Baby is coming, and you’ve got so much on your mind — what colors to paint the nursery walls, putting together your hospital bag, and having to pee every three seconds, just to name a few. Add to that figuring out the ins and outs of breastfeeding, and you might feel completely overwhelmed.

While stress and nerves leading up to your due date are totally normal, there are some things that new moms shouldn’t have to stress about — like choosing a nursing bra (and figuring out if you need one in the first place). If you feel a tad lost about the maternity bra situation, you’ve come to the right place.

Sit back, relax, and let us walk you through everything you need to know about nursing bras.

Flashback to that first pregnancy test: Often, one of the first signs of pregnancy is a change in breast size. New mums might find their sexy lingerie seems smaller than usual, and even their stretchy sports bra doesn’t do much to keep the soreness down on their morning run. 

It’s not only cup size that might change; the rib cage can expand to make room for growing babies, so your band size might go up as well. Your body is getting ready to produce breast milk, whether or not breastfeeding is in your plan. 

Other women might go up a cup size or two during pregnancy and require a bra with extra support. Choosing the right nursing bra for you means paying attention to your own body and what you (and your ladies) personally need right now.

First things first: What is a nursing bra, and how is it different from any other maternity bra? Well, in most ways, it isn’t all that different at all. Nursing bras come in many different styles. They can be designed like a sports bra or look like your everyday bra, underwire and all.

Unlike a regular bra, though, the best nursing bras incorporate design features that provide easy access for nursing. For instance, maybe they’ll be designed with a low crossover front that allows you to quickly free one breast for nursing without taking off the entire bra. Or perhaps they’ll feature a handy nursing clip in the front, so you can hold your babe in one arm and undo your bra with the other.

Nursing bras come in as many varieties as regular bras and bralettes — the difference is that they’re designed to make your life a bit easier while breastfeeding.

Plus, they’re typically designed in more breathable fabrics, such as a premium modal blend or mom and baby-safe Oeko-Tex-certified materials. For that reason, we think they’re a total necessity in your postpartum closet.

The ideal nursing bra for you is an entirely personal choice. Some women can’t stand the feeling of underwire and hardware on their sore and sensitive nips and need a bra geared for lounging, sleeping, and nursing. 

Whatever you need, here are some of our favorites:

If you’re looking for a functional nursing bra that you can wear every day, let us introduce you to our favorite Everyday Nursing Bra. This soft cup bra is designed with luxe, feel-good fabrics and no underwire; you can wear it day in and day out without digging or chafing.

But it’s thanks to all the clever design details that this bra is a real staple in our closet. The straps are adjustable with a racerback functionality so that you can convert it to fit your favorite racerback tops with ease.

The one-handed clasp on the front means you can easily unhook the cup and access your boob while still hanging onto your little one (and your sanity!) — no need to take off the whole bra to breastfeed. The clip-down snap at the top of the bra cup is pure genius. 

The bra comes in six colorways and a comfy cotton fabric that will seamlessly blend under any T-shirt or blouse. Even when we’re not breastfeeding, we practically live in this bra — so if you’re on the fence about getting a nursing bra, this is probably the option for you.

Maybe you’re already set on breastfeeding, and you need a bra that will allow you to pump anywhere and everywhere. Enter the Essential Nursing and Pumping Bra, AKA your new best friend when it comes to hands-free pumping. 

This seamless nursing bra is made with a cozy modal blend designed to grow with you, so you can wear it at any stage of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fun fact: While the milk ducts don’t really get the party going until after birth, you might see evidence of your milk supply before that. Some mothers-to-be might leak small amounts of milk, making absorbent bras and sometimes nursing pads a handy addition. If you have any questions, reach out to your OBGYN, lactation consultant, or another healthcare bestie. 

Like the Everyday Nursing Bra, this bra features a front clasp for easy access and adjustable straps so you can tighten or loosen it as you please. But it’s also designed with a front fabric overlap that pulls down over discreet slits, so you can pump on the go while exposing minimal skin. In other words? This bra does it all.

Maybe wire-free and comfy is all you want. In that case, the Skin to Skin Bra can help you live your best lactation life. Made with a superior cotton blend so soft you could sleep in it (trust us, our testers actually did), this bra features an elastic band at the top, providing easy nursing access and no hardware whatsoever.

Plus, the flattering ballet neckline blends in with any tank top or T-shirt you might throw on over it. 

Here’s the bottom line: If you’re planning on breastfeeding, investing in a few high-quality nursing bras can only make your life easier. There’s nothing worse than finally making it out of the house with your newborn for the first time, only to realize you have to take apart your entire outfit to nurse. 

With a nursing bra (and other nursing attire, like nursing-friendly tops), your life is just that much easier. And if anyone deserves convenience and ease right now, it’s you. It’s no secret that becoming a mama is a TON of work — you deserve a bra that works for you instead of the other way around.

Sources:

Breastfeeding: Sore Nipples | Myhealth.Alberta

Breast Changes in Pregnancy: What to Expect | Healthline

Pregnancy The Three Trimesters | UCSF Health