6 Tips to Buying a Nursing Bra

1) When should I buy a nursing bra? The most common questions moms to be often ask is when is the best time to buy a nursing bra and what size should they buy. If you plan to nurse, the best time to buy a nursing bra is in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when your pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit comfortably and when you need to buy a larger bra. Your breasts will continue to enlarge up to the time you deliver your baby and after your milk comes in. However, they will settle down in size after your milk supply adjusts to the baby's demands and even more when you begin to wean your baby from feedings. Most likely you will need a nursing bra for as long as you are nursing your baby, so even if your 2nd trimester bra purchase is too small for your breasts immediately after delivery, it should fit you down the way as your size decreases.

2) What type of nursing bra should I buy? There are so many types of nursing bras on the market and for a range of prices. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start. While you are pregnant and purchasing a nursing bra for both maternity and nursing, it is best to buy a nursing bra that is supportive with some extra room for pads which you will need in the early nursing stages. The best types of nursing bras for soon after delivery are those that can expand several cup and band sizes. The bras that stretch to fit multiple sizes typically do not have an underwire and are softcup which maximizes cup accommodation ability as well as comfort for the early stages of nursing.

3) What features should I look for in a nursing bra? The most important feature in a nursing bra is comfort. Many women find that their breasts expand a full cup size or two when pregnant and nursing. It is often uncomfortable sleeping at night without a bra or even showering without a bra if your cup size is quickly moving down the alphabet. Many women find they need a range of bra types from an easy support sleeping and lounging bra to a more supportive daytime bra. If you plan on pumping it is good idea to get a hands free nursing and pumping bra which is extra supportive.

4) How do I get the most mileage out of my nursing bra? As you know your cup and band size will fluctuate when pregnant and nursing. After you have your baby you will find your rib size will gradually decrease. If you are buying a nursing bra in your last trimester, it is a good idea to buy one that is not too tight around the band. Many bras have several adjustment hooks on the back to allow several size differences in the band. Look for a bra where you are on the last hook in your last month of pregnancy. You can also buy bra extenders that allow you to extend your strap by several band sizes for a bra that is too tight around the rib cage.

5) What nursing bras are easiest to use?
There are many different styles in nursing bras such as the cross over pull down style, cups that you unhook from each side, those that snap and those that clip. Find the style that works easiest for you. Many women find having several different styles may accommodate their lifestyle the easiest. If you plan to wear a nursing bra at night, look for a light support pull down bra. Chances are if you are half asleep and in the middle of the night you don't want to be fumbling around in the dark for a hook or a snap and your baby will not want to wait around to be fed. For your daytime bra, make sure the snap or hook stays in place with your usual movements and activities as there is nothing worse than a cup coming unhooked on its own in public or trying to rescue a bra that is leaving you lopsided while checking out at the grocery store.

6) What if I want to exercise? Fortunately today there are a lot of great nursing sport bras on the market, so you can still hit the gym and get the bra support you need when you are a nursing mom. Bravado! makes an excellent nursing sports bra with a lot of great support and comfortable fabric. Sports bras in particular need to have secure snaps to make sure you don't pop out while on the treadmill or lifting weights. Comfort in fit and range in motion is also very important, so make sure you get a bra that fits properly with room to support your breasts' ebbs and flows with your nursing cycles.