable experience for both you and your little one.

Every woman is unique. This means that the best nursing bra for you will be different from someone else's because you have different needs.

That said, generally speaking, a good nursing bra should be able to accommodate the changing shape and size of a woman's breasts. They should also be comfortable and easy to use, especially when you need to access your breasts with one hand while holding your baby with the other. 

Types of nursing bras

There are several different types of nursing bras. Each one is designed to meet a specific need. Here are some of them: 

• Everyday nursing bras: As the name suggests, these are nursing bras that can be worn every day. They are almost indistinguishable from regular bras with the extra feature of making breastfeeding easier. 
• Pumping bras: These are nursing bras that are designed for pumping breast milk. They are uniquely designed to allow for the attachment and support of a breast pump. With them, you can comfortably pump hands-free while doing something else with your hands.
• Extra-supportive nursing bras: These are designed to offer some much-needed extra support to women who need it. For some women, the breasts can get really heavy and highly sensitive especially during the breastfeeding process. An extra-supportive nursing bra helps redistribute that extra weight, allowing you to be comfortable as you go about your day. 
• Full drop cup bras: These are great for when you begin nursing. They allow for easy and discreet breastfeeding no matter where you are. 
• Sleeping bras: Sleeping bras are designed to be comfortable enough to be slept in. They are great for nighttime feedings as they are comfortable and highly breathable.

Whatever type of bra you choose to go for, we highly recommend getting an option that is comfortable, seamless, wireless, and supportive. Such a bra will not only be comfortable during nursing but it will also serve you well in your pregnancy. 

How to choose the best nursing bra?

There are several factors that you would need to consider when choosing your nursing bra. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Sizing

First up is sizing. Making sure you are getting a properly sized bra for your breast size is the first step to finding the right bra for you. You can either opt to have it done professionally at a bra shop or you can also do it at home. If you want to do it at home, we have a detailed step-by-step guide that will walk you through the entire process.

Keep in mind that your breasts will change in shape and size over time. This happens throughout you life, but the changes become more noticeable during pregnancy and post-pregnancy.

Getting the right-sized bra is the only way to ensure that you will always wear a bra that fits you well. If comfort and proper support are important to you, you absolutely have to get this step right.

2. Fit

The next important thing to keep in mind as you shop for a nursing bra is its fit. Good nursing bras are adjustable at the band and cup levels. This is what makes them proper-fitting.

Of course, the best way to get the fit right is by trying the bra on after getting your measurements. Trying the bra on will also allow you to test-drive the full range of features that the bra offers, including material, full drop cups, hooks, clips, and more.

A well-fitting bra is essential if you want to avoid issues like chronic pain and stretch marks. When you get a nursing bra that fits you well, it will provide lots of extra support for your breasts. You can also take this to the next level by getting a bra with wide strapped bands that allow for minimal bounce.

Getting a proper-fitting bra is essential as it will provide your body with lots of extra support while your breasts go through changes. This will also make your day-to-day life comfortable and convenient.

3. Comfort

Comfort is important to any woman looking for a bra. It is even more important for the nursing mother.

As you choose your next nursing bra, be sure to get something that is made entirely of cotton or some other natural fabrics like hemp, flax, or jute. Natural fabrics are better because they are breathable, moisture-wicking, and they do not raise the body temperature. Therefore, they make more comfortable nursing bras.  

4. Easy access

Good nursing bras are designed to allow for easy access to the breasts or nipples.

The clips in nursing bras make it easier to access your breasts when you have to breastfeed your baby. They are mainly located at the base of the shoulder, and they snap on and off. This makes them easy to use and super convenient because you no longer have to pull out your entire breast for the baby to feed. The clips also help the bra to stay in place.

If you do not like clips, or if a nursing bra with clips is uncomfortablt for you when you sleep, consider getting nursing sleepwear that are designed for exactly that. These bras are made usign stretchy materials that make for convenient nightime feeding sessions.

5. Adjustability

Your breasts will change in size a lot during your nursing journey. There'll be days when they will feel smaller and days when you'll feel them engorging as they fill up with milk. Therefore, you need to invest in a nursing bra that will accommodate these changes.

A good nursing bra will come with adjustable hooks and straps. Others have multiple turns that allow you to easily adjust them to accommodate your growing breasts. If your cup size is still the same, you could also get bra extenders that not only give you some room but also add some extra inches to your bra band.

6. Padding

Padded bras offer more milk leak protection than regular bras and are ideal for everyday use. They are a must-have especially if you often find yourself leaking.

That said, padded nursing bras may not be perfect for every situation. For example, for the first day's post-pregnancy, your breasts will be very sore. All you'll want is some comfort. For this situation, a non-padded wireless bra would be ideal. Therefore, when it comes to selecting the level of padding you want for your nursing bra, try to anticipate your needs. It might be better to get both a padded and a non-padded option for a start. 

7. Support

Thick strapped nursing bras offer more support to the breast than thinner straps. You can also get double-strapped options for that extra layer of support.

There are also underwired nursing bras that offer an extra layer of support to the breasts to ensure that they stay in place at all times. Alternatively, you can get wireless nursing bras with bands around the ribcage, which do the exact same thing. 

8. Material

The material you go for should be breathable, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and should not raise your body temperature. Cotton and natural materials are perfect for this.

Once you have found a good material, your nursing bra can be as fancy as you like. Who says nursing bras have to be boring? At Momanda, we make beautiful nursing and maternity bras that are practical and feminine. Exactly what you need for when you crave beauty and comfort the most. 

9. Alternative bra styles/ Functional bras

These include everything from sporty nursing bras to sleeping bras and pumping bras.

Sleeping bras come with wide and supportive back panels designed specifically for keeping the straps in place. They have nursing pockets, and are padded to absorb any leaking breast milk when asleep. Additionally, a lot of them have stretchy soft fabrics that can be easily be pulled aside for breastfeeding.

Sporty nursing bras are made from breathable fabrics that allow for free airflow and absorb moisture. They have wide straps that give support and displace shoulder pressure during a workout session and side support panels that restrict outward movement of the breasts. Plus, the upward bounce of the breasts is minimized because of its high center front.

Finally, pumping bras are designed for convenient pumping. They come with one-had open clips and feature a stretchy inner layer that makes it easy to get the pump in and out. Our pumping bra looks and feels like a regular bra. It's even prettier than most bras! 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. With this nursing bra shopping guide, you should be able to shop for your nursing bras like a pro. And if you need one right now, please be sure to check out the complete collection on our site! 

Angelia Smith - Feb. 08 2022

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