Nursing Bra Guide
Do You Really Need a Nursing Bra?
Becoming a new mom comes with a LOT of changes, including in your wardrobe. Between baby clothes, diapers, and nursery essentials, the list of must-haves seems endless. But what about a nursing bra? Is it truly necessary, or can you get by with what you already have?
What is a nursing bra?
The key feature in a nursing bra is easy nursing access. They come in different styles. The most common are: (1) stretchy neckline allowing you to pull the cups aside for breastfeeding (like our Soft-Cup Nursing Bra), and (2) nursing clips that allow you to unclip and nurse your baby without fully removing your bra (like our Luxe Nursing Bra).
Easy nursing access makes breastfeeding more convenient, especially if you’re in a public place or just trying to keep things discreet.
What is the difference between a maternity bra and a nursing bra
Maternity bras are designed to be worn through pregnancy, and may not necessarily be nursing-friendly - although most of them are! They are typically made of stretchy materials to adapt to your changing body.
Do I need a nursing bra?
Technically no, you don't need a nursing bra the same way your baby needs diapers.
What you do need is a bra that supports without restricting, flexible enough adapt to your fluctuating cups, and provides easy breastfeeding access. While there are some stretchy regular bralettes that fit the bill (our Soft-Cup Nursing Bra is basically that!), most regular bras do not.
When you are breastfeeding, your cup sizes can fluctuate from a B to E cup during the day. Most regular bras - especially those with underwire or moulded cups - are designed for a single cup, not a range of cups. Neither do they allow you to expose your bosom quickly for breastfeeding. We can't imagine the hassle of needing to remove your bra every time you need to breastfeed, especially during those late-night, half-awake feeds.
So while technically, you could get by with a regular bra, a nursing bra can make the whole experience of breastfeeding – and postpartum life in general – a lot smoother and more comfortable. Nursing bras are more than a luxury item; they’re designed to meet your unique needs during this special time.
Some may decide to spend less on a nursing bra because they assume they won't wear it after they are done breastfeeding. We have two things to say about that.
Firstly, we know many a mom who continue wearing their nursing bras when they are done breastfeeding - that is if they found a nursing bra that is *actually* comfortable.
Secondly, as they say, buy nice or buy twice.
Can I wear underwired bras when I am breastfeeding?
Our recommendation is no, especially during the first months of breastfeeding.
The concern about underwires is that they can press on breast tissue and potentially cause clogged ducts or mastitis - and they are definitely less uncomfortable - especially during times when your breasts are fuller.