https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:17:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1966043 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:59:09 +0000 Pumuckl 1966043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a 36DD when not pregnant and was flactuating between a 36 F/G/H cup during my nursing relationship with my son. I used non underwire multisize nursing bras in the hospital and once things had established I mainly wore the largest available Bravado nursing tank (36F/G). I found the support ok although not perfect. I had one or two underwire bras by Anita for days when I felt like wearing them. I also heard good things about the Bliss and Sublime nursing bras from Bravado so I might check these out this time once breastfeeding is established/my supply is regulated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965952 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:30:25 +0000 Bubbles 1965952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't know you could even get underwires nursing bras, I would have loved one! I found that for probably a good 3 months pp I had a lot of perkiness from being full of milk! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965924 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:17:49 +0000 My Only Sunshine 1965924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't buy them now. The first few weeks, my supply was evening out so my size was drastically different at any given time of day. The stretchy ones like the Target or Motherhood sleep bras or just a nursing tank were the way to go for me those first few weeks. </p> <p>Once my size stabilized, I went to Macy's and got some non-nursing underwire bras that were flexible enough to just move to the side for nursing (not the rigid foam kind of bra) and just wore those instead of nursing bras. I never found an underwire nursing bra I liked and I couldn't deal with non-underwires. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965824 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:41:10 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 1965824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To start with, I wore a Bravado, non-underwire bra or a Gilligan O'Malley sleep bra around the house. After a few weeks, I went to a local maternity/nursing store and got fitted for an underwire bra. The brand was Anita and I liked it. </p> <p>I would highly suggest finding a local store and getting a fitting, but if you can't find one close by, here is an online retailer that I have used and been very happy with. <a href="http://www.nurturedfamily.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.nurturedfamily.com/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965667 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:46:39 +0000 ElbieKay 1965667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I mostly used a nursing tank the first month or two. Now I use this one which has a soft cup but no underwire:</p> <p><a href="http://boutique.belabumbum.com/Easy-Picks/Nursing-Moms/Serena-Spacer-Soft-Cup-Nursing-Bra" rel="nofollow">http://boutique.belabumbum.com/Easy-Picks/Nursing-Moms/Serena-Spacer-Soft-Cup-Nursing-Bra</a></p> <p>It's pricey but I wear it pretty much every day. I bought it at a nursing store in Manhattan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965635 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:35:08 +0000 mrskc 1965635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like others have said, you're going to be home a lot at first and comfort will be a higher priority. In the beginning I like nursing tanks &amp; sleep nursing bras. Right now I wear the bravado body silk seamless bra when I go out. It's not the most flattering but it works for now. With my son, I started wearing underwire nursing bras at around 6 months pp. My favorite are my cake lingerie toffee bras. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965630 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:33:29 +0000 ShootingStar 1965630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had 2 nursing bras, one was under wire and one wasn't. The one that wasn't I wore all the time the first few weeks. It was super comfy and where the cup detached for feeding there were 3 different hooks - so you could adjust the size based on how full you were. I generally wore that and a nursing tank at the same time. The shelf bra helped add a little more support.</p> <p>The underwire one I had was great too, by Elomi. Very comfy and I only ever got a clogged duct once. I don't think the bra had anything to do with it, since the clog was on the top of my breast. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965613 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:28:16 +0000 Mrs. J 1965613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went from a 32B to a 32DD, so I waited to get fitted at Nordstrom. I wore a tank a lot at first! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965605 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:25:05 +0000 Little Misters Mom 1965605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Meowkers: Underwires only cause clogged ducts when they don't fit properly. The underwire should hit right by the armpit and not compress any part of the breast no matter what your position. I'd suggest getting a bra fitting at a breastfeeding center. My chest is too big now to not have underwire support for work (I can get away with tanks or the Bravado's around the house) and I like Cake Lingere for good support. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1965561 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:05:49 +0000 Meowkers 1965561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much for all the advice ladies! This is super helpful info. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961587 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:38:00 +0000 Ms.Badger 1961587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a 34DD prior to getting pregnant (and my boobs never really grew, I was lucky in that regard, and shrunk after weaning so I was more like 34D after weaning and back to about 34DD at 18 weeks). I also could not imagine going underwire-less, but I was terrified of mastitis so I found none underwire alternatives. I really like the glamourmom nursing tanks, the long ones with the bra hooks in the back and cake wireless nursing bras (I actually never stopped wearing these after weaning and getting pregnant). They are both sorta pricey, but they've gotten a lot of use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961584 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:36:50 +0000 JerricaBenton 1961584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore underwire nursing bras from the beginning and never got a clogged duct. I wore no wire around the house for comfort but no way would I leave the house like that. I actually really like the target Gilligan and o'malley underwire nursing bras. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961572 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:28:21 +0000 LilacWine 1961572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My nursing breasts are too large (H/I cup) to not wear bras with underwire. I wore them the entire time I nursed (14 months) and didn't have issues with clogged ducts. </p> <p>Anita was a brand I had luck with because they accommodate small band sizes. I found them after many internet searches. Style 5068 was what I wore and it was really comfortable. The fabric is one layer, not as thin as a lace bra but not as thick as a padded bra, and sometimes it showed nipples. Could have just been a postpartum nipple thing though :)</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00470H2L4/" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00470H2L4/</a></p> <p>As far as size goes, it's hard to say. Especially because they could be bigger for the first few weeks until your milk regulates. For reference, pre-pregnancy I was a 32DD, pregnant I was a 32GG, and postpartum I was a 32I. I think I waited until my milk came in to see if the 32GGs fit, which they did not, then purchased a size up and figured I'd return if needed. In that week I wore those Bravados under a tank with a built-in bra. Not too much support, but not terrible either. Hope that helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961564 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:25:47 +0000 snowjewelz 1961564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a 32DD pre-preg too, I have no idea what size I am now at 38 weeks. I haven't wore an underwire bra for a lonnng time. I had been surviving on Coobies, and I bought a bunch of wire-free nursing bra's, all size L. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961560 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:24:46 +0000 Mommy Finger 1961560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm about the same size as you, except a little bigger in the band size. I went to Destination Maternity and got fitted a few weeks before my due date. I bought 4 bras. 2 were underwire and 2 were without. I used those the entire time I was breastfeeding and actually used the non underwire ones more. They are surprisingly supportive. I would just make sure that you go and get fitted. You also don't need to spend a ton of money in order to get a good one. I think they were buy 3 get one free and all were in the $20 range.</p> <p>The thing about underwire. The issue is that they can cause clogged ducts (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so you want to stay away from them usually. However, underwire in maternity bras are structured a bit differently to cut down on that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961558 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:23:21 +0000 Mrs. Pickles 1961558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore motherhood ones without wire (I was an F when my milk came in , DDD regularly) I strongly disliked them but I never had a clogged duct. I'm looking into a few hotmilk or cake this time around, however don't spend too much for early ones because they will probably get soaked a few times. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961557 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:23:12 +0000 prettylizy 1961557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As someone with really huge breasts I always always wear underwire. My breasts are the use size now as they became when I was pregnant, milk never changed the size just the firmness. I wear Elomi bras, great support and shape. Nurainf tanks never worked for me, not enough support </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961551 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:19:17 +0000 Banana330 1961551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Meowkers: The bras I bought during pregnancy are nursing bras. I was a 36E before pregnancy and now a 38E @ 20 weeks. I bought some cake and hotmilk nursing bras. They don't have underwire but I find them surprisingly supportive for my size. I feel the cheaper bras don't off the support at bigger sizes. I also have ones in a size or two up for later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961550 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:17:46 +0000 gilmoregirl 1961550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nursing tanks will be more flexible size-wise and I found them far more comfortable in the early days of nursing. I bought a few nursing bras after my supply (and size) regulated, but I also use regular bras sometimes now. I just used Target tanks, but I'm sure there are some more supportive brands out there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961543 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:14:47 +0000 Foodnerd81 1961543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In the beginning you will probably care a lot more about comfort than how attractive your bra is. I would get a couple of non underwire and one or two nursing tanks to start. No, you probably won't be as supported as you would like, but you'll be spending a lot of time at home anyway. And underwires can lead to clogged ducts especially in the beginning. </p> <p>As for more supportive nursing bras I can't help. I do know Nordstrom can convert regular bras into nursing bras but I feel like you need to wait until after your milk comes in and is settled to find your size. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961536 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:12:39 +0000 BabyTsMom 1961536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Meowkers: I got some from Motherhood Maternity that I really liked. I bought them sometime in my late 2nd tri and I'm still wearing the same size, 6 months later. But to echo the previous poster, I did avoid wearing them for about 2 months postpartum just in case, for clogged ducts. Not sure if it made a difference but I got a clogged duct only once during that time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961529 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:09:04 +0000 catomd00 1961529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You definitely don'twant to wear underwire (at least in the beginning) because it can lead to clogged ducts.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I can't help you in the recommendation area because I'm a life time member of the itty bitty titty committee.. My boobs didn't change much in size during pregnancy, and pretty soon after my milk came in they went back to their regular size.</p> <p>But, yes a proper fitting bra is really important to avoid clogged ducts! Hopefully some other ladies can help you in where to go about getting one that fits well and supports you.</p> <p>I wouldn't go nuts purchasing a ton before hand. You'll pretty much be topless for the first few weeks anyways! Wait until your supply regulates a bit and you know just how large your ladies will be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-the-deal-with-nursing-bras#post-1961521 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:05:43 +0000 Meowkers 1961521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just don't understand nursing bras or how to chose them and I'm looking for some advice.</p> <p>Pre-pregnancy I was a 32DD. Now, at 35 weeks, I'm a 32DDD and that size has been stable for a few months now. I imagine my breasts will get bigger once I give birth and the milk comes in. I see all these nursing bras and they all don't have underwire. There is no way that my breasts will be supported by one of those flimsy things. I've tried them on and my boobs just look droopy. I can't imagine leaving the house like that. </p> <p>Is there a reason all the nursing bras lack underwire? Where can I find some with underwire? What types do you ladies who are well endowed recommend? Also, I want to purchase nursing bras now so I'm prepared at the hospital and in the first weeks home. How to I chose a size if I don't know how big my boobs will get?</p> <p>This is all so confusing. All advice and recommendations are much appreciated! </p>