Where to buy a nursing bra ~ 7 tips to find the perfect nursing bra

Where to buy a nursing bra ~ 7 tips to find the perfect nursing bra

As a mother of 5 kids, I have spent almost 8 years wearing nursing bras. I have breastfed most my kids till they were 18 months.  That being said I have worn out a few and know which nursing bras I personally prefer.  I also know that finding a nursing bra can be REALLY HARD.  So I have put together seven tips to find the perfect nursing bra. In the past few years more retailers carry them, but they tend to have limited selection.

 I can not tell you have many times I have walked into a nice department store, gone to the underwear/ lingerie section and asked where their nursing bras are… only to have them get a disgusted look on their face and promptly tell me, “We do not sell those here”.  They act so offend that I use my boobs to feed my child.  One time the lady was so rude about it, I started to cry. I am pretty sure it was all the new baby hormones and lack of sleep, but still who knew buying a nursing bra could be so tricky.

The Style I Like

I have found I really like the bras that have the clip on the TOP, those seem to be easiest for me to use and less likely to pop open.  The ones that hook on top are my favorite, the ones that snap together tend to wear out faster. Also as the baby gets a little older, and if she pulls on your bra and it is a snap open/ close one, they can pop it open.  The hook or clip  is easy for mom to open but withstands tugging from the baby.

I am a small framed person, yet I put on about 50+ lbs with each pregnancy. I loose it each time but start out much heaver in the being of breastfeeding my baby.  For that reason I like to try ad find a bra that can shrink or grow with me a bit. A back strap that has more than 3 sets of clasps in the back is great for when I start to loose the baby weight, the bra can be adjusted and still be used.

Nursing Pads?

Normally I am small chested, and feeling good if I can fill out an A-cup, so I love a good padded bra. But while breast feeding I am normally a C-cup so I tend to stay away from the padding. The first few months of nursing I use nursing pads too, so a padded bra plus pads is just to bulky.  Less is more in this case. You can get 10 FREE sets of nursing pads here.  After 3-5 months my body is more in check and I no longer need breast pads I will then switch to a lightly padded bra.  I am not switching for the extra size, instead just to help hide the “nipple” that a thin bra does not always hide.  After all these Idaho winters can be rather cold, but I do not want to show that to all my friends thru my shirt ;).

Wire or NO Wire?  I normally wear an under-wire, but that was not always the best option for me while breast feeding. With one of my kids my I had over sensitive breasts and would get lumps and sore spots (due to clogged milk ducts) I found the under-wire made this worse.  So I had to pick another option, but each persons experience will be much different so feel free to try both options.

Cute Bras?

CUTE does not always mean functional. I know polk-a-dots and lace can be a fun option. But not if it means a screaming baby that can not get to her food fast enough due to  tricky clasps.  Comfort and function is more important so shop with comfort in mind not style.  I am not very “risky” when it comes to my underclothing. I tend to stick with white or nude, yet my last pregnancy the best, most comfortable nursing bra I found was BRIGHT pink with polka dots. Totally not something I would normally purchase, but it was the best fit…. so that is what I bought.

While nursing I always have to wear a bra at night,  to help restrict them from “filling up”. Not everyone has to do this, but must most do.  If you let them be “free” they can be rather engorged and painful in the morning. I personally just sleep in the same bra I wore during the day. But I know many of my friends switch to a sleep or nighttime bra, they find it more comfortable but still does the job.

Some of the perfect nursing bra s I like:

La Isla Women’s Cotton Lace Trim Underwire Non-Padded Maternity Nursing Bra34B-42DD plus free return options.

• 96%Cotton,4%Spandex
• Cotton material,soft and healthy,best choice for breastfeeding
• Easy nursing with one-hand release clasp
• Wide,padded,adjustable straps prevent straps dig-in
• Underwire gives you more support
• Rear hook fastening

La Isla Women’s Lace Full Figure Wire Free Nursing Breastfeeding Maternity Bra 34C- 42F

• 92%Polyester, 8%Spandex
• Drop down clips ideal for nursing
• Full figured maternity bra good to support chest
• Non-wired soft cup bra for maximum comfort and support
• 6 rows of hook & eyes provide extra support and ensure the perfect fit
• Feminine and beautiful

CooShco Women’s Seamless Maternity Nursing Bras Bralette

• 92% nylon +8% Spandex
• Imported
• Hook & Eye closure
• A Designs That Melts Onto And Molds To Your Body, Supporting Your Unique Shape In A Uniquely Perfect Way
• Comfortable To Wear, And Virtually Invisible Under Clothing. A Designs That Melts Onto And Molds To Your Body, Supporting Your Unique Shape In A Uniquely Perfect Way
• Nursing clips allow you to fully drop down the cup making breastfeeding access easy for mom and baby
• No Underwire,Seamless Soft, Washable Cups That Drop Fully Away From The Breast, As Recommended By Health Care Professionals,Easy To Use And Discrete Nursing Clips, Featuring One handed Access
• Breathable, ribbed gore stretches to accommodate the normal bust size fluctuations nursing moms experience

Motherhood Sports Clip Down Nursing Bra

• NYLON / SPANDEX
• NURSING BRA
• SHELF BRA
• CLIP DOWN, WIRELESS
• FULL SUPPORT

Motherhood Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra 5 colors to pick from

Motherhood Wrap Nursing Sleep Bra (2 Pack)

• COTTON / SPANDEX
• NURSING SLEEP BRA
• LACE TRIM, 2-PACK
• WRAP
• LIGHT SUPPORT

Motherhood Plus Size Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra