Women experience many significant physical changes during pregnancy, where in addition to a growing belly, their breasts also become much more sensitive.
Your breasts are growing due to increased progesterone levels and the expansion of your milk ducts in preparation for the coming baby.
During pregnancy, it's common to gain a cup size or two. Because your rib cage expands to make room for your baby, many women notice they are also wider across the back.
You may start to grow uncomfortable, sore, and short of breath, thus this is the perfect time for them to invest in the best nursing bra to ensure comfort throughout and beyond pregnancy.
In this article, let’s look at the best maternity bras, why you should get them, how to care for these undergarments, and more!
What are breastfeeding bras?
Breastfeeding bras are undergarments specially designed to entail to the needs of breastfeeding women.
It has cups with flaps or panels that can be opened easily to give the baby access to the breast without the need to completely remove the bra during a breastfeeding session.
Difference Between Maternity Bra and Nursing Bras
| Design |
Maternity Bra |
Nursing Bra |
| 1. Fit larger sized breasts |
Yes |
Yes |
| 2. Wide straps, lining with soft cotton on the inside, with extra hooks and hangers on the tape |
Yes |
Yes |
| 3. No underwire |
Yes |
Yes |
| 4. Hook/panel for easy breastfeeding access |
No |
Yes |
| 5. Provides optimum comfort |
Yes |
Yes |
Thus, we suggest that it's best for expectant mothers to purchase a combination of both, i.e. first buy a larger sized pregnancy bra as well as a breastfeeding bra to switch to near the middle of the 3rd trimester.
If you buy a breastfeeding bra to wear during pregnancy, you should choose one that has more room for breast augmentation as your breast will grow 1-2 sizes up after the baby is born.
Why Should You Use The Best Nursing Bra?
During pregnancy, many women ponder over whether they should invest in a breastfeeding bra or if they should just stick to their normal bras.
Many pregnant women and new mothers actually do recommend buying a breastfeeding bra are best as it helps provide comfort while their bodies change over time.
Here are some of the reasons why pregnant women are encouraged to buy breastfeeding bras:
- They are specially designed to accommodate breasts that are enlarged or abruptly changing in size. Your breasts will likely go through dramatic size changes during pregnancy and have the potential to fluctuate in size depending on the breastfeeding and pumping sessions you have after you have given birth.
- Most breastfeeding bras come with multiple hooks which enable one to change the width of the bras to keep up with changes in one’s body size.
- Breastfeeding bras are also usually made of soft and stretchy material and do not consist of iron wires or stitches near the nipple (which can cause inflammation) in order to maximize comfort.
When Should You Get A Breastfeeding Bra?
A good sign of when it is time to get a breastfeeding bra is when you feel like your bra is too restrictive. Some things you can look out for is when you remove your bra and realise that it leaves ‘dent’ marks where the tape and the straps are, or when your breasts start to overflow out of the cups.
Every pregnancy is different, much like how every woman is different. Thus, each woman's breast will also change in unique ways. Some pregnant women will find that the size of their breasts continually increases throughout the entire duration of their pregnancy. whereas, others may find an increase in the first trimester only, etc.
Depending on how your own body changes throughout your pregnancy, you will need to monitor it and purchase new bras as you see fit!
How many maternity bras will I need?
This is a question that is fully dependent on your body and personal requirements. To begin, you'll need to purchase a maternity bra. For pregnant women, these will be cordless bras. There are a variety of alternatives, such as T-shirt bras, which are both comfortable and fashionable.
You should first purchase a couple of bras and then assess your situation. You may require more at that time, or you may wait until your breasts have grown larger again before purchasing.
Moreover, you should consider purchasing a breastfeeding bra during 36-38 weeks because this is usually when you will start lactating. Hence, a nursing bra may be useful to use when breastfeeding. When you use a nursing bra, it contains a pull-down clip to let you feed your baby more easily.
Tips For Choosing The Best Nursing Bra
A good bra should provide ample support but should not be too tight as well. It should not leave any dent marks on the skin as that leads to the risk of clogged milk ducts, mastitis or even a decreased milk supply.
Here are a few things you should take note of before you buy your bra:
- Wireless bras are more suitable during breastfeeding
- It is advisable to choose a bra made of cotton or other natural materials. This is as natural materials absorb well and have good ventilation.
- You should choose a bra that has a hook that is easy to operate with one hand, such that the mother can use the other hand to hold the baby.
- Soft and stretchy material is ideal. This is so that there is enough allowance for the fluctuating shape of the breast.
- Choose bras that have ample support
- The bra should also be soft so as to enable any breast changes and minimize chances of irritation to the breasts and nipples
- Bras that feature cups that can be opened to enable easy access for breastfeeding are recommended
- Bras that allow for fluctuation in the ribs are also ideal
Caution!
It is not recommended to buy ‘normal bras’ in larger sizes as normal bras do not have the capacity to support and accommodate the growing breasts and body during pregnancy, given that they are made with different fabrics and structures.
In addition, normal bras have an iron underwire which does not accommodate for breast enlargement and can thus result in extreme discomfort if worn throughout pregnancy.
During the breastfeeding stage, a normal bra also poses much impracticality as it does not have any easy access openings that allow for breastfeeding.
This can also be harmful as it increases the likelihood of mastitis (blockage and infection of milk ducts) due to the constraint of the underwire and less breathable materials used.
How Do You Ensure Your Nursing Bra Fits Perfectly?
There is no denying that many women, not just those pregnant, are confused about how to make sure that the bra they buy fits perfectly, protects their breasts and provides comfort.
For pregnant mothers, the following are some of the ways in which you can make sure your breastfeeding bra fits well.
These tips can also apply to all women who are in the search of a comfortable bra.
- Wrinkles on the bottom of the bra cup are visible indicators that your bra is too big.
- The tape band of your bra should fit perfectly, lie neatly and not be skewed upwards on the back.
- If your breasts peek out of the bottom of your bra, this means that your bra is too big.
- If your breasts ‘overflow’ out of the top or the sides of the bra cup, it means that your bra is too small.
How to measure for a good fit?
Taking two easy measurements - underbust and bust - is the best approach to begin fitting a bra.
Your band and cup sizes are calculated using these two figures. These measures can be taken with a cloth measuring tape or a piece of thread and a ruler.
First, strip down to your bra to obtain your underbust, or band measurement. Wrap the measuring tape or thread around your torso and place it just beneath your breasts.
The measuring tape should be snug but not too tight around your torso. This measurement should be rounded up to the next even number. A band size of 34, for example, might be anything from 32.5 and 34 inches wide.
Wrap the measuring tape over the largest region of your breasts while still wearing your bra to get your bust measurement. If you're breastfeeding, remember to measure before each meal.
Subtracting your band size from your bust measurement yields your cup size. Every tenth of an inch of difference is a letter.
If your breast measurement is 37 inches and your band size is 34 inches, the three-inch discrepancy equals a C cup. A difference of four inches equals a D cup, and so on.
How often should I wash my maternity bra?
After two wears, it is normally advised that you wash your bra. This assumes it isn’t milk-stained, sweated in, or otherwise marked.
The wrinkles around your breast and armpits are hot and humid because our bodies are continually losing skin. Bras are figure-hugging and quickly absorb odours and grime.
Can I wash these bras by hand?
Yes, you can! While it is tempting to just toss your bra in the machine and let it do the job for you, hand washing your bras is recommended to get the most out of them.
Here are a few tips on how to care for your maternity bra:
- Fill a bucket with around 5 litres of cold water and a tiny bit of biodegradable detergent to dissolve. Detergents containing bleach or strong enzymes should be avoided. Your bras will be harmed by them.
- Whether you pre-soak or not is totally up to you. If you soak it for a few minutes before washing it, the fibres will stretch, giving the dirt and grime a head start on getting out.
- Soak your undergarment for at least 10 minutes. Just in case any colours run, only soak comparable colours together. Any stains should be lightly rubbed off.
- In the bucket, stir the water by dipping the bra in and out for around 5 minutes. When in the bucket, gently compress your bras, but never beat or wring them.
- Fill with clean, cold water and discard the soapy water. You should only need two rinses, or until the water runs clear.
- If you want to use a softener, dissolve a tiny quantity in cold water and soak for 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Lay flat to dry or hang in the shade to dry. The sun, like hot water, may hasten the degeneration of the elastic in your bras, so keep them out of direct sunshine if at all possible.
10 best maternity and nursing bras
To aid in the search of finding the best breastfeeding bra, we have listed below some of the best breastfeeding bras in Malaysia for your consideration.
#1 Mamaway Ultralight Antibacterial Seamless Nursing and Maternity Bra
It is the best maternity bra to wear during pregnancy and after childbirth given its thin yet comfortable material.
It helps to eliminate any discomfort or pain that can be caused by sensitivity during pregnancy or when breasts are swollen.
This bra is also built with soft pads and openings that make it easy for mothers to breastfeed their babies.
What we like:
- Very light and comfortable design
- Can accommodate up to a 3 cup size increase due to its great structural support.
- It is known to be more comfortable, ultra light and soft compared to other nursing bras
- Stitched with soft padding and shapes to your breast well
- MerylR Skinlife with adhesive silver microparticles, antibacterial and odour resistant
- Materials: Nylon, spandex and polyester
#2 Mamaway Antibacterial Crossover Sleeping & Nursing Padded Bra
This easy stretch bra is very suited for breastfeeding, especially during the early stages of breastfeeding due to its easily accessible openings.
The material used is also both easy to dry and absorbent to ensure the mother’s comfort even if there is a milk leak on the bra.
What we like:
- Antibacterial and anti-odour material
- Removable bra pads to provide better support
- Flexible and strong enough to maintain its shape despite constant pull during breastfeeding.
- Thin fabric that can be shaped to fit different breast shapes well.
- Wide shoulder strap that provides extra back and shoulder support
- Material: 100% Cotton
#3 Holabebe Hands Free Pumping Nursing Bra
Not only is the Holabebe breastfeeding bra comfortable for breastfeeding but also compatible with a hands-free breast pump!
The design is also neat and able to accommodate the breasts, ensuring that they stay comfortable and in good shape throughout breastfeeding. The opening is also easily accessible by one hand.
What we like:
- Can accommodate up to a 3 cup size increase due to its great structural support.
- Wide shoulder straps and side panels to distribute weight evenly
- Back design contains many hooks and clasps to accommodate breast changes
- 1 drop-down clip for easy breastfeeding
- Removable bra pads
- Material: Nylon and Spandex
#4 Holabebe Seamless Nursing Bra
Another Holabebe bra for mothers to consider! This model can not only be used during pregnancy and as a breastfeeding bra but is also suited as a sports bra.
What we like:
- Can accommodate up to a 3 cup size increase due to its great structural support.
- Wide shoulder straps and side panels to distribute weight evenly
- The back design contains many hooks and clasps to accommodate breast changes
- 1 drop-down clip for easy breastfeeding
- Removable bra pads
- Material: Nylon and Spandex
#5 AUTUMNZ Isabel2 Maternity & Nursing Bra
The AUTUMNZ Isabel2 is a soft and lightweight breastfeeding bra complete with a soft cup and o additional lining. It would definitely be a good pick for mothers who are constantly breastfeeding.
It is also highly functional with an easy opening that can be accessed with one hand.
What we like:
- Attractive colour and pattern options are available
- Easy opening
- 3-point hook opening that facilitates resizing according to one’s comfort
- No extra wires and pads
- Internal openings that enable breastfeeding
#6 Lunavie Hands-Free Pumping Bra
The Lunavie bra is a very helpful breastfeeding bra that makes pumping a fuss-free and easy process.
It allows the mother to multitask while pumping milk and even facilitates the process of breastfeeding directly from the breast.
What we like:
- Hands-free and good design that helps to maximize comfort and enables multi-tasking
- It is designed to work with all types of electric milk pumps from the largest manufacturers that include Medela, Philips, AVENT, Autumnz, Lacte, Evenflo, Spectra and more.
- Comes with an additional adjustable back panel to ensure a perfect fit according to how your body changes throughout breastfeeding
- This bustier style features a panel in the centre and a zipper on the front that allows 1 inch of side-to-side movement for proper pump lip positioning
- Easy to clean as you can wash it safely in the washing machine with cold water, on medium cycle and using chlorine-free bleach if necessary.
#7 XIXILI Super Soft Wireless Pansy Bra
Pregnant women and new mothers would surely appreciate the comfort brought about by the XIXILI Pansy Bra. It’s perfect for at -home use or a casual day out.
What we like:
- It is designed without an iron underwire
- Features a more comprehensive coverage that provides high protection to the breast
- Created with stretchy ultra-soft yarn-free knitted fabric
- Has a removable bra cup for you to choose between different levels of coverage and comfort
- Features a breathable mesh panel
- Fit with a wide and snug elastic band that is comfortable and will not curl.
- Easy access clip for breastfeeding that can be unbuttoned with just one hand
- U-shaped rear wing for support
- Adjustable bra strap on the shoulder
- 3 panels of back hook fasteners
#8 Neubodi Momready Maternity Bra
The Neubodi bra is an all-in-one bra design for pregnancy and lactation, designed to mimic the support of a regular daily wear bra while having the ability for adjustments.
It is also made of a soft cotton-spandex butter-like fabric that is very comfortable to wear and barely visible under clothing.
The bra also comes with a removable foam pad that is extremely breathable that can be washed from time to time.
It also comes with a bra extender that can be used to adjust the size so as to increase breathing space.
In addition, it is also designed without thread and features a drop-able bra cup to assist easy breastfeeding. It can accommodate up to a 3 cup size increase for when one’s breast size fluctuates.
What we like:
- 3 layer fabric for extra protection
- Extra-wide (1.5cm) shoulder straps to reduce the pressure on the shoulders
- Extra side panels for a more flattering fit
- Iron cordless bra cups and lightweight structure
- Double layer inside the cups for optimal leakage protection
- Front and back panels are supported with 3 hooks for security
- Breastfeeding clips to facilitate the breastfeeding process
- Bra extensions to widen the tape band
- Can be used during both pregnancy and lactation
#9 Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
This design is the smoothest of all and does not show any stitching, providing a comfortable experience for pregnant women. It is suitable for daily wear and can be worn during both pregnancy and lactation.
What do we like?
- Luxuriously soft, invisible stitching to ensure comfort
- Designed with stretchy fabric that covers your body and accommodates any fluctuation in size or shape
- Features a removable foam pad
- Easy to open and close
- Bra cups are fully lowerable to enable easy access
- Comes with a Bra Conversion Kit to be able to convert this bra into a normal bra when the breastfeeding process is complete
- This bra has been tested and certified to the requirements of Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, which ensures that the product is free of any harmful substances
- Available in 5 different colours
#10 Bmama Nursing Sports Bra
The Bmama Bras was designed with a threadless #D structure that provides all-day comfort and is virtually invisible under clothing.
It fits comfortably and accommodates one's body shape as it changes from each stage to the next through its 4 extenders that allow easy adjustment.
The bra also has reinforced non-slip straps for optimal support and removable cups.
What we like:
- Has side wings to support changes in breast size and shape
- Designed with a large cup size
- Iron cordless design
- Comes with 3 hooks
- Removable bra cups
- High level of elasticity
- Naturally designed with a breathable fabric to ensure long-lasting comfort
- Suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Has a pleated design in the middle
- Has a clip on the top to facilitate the breastfeeding process
Final Remarks
We hope that this list and summary will be useful in helping pregnant ladies and new
mothers choose the most suitable and best nursing bra!
For more parenting tips, read our extensive articles that are ever ready to help parents.
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