The Best Nursing Bras for Breastfeeding

As any new mom can attest, finding a comfortable and well-fitting nursing bra is no easy feat. That’s because your breasts have changed throughout your pregnancy; they’re probably engorged, leaking, and even a little painful. But not all hope is lost! We rounded up the best 11 nursing bras for every purpose, whether it’s everyday wear, nursing, sleeping, looking sexy, or hitting the gym.

To find the best maternity bra, keep these important shopping considerations in mind:

• Timing: Ward off stress by purchasing nursing bras a few weeks before Baby arrives. Also keep in mind that breasts shrink after giving birth, so you’ll likely need to buy smaller nursing bras a few months into breastfeeding.

• Comfort: The most comfortable nursing bras will have soft fabric to sooth chapped nipples, wide straps (especially if you have larger breasts), a back band that doesn’t dig into your skin, and no underwire. For added functionality, look for options with removable pads and easy access to your breasts.

• Fit: A too-tight bra can cause mastitis and clogged milk ducts (yikes!) so it's important to get measured. Take advantage of professional bra fitting services, if available!

• Support: Since your breasts will be heavy and full of milk, you’ll want an adequate amount of support to prevent backaches.

• RELATED: Buying a Maternity Bra

One of the most popular nursing bras on the market, the Body Silk Seamless Bra from Bravado features four-way stretch fabric that adapts to new mothers’ changing breast shapes. It also has a wire-free design, removable foam inserts, and drop-away cups for skin-to-skin contact. Once Baby weans, you can easily convert the breastfeeding accessory into a “regular” bra. The garment is available in sizes XS to 2X, and in a wide range colors including dusty pink, black, purple, and silver. $49

Last year, e-commerce company ThirdLove released two new nursing bras (a classic and a wireless). Both of the comfortable, structured pieces have pleated straps with clasps for breastfeeding and pumping. Cotton fabric soothes nipple irritation, front closures allow easy removal, and multiple color options encourage customization. Given ThirdLove's emphasis on perfect fit (the bras are designed based on real women’s measurements!), the company also developed a Fit Finder® to help customers find their ideal bra size. $72

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In the weeks after giving birth, you’ll likely lounge around in T-shirts and sweats. The Marvella Classic Maternity & Nursing T-shirt Bra is perfect for these low-key days!  A wireless design, front-adjustable straps, and extra-wide chest band offer comfortable support. The racerback style eliminates the need for a clasp, and drop-down cups make breastfeeding easy. $49.99

Whatever your nursing needs, Cake Maternity has got you covered. Their maternity bras come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles –  including full figure, sports, sleep, balcony, contour, and more. Consider the popular Seamless Sleep and Yoga Nursing Bra; as one of the best nursing sports bras, it boasts moulded cups, a low T-back design, adjustable hooks, and a side sling for discreet feeding. $49-$80

Choose the Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra for low impact activities like yoga and Pilates – or for everyday use! Like the other Bravado nursing bras, it has four-way stretch fabric, drop-away cups, and breastfeeding clips. But it also has a variety of unique details, like criss-cross straps, a sporty appearance, and a special technology that stops odor-causing bacteria in their tracks. $49

• RELATED:  Will Your Breasts Ever Be the Same After Pregnancy?

When scouting a nighttime bra, you probably have a few qualifications: stretchy and soft fabric, easy breastfeeding access, and no underwire. The popular French Terry Racerback Nursing & Sleep Bra hits the mark perfectly. With a simple crossover front design, this maternity bra is designed to fit several cup sizes. It’s a great pregnancy bra option, too! $29.99

• RELATED: The Best Nursing Nightgown, Robe, and Pajama Sets

With a wrap design and soft cotton/spandex fabric, this Motherhood Maternity nursing bra is a sleeping mama's best friend. The light support will give breasts a breather at the end of the day. $19.98

Who says breastfeeding accessories can’t be sexy? Le Mystere brings alluring sophistication to their Sexy Mama Nursing Bra with a contour silhouette, lacy embellishments, and other indulgent details. But the eye-catching bra is functional too, since it has adjustable straps, memory foam cups that protect against milk absorption, supportive mesh, and a discreet sling for breastfeeding. $66

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At first glance, the Paramour Lorraine Front-Close Nursing Bra doesn’t look like a breastfeeding accessory at all. In addition to its sexy and lacy look, moms will enjoy the bra’s three-part cups with inner slings, nursing clips, and adjustable straps. It also has a frontal clasp to make breastfeeding even easier. $45

This Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra can turn any mom into the ultimate multitasker! The undergarment is compatible with most breast pumps, including ones by Medela, Philips AVENT, Evenflo, and more. An adjustable Velcro panel and straps guarantee a perfect fit for your changing body. $39

• RELATED: Breast Pump Pointers

Women with larger breasts need more support, which usually leads them to underwire bras. With cup sizes ranging from C to I, the Anita Stretch Microfiber Nursing Bra is a safe bet. The lightweight design also has snap-down nursing clips, unlined molded cups, and a customizable fit. $59

Now that you’ve found the best maternity bra, it’s time to search for a nursing tank top. One solid option is the Undercover Mama Maternity Strapless Camisole, which looks great layered underneath nearly any shirt. The cotton and spandex blend, stretchy fit, adjustable straps, and scoop neck make it a comfortable addition to any wardrobe! $19.99

• RELATED: 10 Things to Know About Breastfeeding