Best Bra for Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding is an amazing journey mothers take with their babies that takes between six months and two years (or even longer). Your body changes so much from pregnancy to postpartum and breastfeeding, and average bras won’t give you the support and stretch you need. That’s why it’s essential to find the best bra for breastfeeding.
Nursing brings a whole lot of changes to your breasts.
They’re larger and heavier than before, and when your baby nurses, they deflate to an empty state for a short period. You might have had favorite bras before, but they won’t handle all of these changes well.
A good bra for breastfeeding adjusts with all these changes; you are comfortable the entire time with easy access for breastfeeding, pumping, or both. In addition, picking a good nursing bra will save you a lot of backaches, so let’s look at some of the different bras for breastfeeding.
And if you love this guide on best bra for breastfeeding moms, then make sure to check out our guide on best nursing bras for large breasts, best bras for post breastfeeding, and how many nursing bras do I need!
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When it comes to maternity bras, your comfort is the up most important! And that's why we love these wirefree nursing bras! They are soft, seamless and super supportive and even come with matching bra extenders to ensure maximum comfort.
These bras offer full courage, and they have removable padded cups for discretion. In addition, the straps have easy drop-down cups that give you easy access for your baby.
8 Best Bra for Breastfeeding
Best Bra for Breastfeeding Moms
1. Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pump Bra
The Lansinoh Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping and Nursing Bra. It’s a versatile, comfortable choice that gives you options. You can wear this bra while nursing your baby or wearing it while pumping – hands-free!
This hands-free pumping bra has a unique design. It has a large Velcro rear panel that adjusts up to ten inches, fitting your every-changing postpartum body. You can wear it as a strapless band or use the straps for added support.
If you have a larger bust, you’ll need the straps for the support!
The opening flaps are great for holding the pumping shields securely against your body, creating a leak-free seal. The flaps are flexible and let you find the best fit for your body. It works with many different pump brands, such as Medela, Ameda, and Spectra.
Simple Wishes comes in sizes x-small to large, then large to large-plus. The sizing is strange, but the sizing from small to large fits up to a 38D, and the large to large plus fits above a 40B.
The fabric is high-quality and soft, created from Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified material, containing 83% cotton and 17% spandex. The spandex is needed to support yet stretch for your breasts, accommodating the different sizes when your breasts go from full to empty.
What We Like:
- Hands-Free Pumping Design
- Velcro Rear Panel
- Strapless Option
- Works with Multiple Pumps
- Multiple Sizing
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as Comfortable for Extended Wearing
The Simple Wishes Signature Pumping Bra is a supportive, comfortable, hands-free design allows you to multi-task and get things done while pumping.
We especially love the zippered central panel that allows you to adjust everything with ease!
Simple Wishes is often considered the best bra for Elvie pumps, but it works with many pump brands. For example, you can use it with Medela, Avent, and Phillips pumps.
2. Bravado! Designs Silk Seamless Wireless Nursing Bra
The Bravado Silk Seamless Bra feels like a silky dream on your body. This is a high-quality, super-soft bra that is perfect for everyday wear while still versatile for date nights or work clothes.
Bravado added a clip-down cup that gives you easy breastfeeding access with just one hand. This is a wireless bra, and a wide, elastic band at the bottom of the bra gives you the support you need, along with a vertical center strip that lifts and separates your breasts.
Adjustable straps and hook and eye closures in the back increase the versatility and stretchiness of this bra. The size options for this bra go up to 46F, so you have plenty of sizing choices.
Another nice feature of the Bravado Silk Seamless is that it works with the Bravado Clip and Pump System. This accessory holds two pumps simultaneously for the ultimate hands-free pumping experience.
The reviews for the Silk Seamless are great. Mothers remark how stretchy the fabric is, and it looks invisible under clothing. It does come with some useless foam inserts that aren’t absorbent, but they create a rounded look if you prefer that.
What We Like:
- Super Soft Material
- Supportive
- Seamless & Wireless
- Adjustability
What We Don’t Like:
- Thin Straps
- It Runs a Bit Small
3. Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Seamless Nursing Bra
Comfort and simplicity are the names of the game for the Kindred Simply Sublime Seamless Bra. Kindred created this bra to be super soft and comfortable, made with nylon and spandex for the ultimate stretchy support since your breasts change sizes throughout your breastfeeding journey.
The Sublime Seamless Bra is entirely wireless and uses a thick, supportive band that hugs your body and lifts your breasts. When your baby is ready to breastfeed, use the handy clip-down cups that only need one hand to open them.
Kindred sells this bra in sizes small to XX-large, spanning sizes from 30B to 42I with adjustable straps and hook closures. So, this bra will adapt and grow with your body and has plenty of adjustability within the size you select.
Since the bra is seamless, it works well for everyday wearing, but women also note that it works well under thin clothing without showing through too much. Something else to note is that this is not a hands-free pumping bra because it lacks slits to hold your pump shields in place. However, many women wear it while pumping and keep the pump in place.
What We Like:
- Stretchy
- Wireless
- Supportive Band
- Wide Size Range
- Adjustability
- Seamless
What We Don’t Like:
- Fabric Stretches Out Over Time
- Not Great for Hands-Free Pumping
4. Hofish Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras
Here is an excellent seamless nursing bra that gives you plenty of support without any wire, and it looks good under all sorts of clothing. Hofish offers affordable, supportive, comfortable bras for breastfeeding.
These bras have a pull-down flap for breastfeeding with one-handed clips on the shoulder straps. A wide elastic band under the cups gives your breasts the gentle yet secure support they need, and some elasticity between the breasts keeps them lifted and separated.
One of the comments that many mothers make is that Hofish uses fabulous fabric. It’s durable yet soft and supportive. In addition, the shoulder straps are adjustable yet give plenty of lift to your girls, which all moms know is needed while breastfeeding.
Perhaps the best thing to know is that this pack comes with three bras for a great affordable price. So if you’re on a budget, grab a pack of Hofish Seamless Maternity Bras. In addition, these bras come in a wide range of sizes, from small to XX-large.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Supportive
- Three-Pack
- Wide Elastic Band
- Plenty of Size Options
What We Don’t Like:
- Run a Bit Small
- Thin Straps
When it comes to maternity bras, your comfort is the up most important! And that's why we love these wirefree nursing bras! They are soft, seamless and super supportive and even come with matching bra extenders to ensure maximum comfort.
These bras offer full courage, and they have removable padded cups for discretion. In addition, the straps have easy drop-down cups that give you easy access for your baby.
5. Kindred Bravely Sublime Low Impact Nursing Sports Bra
Exercising is a great way to improve your overall mood and get back to your pre-pregnancy shape. It’s a natural way to combat postpartum depression and anxiety, but you need to ensure you have the necessary support when breastfeeding. Otherwise, your breasts flop all over the place, leaking milk.
Kindred Bravely Sports Bra is made with a soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric. A wide elastic chest band keeps your breasts in place with elastic in the middle to separate your breasts. The design is perfect for yoga, lifting weights, running, or cycling.
This is a seamless bra, so you never have to worry about wires digging into your skin. When your baby is ready to feed, you have to unclip the strap and have easy nursing access for pumping or feeding your baby.
Kindred offers their Low Impact Sports Bras in sizes small to 3XL. It also comes in eight different colors. You’ll love this everyday bra that gives you all the support you need for motherhood activities.
What We Like:
- Soft & Stretchy
- Moisture-Wicking
- Wide Elastic Band
- Great for Exercising
- Seamless
- Multiple Sizes & Colors
What We Don’t Like:
- Runs Small
6. Motherhood Maternity Women’s Nursing Sleep Bra
All nursing mothers need at least one sleeping bra, and Motherhood Maternity provides an excellent option at a great price tag. It’s a comfortable nursing bra for day and night, created with 95% cotton and 5% spandex materials.
The Motherhood Maternity Sleeping Bra offers a wrap-style bra with wireless cups. It has no snaps or hook closures; you simply pull it over the top of your head. It has a wide band at the base of the bra that gives you support without digging into your skin. It keeps it snug enough to hold in nursing pads but comfortable enough to sleep and relax while wearing.
You can buy this bra in a wide range of sizes from small to 3XL, equal to bra sizes from 24 to 46. However, the reviews say that if you have a cup size bigger than a DD, this bra will not give you enough support. In addition, some large-busted mothers said their breasts quite literally fell out of the bra – that’s a no-go, so be aware of that!
What We Like:
- 95% Cotton
- Wrap-Style
- Comfortable
- Snug Fit
What We Don’t Like:
- Not Enough Support
- Not Ideal for Large Busted Women
7. Kindred Bravely French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra
Comfort is one of the most important factors when picking a nursing bra, and the Kindred French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra has been an award-winning choice for years. Mothers rave about the durability and overall comfort of this bra, and it continues to be a typical choice year after year.
The Kindred French Terry is best for women up to cup size D. It lacks support in the form of an elastic band, so that you may end up with neck or back strain. However, it offers a racerback, so it’s somewhat supportive for breastfeeding mothers.
Some say that this bra is for more than just sleeping. The material works well for yoga and exercising. It is a sports-style bra, after all!
However, if you aren’t large-busted, this sleep bra is a comfortable yet straightforward wrap-style bra. You pull the side of the material over your breast to nurse your baby. It’s easy to do one-handed, and the stretchy French terry material is soft and flexible, perfect for your ever-changing breasts during nursing.
Mothers can purchase the Kindred French Terry Bra in six regular sizes and six “busty” sizes with an extra band. However, since the bottom band doesn’t have any elastic, it is more comfortable yet less supportive. It is snug enough to keep a nursing pad in place, but it won’t dig into your skin or cause irritation.
What We Like:
- Durable & Comfort
- Racerback Style
- Great for Sleeping
- Easy Access
- Multiple Sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as Supportive as Others
- Need Bustier Sizes
8. Cake Maternity Wireless Nursing Bra
If you want to spend more money on a comfortable and high-quality nursing bra, the Cake Maternity Wireless Bra is a great pick. It’s an award-winning option that uses soft polyester fabric with elastic content built-in, creating a durable blend that maintains its shape and softness.
One of the excellent features of the Cake Maternity Bra is that it has racerback style straps that help distribute the weight of your breasts better. If you often have shoulder strain from your bra, this design should help alleviate that.
This is a seamless bra that has breathable, silky-smooth fabric. If you have sensitive nipples, you won’t have any irritation from this material. Cake Maternity uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fabrics, which means they are free of harmful chemicals.
The cups are double-lined but have no padding, so they hide your nipples and create a smooth look even when wearing thin fabric. Mothers also say the cups hold nursing pads in place well.
There are two main reasons we placed this lower on the list, but neither of these is a deal-breakers – seriously, this is an excellent bra for breastfeeding! The only problems are that it is expensive compared to other options, and there is no firm, elastic band under your bra, so you lack some support that many women need.
What We Like:
- Racerback Style
- Breathable, Silky Material
- Safe Materials
- Durable
- Award-Winning
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Not Enough Support
How to Pick a Bra for Breastfeeding
Picking a good nursing bra or pumping bra is part of taking care of your postpartum body. Your body went through a long pregnancy and childbirth, and now, the last thing you want is an uncomfortable bra for breastfeeding that digs into your skin.
One of the most important things to remember is that you generally want to avoid underwire bras unless you’re going out on a hot night out without your baby. Wearing an underwire bra from time to time is typically not a big deal, but wearing underwires causes serious issues.
Underwires press on your breast tissue as it grows. It leads to inflammation and clogged ducts, potentially causing mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue.
Instead, you want to pick a style or two that you like and focus on a comfortable bra you can wear whenever you want.
Let’s look at a few factors that will help you pick a bra for breastfeeding.
Style of Breastfeeding Bra
As you search for a bra for breastfeeding, you’ll find several styles, but two are the most popular.
Clip-Down Cups
This is the most common style of nursing bra. The bras have cups that you unclip for feeding to give your baby easy access, and then you clip them back in place after nursing.
Ideally, the clip should be easy to do one-handed, and some have two layers – one for pumping and one for nursing.
Pull-Down Bras
The other popular style is a pull-down bra. These tend to be bralettes or wrap styles that have no clip closures. Look for this style with stretchy fabric quickly pulled to the side for feedings.
Comfort
Once you pick a style that works for you, consider the comfort of the material that is used. Look at the fabric used; cotton is soft and breathable, but you might prefer a blend with a bit more stretchy, primarily if you often work out.
Lining and Padding
A bit of light padding is typically appreciated when nursing. It also helps with milk leakage, but it hides your nipples depending on the fabric of your shirt. Coverage goes a long way to helping you feel good about your postpartum body.
Extra Hooks
Another factor that helps with comfort is extra hooks, giving you a more customized fit. Some bras have up to six rows of hook and eye closures, perfect for your ever-changing body during breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.
FAQs about Breastfeeding Bras
Technically, nursing bras are not necessary, but they make breastfeeding much easier. A regular bra will be hard to move the fabric out of the way to nurse your baby.
Also, your breasts rapidly change sizes when nursing, going from empty to engorged. An average bra won’t accommodate this size range easily; most lack the extra stretch in the fabric.
During the day, it’s best to wear a seamless, wireless bra that gives you support for your everyday tasks and looks good under your clothing. Of course, that will vary based on whether you’re working out of the home.
You should also have a sleeping bra or something you can wear to bed to keep nursing pads in place while you still leak. Leaking tends to decrease after the first few months, so moms then tend to ditch the nursing pads.
Padded nursing bras are fine for breastfeeding. Many mothers prefer them because they may give some coverage when your nipple decides to start letting down some milk. They also create a smooth look depending on the fabric of your shirt that day.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Supportive Breastfeeding Bra
Before you have your baby, make sure you grab a few of the best nursing bras to give your girls the support needed throughout your breastfeeding journey.
And if you’re looking for more great guides, make sure to check out these guides on best pacifier for breastfed babies, best lactation supplements, and how many nursing bras do I need.
