You are $99 away from free shipping!
THE ULTIMATE MATERNITY & NURSING BRA GUIDE:
Let’s be real - shopping for bras is rarely fun.
What size am I? How do I choose the right ones? How many do I need? They cost HOW much?
And bra shopping on top of being pregnant or nursing? Yea, we feel for you. Which is why we’ve made this easy.
You have questions, we have answers.
From what they are, to where to buy them – let’s cover the basics of nursing bras and maternity bras.
Because pregnant and lactating boobs are special. Seriously. Pregnancy and postpartum hormones do crazy things, and your boobs are along for the wild ride. And we’re not just talking about first trimester breast tenderness and your rapidly growing cup size. Your boobs are busy evolving into milk machines.
During pregnancy and while nursing, your breast tissue can be up to 35% heavier! Combine that with the uncomfortable statistic that 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size to begin with...it’s definitely time to get a maternity bra or nursing bra that fits and supports. A supportive nursing bra is your best tool to maintain breast health, provide relief and comfort and promote tissue recovery after pregnancy and nursing. Wearing a proper fitting bra can also help with posture, eliminate stress on the back, and make clothing fit better.
To us at Motherhood Maternity, we’re all about keeping it easy with the real solutions you need during pregnancy and after. That’s why all of our bras can be worn while pregnant and while nursing. There is no difference between a maternity bra or a nursing bra to us, as we’ve created supportive and comfortable bras that are made for pregnancy and after, with solutions for when – or if – you nurse. Find your favorite bra during pregnancy – and keep on wearing it well after baby arrives. Some moms love our bras so much that they’re still wearing them WAY after they’re done breastfeeding.
In short, maternity bras = nursing bras.
A maternity bra is made with your pregnancy needs in mind. When you’re pregnant, your breast tissue can be up to 35% heavier! Your breasts can also be tender and extra sensitive. So, wearing a maternity bra made for pregnancy will provide you with superior comfort and the essential support that you need. Motherhood Maternity’s collection of maternity bras, including Sleep Bras, are designed to keep you supported – and our wireless and seamless styles are designed to keep you comfortable 24/7.
Your breasts are also rapidly changing sizes during pregnancy and after birth. So, you’re going to want to buy something that will last through all of the stages of motherhood. All of our pregnancy bras are nursing friendly, so if you decide to nurse, you can wear those same maternity bras you bought and wore in the 2nd trimester after baby arrives while feeding (though we do recommend re-measuring yourself after birth to ensure optimal support and comfort!).
Every woman is different and will experience different changes to her body during pregnancy, so there is no right answer to when to buy a maternity bra. BUT, Motherhood Maternity has been around long enough to give you some pointers. We have tracked a lot of women’s changing sizes during and after pregnancy, and these are the changes to your bust line that you can expect during each trimester of pregnancy, by the averages. Generally, we recommend you start buying maternity bras in your first trimester. Keep reading for more details on types and timing.
Most women will experience breast growth during the 1st trimester, so it’s a great idea to get yourself properly measured now. If you are wearing the wrong size, you are not getting the support you need, and this will likely add to any pregnancy breast discomfort you’re experiencing. Your pre-pregnancy bras may still fit fine during this early stage (if you wear the right size!), so we recommend starting with a Sleep Maternity Bra to keep yourself supported and comfortable throughout the night.
You’ll usually notice the largest increase in your breast size during the second trimester, going up an average of 1 band and 2 cup sizes, as your ribcage also expands with your growing baby bump. Your bra should fit comfortably on one of the tighter hooks so that you can loosen the bra into 3rd trimester as your ribcage continues to expand. We recommend making our best-selling Seamless Maternity Bra your everyday go-to, as its flexible fit will accommodate size fluctuations into your third trimester.
It’s possible your cup or band size will increase in the third trimester, so it’s important to remeasure if things are getting tight or uncomfortable. If you are buying a new bra, we recommend ensuring it fits well on the loosest hook so you can tighten the bra after birth. For maximum comfort and fit flexibility, we recommend our wireless, hardware-free Seamless Rib Knit Maternity & Nursing Bra. The size you are at the end of your third trimester is usually what will fit right after baby arrives, and all Motherhood Maternity bras are nursing friendly, so you can keep on wearing your maternity bras after baby arrives.
A nursing bra is designed for all of your postpartum needs. Whether you are nursing or not, Motherhood Maternity’s collection of nursing bras is designed specifically to support pregnant and postpartum breasts as they rapidly change sizes throughout your journey. Our seamless and soft bras are wire-free for maximum comfort, and offer gentle, stretchy support that grows with you. And because the last thing you want to do with a newborn is go bra shopping – these bras are designed to fit before and after baby arrives.
And of course, a nursing bra wouldn’t be a nursing bra without effortless, one-handed breastfeeding access. All of Motherhood Maternity’s bras are breastfeeding-friendly with effortless clip-down or pullover functions to get baby – or pump – latched as quickly as possible. For the fourth trimester right after baby is born, a wire-free bra, like our Seamless Nursing Bra, is a great everyday bra as it will be less restrictive on your breast tissue, which will help you to avoid discomfort, pinching and clogged milk ducts.
The best times to buy a nursing bra are before baby arrives so you have everything you need directly after birth, and then again 10-12 weeks postpartum when your bra size will likely change.
We recommend buying nursing bras at the end of your second trimester or in your third trimester before baby arrives. A bra that fits on the loosest hook in your 3rd trimester should fit and support you well right after baby’s arrival and give you the option to tighten the bra as your ribcage begins to contract. Our Seamless Bra was made with pregnancy and postpartum size fluctuations in mind and will be your best friend while dealing with highs and lows of stabilizing your milk production.
After you’ve given birth, the best time to buy a nursing bra depends on when your milk production stabilizes and what your specific wardrobe needs are. Right after birth, your boobs can fluctuate rapidly as you are adapting to baby’s demands! Plus, you are still healing and recovering from pregnancy right after birth, with organs – and your ribcage! - shifting back into pre-pregnancy mode. Because of this, we recommend waiting 10-12 weeks postpartum to remeasure yourself and get new nursing bras for the next phase of your breastfeeding journey. And if you’re going back to work, it might be time for a nursing-friendly underwire bra or a hands free nursing & pumping bra that makes those pumping sessions a little easier.
The maternity bra and nursing bra styles Motherhood Maternity offers, and how to find the perfect one for you.
Motherhood Maternity offers a variety of maternity bra styles to meet your needs. When choosing a maternity bra, select one not only fits your style needs, but also your physical concerns.
At a minimum, it’s recommended to have four (4) maternity bras on hand:
It’s good to have different styles as well so you have options on what looks best under your outfit. Your Maternity Bra Drawer should have at least one of each type of bra – double up on your favorite!
If you’re not sure how to choose a nursing bra, we can help. Motherhood Maternity offers a variety of nursing bra styles to suit any of your needs – from the early days of nursing to when you’ve basically gone pro. Select a bra that meets your concerns and style needs.
When choosing a pumping bra, the most important thing to consider is what type of pump you have. Motherhood offers bras for both traditional pumps and wearable pumps.
At a minimum, it’s recommended to have four (4) nursing bras on hand:
It’s good to have different styles as well so you have options on what looks best under your outfit. Your Nursing Bra Drawer should have at least one of each type of bra – double up on your favorite!
Motherhood Maternity offers a full assortment of maternity and nursing bra styles to cover all your bases – whether you’re sleeping, spending your days on the couch, or headed off to work. We offer both Soft Bras that are wireless for maximum comfort while delivering superior support, and Structured Bras that shape the breast and provide the support and coverage you may prefer when headed out.
Motherhood Seamless and Sleep Bras are the perfect first step in your pregnancy wardrobe and will be your go-to after baby! These styles keep you supported but are stretchy enough to provide comfort as your bust expands throughout pregnancy and while your nurse.
Our soft bras are available in sizes Small – 3X. Find your size here.
Our best-selling bra for a reason! The award-winning Seamless Bra was expertly designed to grow with you throughout pregnancy and while nursing. Its ultra-comfortable, seamless design offers fit flexibility so it will comfortably adapt to your changing bust and ribcage both during pregnancy and after you’ve had your baby. Once you make the switch to Seamless, you may never go back to another bra.
“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.” – Real Mom, Michelle
The Seamless Maternity & Nursing Bra is comfortable and supportive throughout all stages of pregnancy and nursing. It’s a must-have early in your pregnancy to keep up with growth spurts, plus its soft, wireless construction is ideal for breast tenderness. After you have your baby, the stretchy cups will accommodate the dramatic size fluctuations you can experience, especially when your milk initially comes in (definitely pack this one in your hospital bag).
Our Seamless Bralette takes comfort to the next level. This light support option is totally free of wires and has no back closure – just slide it one for all day comfort. The super soft nylon and spandex blend is perfect for pregnancy and while nursing – and even better, this high-quality bra is one of the most affordable maternity & nursing bras on the market.
“This is an amazing bra, I am not yet nursing as I’m due in October, so I got it as a sleep bra for now. The clip-on is comfortable and does not get undone through the night, the fabric feels soft and it looks good under shirts. I love the cut as it sits perfectly on the breasts and under.” – Real Mom, Eny
Take all the features of our best-selling Seamless Bra, kick the comfort up a notch, and you get our top-rated Seamless Rib Knit Maternity & Nursing Bra. Wireless with no back closure, the ribbed knit bralette design and wide band offer 360-degree medium support. It's cute and tank top inspired silhouette also means it looks good peeking out under clothes for some extra coverage. You’ll want to wear this bra all pregnancy, the whole time your nursing – and long after. And thanks to its supremely stretchy fabric, you can.
“So comfortable. I’ve been searching for comfortable and fitting maternity bras forever and I’m so happy to have found these. I was a 36DD before pregnancy and my boobs have doubled since. At 7 months, I bought an XL and these bras are so comfortable. They have a bit of room to grow once my milk comes in, and I’m confident that these will do the trick. I wanted something a little more full-coverage and these are just perfect! Typically, I take the padding out of bras, but I kept them in this time because they are so comfortable, I don’t even mind the padding. I bought 2 black and 2 nude bras, and I couldn’t say enough good things about them.” – Real Mom, Haley
Our best-selling Seamless Bra, updated for pumping. The Hands-Free Pumping Bra solves the problem of switching into a separate hands-free pumping bra or nursing bra. Put this on, easily clip down and insert your flanges into the slits, then start pumping! Need to breastfeed? Just pull the pumping panel aside. You could even pump on one breast, while nursing on the other. The convenience alone makes this bra a winner – the added comfort and grow-with-you support make it an all-star.
“The best! Awesome bra! Why buy anything else if you’re needing to nurse and want the option to pump when needed. I hated having to hold the pump to my breast. I kick myself for not buying this sooner. Material is stretchy which is perfect for the everchanging breasts while breastfeeding.” - Real Mom, Akareck
Our best-selling Seamless Bra updated specifically for wearable pumps, meet the 2-in-1 Nursing & Pumping Bra for Wearable Pumps. If you have an Elvia, Willow or other wearable breast pump, you need this bra. Constructed with the perfect amount of compression and support to keep your pump in place on your breast, which is essential to optimize every pumping session and get the most milk possible.
The soft and stretchy Wrap Sleep Bra provides light support while sleeping or lounging. Wearing a bra while sleeping during pregnancy and when nursing is essential to help to prevent sagging as your breast tissue changes and your size fluctuates. It also keeps nursing pads in place during those early days after baby arrives. This is more than just a sleep bra – it’s a “I don’t want to wear a bra” bra.
“I love this bra! It is so comfortable while still providing support. I tried another comparable bra from a well-known (and pricier) brand that did not fit well at ALL, so I’m sticking to this one! At 30 weeks pregnant, I am currently wearing 36DD and this bra in Medium has been a life saver. My breasts feel lightly and comfortably supported, without the band being tight. I could in fact still grow a bit into the band seeing as it can still stretch out more (I think the S might fit me band-wise but not cup-wise). I want more of these for nursing, I’m just waiting until the final weeks of pregnancy to see if I stick to Medium or get them in Large. Completely recommend, for sleeping or lounging around the house!” – Real Mom, Marian
Sometimes your outfit calls for a more a structured bra – especially when you’re headed to work or for a night out. Motherhood Full Coverage and Wireless Maternity & Nursing Bras will be your go-to options for superior support and coverage.
Find your bra size here.
Our full coverage underwire bra provides lift and support all day long. Its molded cups provide a natural and smooth shape that looks great under clothes, and a subtle lace trim adds a touch of pretty that won’t show through clothes.
“Feels like new boobs! Omg, I'm on #2 of back to back pregnancies and finally decided to get a new nursing bra. This is, literally, the best of any nursing bra I've had. No more painful, bouncing boobs! No more nipplage showing through nursing pads! Super comfortable and a perfect fit.” – Real Mom, Clare
The breathable cotton construction of this Full Coverage T-Shirt Bra is perfect for all day comfort whether you’re headed out or staying in. Its underwire offers lift and support, while its molded cups provide a smooth, natural shape. Lace and bow detail add a touch of femininity.
“Finally! I love this bra! Finally, a supportive and pretty nursing bra! I was worried before I tried it on that it might be bulky and get in the way of feeding time, but I just fold it down and can nurse my twins easily. It’s supportive, comfortable and I feel, true to its size. Great price, too!” – Real Mom, Jacey
Our Wireless Bra provides more flexibility than an underwire style, and can be more comfortable during your pregnancy, especially if you are carrying high and your bump pushes up against your bust. It’s also a great option for nursing moms who are prone to or worried about clogged milk ducts.
“Best Fit Ever. I've tried countless maternity bras since getting pregnant without much luck, the fit was always off in some way. The second I tried this one it was perfect! No spilling, gapping, or pinching anywhere plus tons of hook options to make bigger or smaller. I don't often write reviews but had to for this bra, definitely recommend!” – Real Mom, Brittney
Your boobs deserve a lot of support during pregnancy and while nursing. They’re working overtime for baby and go through a lot of changes throughout the journey. And a proper fitting bra will relieve breast discomfort, provide support to prevent sagging, and help to alleviate pressure from your back. Not sure where to start? These are the bra styles you need for each trimester and step of the journey.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOUR BREASTS: During the first trimester, you are definitely starting to get fuller, but your size may not have increased quite yet. You are likely also experience tenderness – usually one of the first signs of pregnancy! Now is a great idea to measure yourself, since most women are wearing the wrong size, and you could be making any discomfort worse if you’re not getting the proper support.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOUR BREASTS:During your second trimester, you will usually notice the largest increase in your bust size! On average, you can expect an increase of two cup sizes and one band size as your ribcage begins to expand to make room for your growing bump. If you haven’t needed a new bra yet, you definitely will now!
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOUR BREASTS:During your third trimester, the bras you bought during your 2nd trimester should still fit, but you will probably need to move to a looser hook as your bust and ribcage continue to expand as baby is getting bigger and bigger! Comfort is the name of the game by the end of pregnancy since little feet may be digging into your ribcage making bras – and just breathing or eating – uncomfortable.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOUR BREASTS:Those first hours, days and weeks after baby is born, there is A LOT going on with your body. It is working in overtime keeping up with baby’s demands, and your boobs can take on different shapes and sizes by the hour as your milk comes in, your baby cluster feeds, and you figure out this whole breastfeeding thing. Comfortable nursing bras and tops are absolutely essential.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOUR BREASTS: After your first few weeks with baby, your milk supply will begin to stabilize, and you can expect less drastic changes in size fluctuations. Around 12 weeks postpartum is when we recommend you remeasure yourself for new bras.
How to take your measurements and ensure a perfect fit for your maternity and nursing bra.
They say 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size…don’t be one of them! Measuring yourself to find the perfect bra fit is essential. To measure yourself, you’ll need a measuring tape.
Prefer to watch a video on how to measure? Check out our Bra Fit Guide.
A few tips for success before you get started:
If You’re Measuring Yourself
A perfect fitting band should lay flat across your back, parallel to the floor. Grab a measuring tape and make sure you’re wearing a well-fitting, non-padded bra.
Example: Let’s say your RIB CAGE MEASUREMENT is 31”. This makes you a 34 BAND SIZE
Your breasts should fill your bra cup without spilling over or gapping – and when wearing an underwire, it shouldn’t poke you.
Example: Let’s say your BUST MEASUREMENT was 38” and your BAND SIZE is 34. 38 – 34 = 4”. You are a 34D.
Grab a measuring tape and make sure she’s wearing a well-fitting, non-padded bra. It’s best to measure her in her bra only, or with just a thin tee-shirt or cami over her bra. You’re going to want to take a tight measurement.
Example: Let’s say her RIB CAGE MEASUREMENT is 36”. This makes her a 38 BAND SIZE
Unlike her rib cage, which should be measured tightly, her bust should be measured loosely.
Example: Let’s say your BUST MEASUREMENT was 41” and your BAND SIZE is 38. 41 – 38 = 3”. She is a 38C.
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:
Motherhood Maternity bras are made for maternity 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 3rd 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:
Measure yourself postpartum once and then as needed:
If you’re not happy with the fit of your current maternity or nursing bra, these tips will help you to identify the problem and correct it.
A proper fitting cup should not gap or poke you.
The Center Gore, the part between your breasts on an underwire bra, should rest directly on your sternum. However, if your breasts are naturally close together, the center gore may always sit away from the sternum.
Both bra straps should fit snugly over the shoulders but should not be tight or act as your main support - this is the band’s job.
A perfect fitting band should lay flat across your back, parallel to the floor. Motherhood Maternity bras are made with 3-5 hooks, depending on the style. When you first purchase your bra, it should fit on one of the middle hooks. This way, you can tighten or loosen the hooks as needed with size fluctuations during pregnancy and while nursing.
The average lifespan of a bra is about 6 to 8 months. If you wear the same exact bra every day, the lifespan may be only 2 to 3 months. This is because repeated wear and washing can cause the fibers of the bra to lose shape and elasticity, which causes the bra to be less supportive.
To extend the life of your maternity and nursing bras, we always recommend having at least four go-to bras that you can wear on rotation. One bra to wear, one bra to wash, one bra to sleep and one bra to keep on hand.
Properly caring for your bras can also help to extend the life of your bras and keep their quality intact.
NURSING BRA &MATERNITY BRA CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Looking for maternity bras or nursing bras? You’ve found the right place. Motherhood Maternity bras were designed to keep you comfortable – and to be functional – throughout pregnancy and while nursing. Helping expecting and new moms get dressed has been our mission since 1982, so we’ve spent a lot of time perfecting maternity bras and nursing bras. Obviously, we think our bras are the best. But we’re not the only ones…
RETURN TO TOP
SALES & OFFERS
