Answers to Your Bra Fit Questions

Your boobs are front and center during pregnancy and postpartum. From soreness to nursing, we tackle your biggest breast questions.

When to Measure for & Buy a Maternity Bra

We wish there was that magic timeframe that all pregnant women should measure themselves for a perfect fitting maternity bra. But in reality, every pregnancy is unique and your bra size may change several times (which is why moms are obsessed with our fit-flexible Seamless Bra).

For most moms-to-be, your bust line is one of the first things to grow, and your breast tissue and ribcage will continue to change throughout pregnancy and postpartum, especially while nursing. For the best support and fit, you will need to remeasure yourself throughout your pregnancy at least 3 times:

1

During the First Trimester:

When you first need a Sleep Bra.

2

During the Second Trimester*:

When you notice the most growth.

3

Around 12 Weeks Postpartum:

Or once your milk production is established if breastfeeding: When your rib cage and breast size may decrease.

Wrap Maternity and Nursing Sleep Cotton Bra, $20


Wrap Maternity and Nursing Sleep Cotton Bra, $20


When to Measure for & Buy a Nursing Bra

Motherhood Maternity bras are made for bump to nursing, so we recommend that you begin to measure yourself and start wearing our bras during pregnancy. Since your breasts and rib cage size will fluctuate during pregnancy and after birth, it’s a great idea to measure along the way and get yourself setup with an assortment of nursing-friendly bras long before baby is here. The size you are wearing during your third trimester should fit right after baby is born.

Once you deliver your baby, we recommend waiting around 12 weeks before measuring yourself for a bra. The reason for this is that during those early weeks, your breasts are establishing their milk supply, so size fluctuations can be drastic – sometimes hour to hour – and you’re also healing. Your ribcage will likely contract after it expanded in pregnancy. So, after 12 weeks, you can expect that your ribcage and breast size will decrease.

Measure yourself during pregnancy at least twice, postpartum once, and then as needed:

1

During the First Trimester:

When you first need a Sleep Bra.

2

During the Second Trimester*:

When you notice the most growth.

3

Around 12 Weeks Postpartum:

Or once your milk production is established if breastfeeding: When your rib cage and breast size may decrease.

4

As Needed:

When you are going back to work and need a Pumping Bra, have a specific occasion you need a bra for, or if your bra no longer feels comfortable or supportive. Anytime you need to buy a new bra, we always recommend remeasuring yourself.

2-in-1 Nursing & Pumping Bra for Wearable Pumps, $50

Wrap Maternity and Nursing Sleep Cotton Bra, $20

*Most women experience the most breast growth during the second trimester, but it’s possible you will experience significant changes into the third trimester. If your bra is getting uncomfortable or is no longer as supportive as it used to be, go ahead and remeasure yourself.

Additional FAQs about Maternity & Nursing Bras

How much do maternity bras cost?

Motherhood Maternity’s collection of bras aren’t just top-rated and expertly designed, they’re also affordable. We know that you have enough to buy during pregnancy and after baby arrives, so you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to get a good bra with the support and function. Most of our collection of maternity bras are less than $30 each, with two packs of our best-selling Seamless Bra for just $36.

How do I care for my maternity and nursing bras?

Maternity and nursing bras should be treated with care. We recommend handwashing these delicate garments to help ensure their integrity. Fill a small bucket with cold water and dissolve a small amount of gentle detergent. Dunk your bra in and out of the water about 5-7 times, gently squeezing after the last time. Rinse in cold water and lay flat or hang to dry. It is helpful to have at least two nursing bras, so you can wear one if the other is in the wash.

Our Bestselling Seamless Bra

Meet Our Award-Winning Seamless Bra

“Best Maternity Bras for Nursing”

We wish there was that magic timeframe that all pregnant women should measure themselves for a perfect fitting maternity bra. But in reality, every pregnancy is unique and your bra size may change several times (which is why moms are obsessed with our fit-flexible Seamless Bra).

Over 600 5-star reviews

The Seamless Bra is available in Average Busted (cups B-C), Full Busted (D+), and Plus Sizes.

So comfortable!

This bra is comfortable enough to wear all day or sleep in! The clips make it so much easier to access and feed. – Crystal S.


Great Maternity Bra!

This fit true to size. Really great feel- gives you some shape but still comfortable at the same time. Very happy with this purchase. – Kelly W.


Love these!

I kept wearing them even after I was done nursing. They are great quality and lasted a long time. Ordered some more for baby 2 and am just as pleased. – Michelle G.


Worked great for me!

This is so comfortable. I had to try a few nursing bras because I kept getting sore around my rib cage. This is the first option that caused me zero pain. I wear it all the time, sometimes at night. After giving birth I plan to buy another one or two… - Kelsey W.