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Before and After Baby
Fitting Advice for Maternity and Nursing Bras
During pregnancy, your breasts undergo numerous changes. The right maternity and nursing bras will grow with you, support tender tissue, and make nursing easier. Comfort, flexible sizing, and smarter closures are key — and the right innerwear support can help you feel more comfortable and less fatigued.
Maternity Bras vs. Nursing Bras
Though these terms are often used interchangeably, a maternity bra is very different from a nursing bra...
Maternity Bra FAQs
Why can't I wear regular bras throughout my pregnancy?
During pregnancy, each breast becomes 10 to 18 ounces heavier due to milk duct development and increased blood flow. This added weight changes how your breasts sit in a bra. Maternity bras are designed with additional support features like wider straps, stronger wings, and flexible cup construction to adapt to your changing size and sensitivity. Regular bras simply aren't designed with these issues in mind.
How much is my breast size going to change during my pregnancy?
There is no standard answer to how much your breasts will change, because every woman is different. That said, it is common for your band size to increase during the first trimester due to rib cage expansion, and for your cup size to increase through the second trimester as your breast tissue grows. Some women will need several size adjustments, while others may only need one. After birth and once milk production regulates, your breasts may return to a cup size close to what they were during your pregnancy.
How many maternity bras do I need?
It is recommended that you have at least three maternity bras since most women do not have time to launder every day. One to wear, one to launder, and one as a spare.
What features should I look for in a maternity bra?
Look for flexible cups, wider side wings, supportive underbands, extra hook-and-eye settings (for ribcage expansion), cushioned straps, and breathable materials. Avoid very rigid underwires in early pregnancy if you experience tenderness.
When should I buy a maternity bra?
Buy a maternity bra as soon as your current bras feel tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable — often early in the second trimester. Many women benefit from switching earlier if tenderness is significant.
Nursing Bra FAQs
How many nursing bras do I need?
It is recommended that you have at least three nursing bras since most women do not have time to launder every day. One to wear, one to launder, and one as a spare.
What makes a nursing bra different from a maternity bra?
Nursing bras include one-handed nursing clips or drop-down cups for easy feeding access, often with inner support slings. Many also add extra stretch in the cups to accommodate fluctuations throughout the day.
Can I wear underwire while nursing?
Many women comfortably wear underwire nursing bras. If you choose underwire, ensure the wire fully encircles breast tissue and does not press into ducts. For the early days of engorgement, soft cup styles can be more forgiving.
How should a nursing bra fit?
The band should be firm on the loosest hooks (to allow tightening over time), cups should fully contain your breast without overflow or gapping, and straps should provide stability without digging.
When should I buy a nursing bra?
Purchase near your due date for a closer postpartum fit, or start with a flexible soft-cup option earlier for comfort. Once your milk supply regulates (typically after a few weeks), you can fine-tune sizing.
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