The Nursing Bra Guide for Modern Moms
We’re thrilled to welcome Katie Brooker from Cake Maternity to the blog today! She’s offering practical advice and expert guidance on what to look for in a great nursing bra.
Welcoming a new baby changes everything, including your bra drawer. Suddenly, the stylish, underwired bras you once wore feel like a distant memory, replaced by a new set of priorities. As your body shifts and your focus turns to your little one, what you need from a bra completely changes.
The modern mom doesn’t want to choose between function and confidence. You need a bra that offers gentle, flexible support to suit your changing breast size and shape during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You also need easy access for fuss-free feeding, whether you’re at home or out and about. The good news is that today’s maternity and nursing bras are designed to do both — so you can feel supported and confident throughout your motherhood journey.
Why Does a Nursing Bra Matter More Than You Think?
A nursing bra is important because it is specifically designed to support you through the physical changes your body undergoes — and that support can do wonders for your mental state, too. Unlike a regular bra, it offers specialised comfort for each trimester and stage of growth. It accommodates ribcage expansion and fluctuations, provides quick access for feeding, and promotes breast health. This helps new moms feel supported and confident.
Are All Nursing Bras the Same?
Not all nursing bras are the same. The common misconception that any stretchy bra will suffice is false. A good nursing bra offers support and features tailored for breastfeeding. These vary based on individual needs. Different bras serve different purposes, such as soft sleep bras for comfort versus structured day bras for added lift. Styles also differ in breastfeeding access (drop-down or pull aside cups) and in support mechanisms (wireless or flexible underwire).
What Should I Look for in a Good Nursing Bra?
A good nursing bra should reflect your personal style and preferences. It needs to fit your current stage and be easy to use for nursing. This allows you to focus less on your bra and more on your baby.
Here’s a quick list of features to consider:
- Six hooks and eyes to accommodate your expanding ribcage and allow for shrinkage after birth.
- Double-layered cups with a firm lower section and stretch on top for comfort before and after feeds.
- Wide straps with limited stretch to prevent digging in.
- Adjustable straps (essential unless it’s a sleep bra).
- Flexible wires that rest on your chest wall without pressing breast tissue.
- Easy-access features such as drop-down or pull-aside cups.
- Breathable fabrics like bamboo viscose, micro nylon, or cotton-modal blends.
What Nursing Bras Are Best Immediately After Birth?
Immediately after birth, the best nursing bras are seamless and wireless. They accommodate fluctuating breast size during the early postpartum period of engorgement and milk coming in. Comfort and flexibility are key, so a supportive yet soft, non-restrictive bra is recommended. This helps prevent potential issues like blocked ducts. Cake Maternity offers a range of options for all cup sizes.
Cotton Candy: Highly praised for its seamless design, molded cups, and racerback comfort for 24 hour wear. It makes an excellent choice for the fluctuating breast size right after birth. It offers a soft yet supportive fit and is perfect for your hospital bag.
Popping Candy: Known as Cotton Candy’s big sister, this bra offers extra support and is tailored for F cups and larger. It features a patent-pending U-Sling that lifts and supports without wires, emphasizing comfort.
Can I Wear a Flexible Wired Nursing Bra?
If you’re used to wearing a wired bra, you’ll be eager to return to one. The fit, shape, and support are what you’re accustomed to. Traditional rigid underwires may press on milk ducts, increasing the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis. In contrast, flexi-wire bras are designed to move with your body.
You should switch to a flexi-wire bra only after your breast size has stabilized and milk production has settled. This is ideal after the initial fluctuations in early breastfeeding, which typically last about 6–8 weeks. Always choose a bra that fits perfectly, with the wires sitting on your chest wall to prevent any possible damage to your ducts.
Types of Nursing Bras for Different Needs
There are many stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding. This includes various activities you do in your bra, such as high-impact sports, work, pumping, sleeping, or just daily living.
Here’s a few key styles that you might be interested in:
| Stage/Need | Suggested Bra Type | Key Features/Benefits |
| Birthing | Biscotti | This style opens fully at the front for easy skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding. Its super soft ribbed yarn makes it comfortable for extended wear. Additionally, it features a leak-proof layer, eliminating the need for a nursing pad. |
| Everyday T-shirt Bra | Croissant | Molded 3D spacer foam cups provide a breathable, contoured shape with a soft, peach-skin-like outer surface. This offers everyday plushness. |
| Pumping | Lotus | The original hands-free pumping and nursing bra available in multi-cup sizes, perfect for busy moms. |
It’s most practical to have a range of nursing bras, so you have a comfortable and supportive option for any situation.
Final Tips for New Moms Choosing a Nursing Bra
Most good nursing bras double as maternity bras, but your size will most likely change from the beginning of your pregnancy to when you’re first breastfeeding. When selecting a nursing bra, focus on comfort and a secure fit. Remember that your needs will change, so it’s fine to have multiple bras for different occasions. Opt for soft, wire-free styles for comfort during the first 6–8 weeks postpartum. You can mix in other styles afterwards that suit your needs, size, and style.
Ultimately, an empowering breastfeeding journey reminds us that motherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s about the deep, personal bond between mom and baby. By embracing challenges, celebrating victories, and not sweating the small stuff, new moms can be confident that they are doing what is best for their baby and themselves.
Katie is the proud mom of two beautiful girls. She has been responsible for all the designs, style, and fit at Cake Maternity for over a decade now.
Katie is a nursing bra specialist and a fit, pattern and grading technician. She is passionate about breastfeeding and the many benefits it offers to moms, babies and the environment.
Katie is determined to make the breastfeeding journey a comfortable, supportive, and beautiful one for all moms. Understanding that it doesn’t always come easy to everyone is key. That’s why she has made it her mission to empower women as they mindfully navigate the world of motherhood. She helps make breastfeeding easier through experience-driven innovation.
Buddha Belly Discount Code!
We’re so grateful to Katie and the team at Cake Maternity for sharing their wisdom (and serious bra expertise!) with us today. Finding a nursing bra that actually fits, supports, and makes you feel good is no small thing — and we love how Cake Maternity makes that journey easier for every parent.
As a sweet bonus, Cake Maternity is offering our readers 15% off their purchase!
Just use the code BUDDHABELLY at checkout when you shop at cakematernity.com.
Because every nursing mom deserves comfort, confidence, and a little cake, too.
Also check out:
Breastfeeding Support Options and Five Healthy Recipes for Nursing Parents
