I use to think that nursing bras were the ugliest things on earth to wear when I had my first daughter. Nursing bras come in different styles, designs, fabrics, you name it. But the ones readily sold in shops were really ugly. That was 6 years ago.

I was probably ignorant then. Either the bras available didn’t fit my budget, or maybe I just wasn’t very sure about buying internationally then, but I pretty much wore ugly breastfeeding bras with my first child.

That doesn’t have to be the case now. You can find pretty affordable and cute nursing bras out there if you looked hard enough. Most of them just at the click of a mouse. Nursing mums deserve to feel sexy too.

Maternity and Nursing Bra Fitting Guide

Credit: Business Insider

However, before we get to the actual buying, we should learn foremost, how to find our best fit. There are also a variety of bras to choose from, but they would all go to waste if you bought the wrong size.

Common Types of Nursing Bras

1# Drop-cup bra

Credit: What to Expect

This is the most common type of nursing bra. The bra cups have clips, poppers or hooks at the top so you can drop the cups down from the strap when you nurse. One hand is all you need to unclip and clip the bra cups back on. For mums who prefer to show less, some drop-cup bras have additional fabric covering the top of the breast.

I used drop-cup bras a lot and from my personal experience, I found the added fabric to be a nuisance. To put it rather bluntly it was a very bizarre experience. Almost as if you would dress abreast in a turtleneck. I know this is so oversharing on my part, but that’s exactly how it felt and it was not pleasant.

The regular drop-cup bras are so much more comfortable and offer so much more skin on skin contact which actually helps trigger your letdown. That small piece of fabric isn’t going to cover much in my honest opinion.

2# Front fastening between cups

Credit: Ample Bosom

I must have been very adventurous when I thought to give these a try. On a whim, I ordered one online to try and boy did I hate it. Everything about the bra was awesome. The support was awesome, the cut was a perfect fit, the straps were wide and supportive. Now if only I could just button up with one hand, while still holding my baby with my other arm.

I really tried to make it work, thinking maybe I just needed to get used to it, or it had a learning curve. But nope, I couldn’t do it. In the end, I tossed the bra. It just wasn’t practical for me.

Perhaps it could work for some mums, but I found no love for them. It doesn’t make for discreet nursing either. But the worse part is when you release the cups, nothing is going to support your breast. If you are blessed with perky breasts post-pregnancy, then good on you. Some of us are not so lucky.

3# Underwired

Credit: Agent Provocateur

Underwired bras have a general bad name for being the most uncomfortable, but I do think this is a matter of preference. I have known nursing mums who swear by them, especially the amount of support it provides.

I am still with the team uncomfortable though, but sulking on the sidelines. They do make a lot of pretty underwired nursing bras.

4# Stretch fabric bra

Nursing Bra @ Maternity Bra, Choosing the Right One Makes ALL The Difference

Credit: Amazon

This kind is usually seamless and a bit like a sports bra. Usually lightly padded and really comfortable. Don’t expect the same support as some high impact sports bras. This is still just stretch fabric. Sure it is snug and all, but don’t forget it doesn’t have any underwire support. Also over time and several washes, the stretch fabric will lose its elasticity and may not offer much support.

5# Night bra

Credit: Marks & Spencer

Made for comfort, a night bra (or sleep bra) is lighter, with no hooks or hard seams. It might have a crossover front design so you can slip your breast out easily for a night feed while you continue to snooze.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more: How to clear blocked breastmilk ducts: A step-by-step guide

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!