Nursing bra and maternity bra

Q: When to buy a nursing bra?

It is recommended to start looking for your nursing bra during the third trimester of pregnancy, but the ideal time to buy is usually in the 7th or 8th month. At this stage, your breasts will likely have reached their maximum size for pregnancy, and it will be time to find a suitable bra. However, it’s a good idea to wait until about two weeks after delivery to account for milk production and the possible increase in your breast size. To ensure optimal comfort, it is recommended to have at least two nursing bras available, especially to alternate during washing. Also, consider a nursing bralette for nighttime, which is particularly useful in the early stages of breastfeeding.

Questions ?Here are our answers...

Why wear a bra when breastfeeding?

As a mother-to-be or a young mother, wearing a breastfeeding bra is not mandatory but strongly recommended in order to comfortably experience the first moments of your motherhood and to protect your breasts from all the upheavals they undergo.

Comfort and support

Breastfeeding bras are designed with comfortable materials and soft materials , which support the chest, which is often heavy during the breastfeeding period. They also reduce the pain that young mothers may feel at the start of breastfeeding.

Practicality

Choosing specialized lingerie allows convenient and easy access to the breasts. The opening hooks specially designed for the breast feeding bra help to breastfeed in complete discretion and serenity.

Breast protection

The support offered by amaternity nursing bra preserves the shape of the breasts, and prevents breast sag , which is common after breastfeeding.

Hygiene

Thanks to the slots for nursing pads, nursing bra with pads prevent milk leaks from damaging your clothes . By changing them regularly, you maintain good hygiene and prevent bad bacteria from settling around your chest.

How does feeding bra work?

Best maternity bras have a special technicality. Whether you're trying them on in-store or choosing home delivery, be sure to check these items out.

Easy and convenient chest access

Thanks to a system of hooks, snaps or even zippers, nursing bra offers a direct opening on the breasts , which allows practical, discreet and easy latching. It is even possible to do it with one hand, a very useful option when you are a young mother!

Maternity nursing bra that evolves with your chest

During pregnancy, then breastfeeding, the chest will undergo significant variations in:

size
volume
tension.

To support these developments, pregnancy bras or specialized bras have means of adjustment . This may be the presence of many rows of hooks in the back of the bra, or elastic fabrics that expand along with the breasts of future mothers.

A greater hold

Thanks to their technicality specially designed for this use, bras and nursing bras, with or without underwire, provide greater support than most other pieces of lingerie .

Materials that are pleasant to wear and respect the skin

Breast feeding bras are often made from soft materials such as cotton, which avoid irritation and unpleasant sensations , for the young mother as well as for the baby.

A place for nursing pads

In order to absorb excess milk or leaks between feedings, it is recommended to wear special, washable or disposable pads. Padded maternity bra is designed to be able to contain these accessories, in addition to an already imposing breast. Some underwear, like Smoon pregnancy bra, even have special fasteners to keep the pads in place and absorb them even more effectively .

How to choose the right maternity nursing bra size ?

A nursing bralette or bra is more scalable than classic lingerie. A hook system or stretchy fabric allows the underwear to expand with your breast socket, during pregnancy and breastfeeding . We advise you to buy your pregnancy bras as soon as you are pregnant, in order to make the investment profitable!

Measure your pregnant or breastfeeding chest circumference correctly

Several measures should be taken into account by expectant mothers to accurately assess their size of pregnancy bra: The back circumference : it is measured by passing a tape measure below the chest. Flatten it without overtightening. Note the number of centimeters, which correspond to the numerical measurement of your height. Chest circumference : this is measured by passing a tape measure from one point of the nipple to the other. In the same way, flatten it without tightening too much. Record the number of centimeters and refer to a size chart for the corresponding (letter) cup size. To choose the right size maternity nursgin bra : Take your measurements about every two months to take into account changes and ensure your size gain throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Which bra to wear during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, choosing a suitable bra is crucial to ensure comfort and support. Indeed, your bust will increase by one to two cup sizes and band sizes. It is therefore recommended to opt for maternity lingerie that offers full coverage and light padding. These models are designed to provide a comfortable and versatile fit during pregnancy as well as integrated access for breastfeeding.

For a better fit, choose a nursing bra that provides good support. Soft underwires may also be included for additional support. Make sure the bra is neither too loose nor too tight to guarantee maximum comfort.

Finally, prioritize breathable and soft fabrics to avoid any irritation. A well-chosen nursing bra will help you experience your pregnancy and breastfeeding period in the best possible way.

Which bra to wear when breastfeeding?

When breastfeeding, the choice of bra can greatly impact your comfort and well-being. To make the best choice, several factors come into play.

First, the material is essential: choose a bra made of soft and breathable fabrics that will adapt to the changes in your breasts during milk flow.

Next, the style of your nursing underwear also plays an important role. Some bras are specifically designed to make breastfeeding easier, with an easy opening for discreet nursing. There are also night bras that hold nursing pads in place, ideal for nighttime feeding sessions.

Finally, remember that your bust size can vary significantly, so it is recommended to invest in two nursing bras: one that fits your current size, and another that fits the size you had during the first weeks of pregnancy.

What size nursing bra?

The size of your nursing bra is an essential factor to consider for comfortable breastfeeding. As a general rule, it is recommended to add one cup size and one band size to your usual bra size before pregnancy. For example, if you usually wear an 85C, start by trying an 85D.

About 2 to 3 weeks after your delivery, the size of your breasts will stabilize. This is the ideal time to choose your nursing bra size.

Remember that every woman is unique and this size may vary. It is therefore essential to take your measurements accurately for the best nursing bra fit. You can do this comfortably at home or with the help of a professional in a specialized store.

Where to find a plus-size nursing bra?

To find a plus-size nursing bra, you have several options. You can visit stores specializing in lingerie for pregnant and nursing women. But Smoon still offers nursing bras up to sizes 115B - 115C!

Where to buy your nursing bra?

There are several places where you can buy your nursing bra. Baby stores, maternity shops, and department stores usually offer a selection of these products. But to be sure to choose the best nursing bra possible, we can only recommend that you try our Aphaïa nursing bra with pads.

When to buy a nursing bra?

It is recommended to start looking for your nursing bra during the third trimester of pregnancy, but the ideal time to buy is usually in the 7th or 8th month. At this stage, your breasts will likely have reached their maximum size for pregnancy, and it will be time to find a suitable bra.

However, it’s a good idea to wait until about two weeks after delivery to account for milk production and the possible increase in your breast size.

To ensure optimal comfort, it is recommended to have at least two nursing bras available, especially to alternate during washing. Also, consider a nursing bralette for nighttime, which is particularly useful in the early stages of breastfeeding.

Which bra to wear after breastfeeding?

After breastfeeding, your choice of bra may vary depending on your needs. Some prefer to return to their usual lingerie, while others opt for specific models. A firm bra is often favored to support the bust.

You can choose from different styles such as triangle bras, push-up, plunge, or balconette. There are also strapless bras with underwire for optimal support.

Don't forget to consider the changes your body and your bust undergo during breastfeeding to choose the bra that will suit you best.

Nursing bra or breastfeeding bra?

The choice mainly depends on individual preferences and personal comfort. A nursing bralette is pulled on over the head, like a T-shirt, offering a certain level of comfort and ease of putting on. It is often chosen for its less restrictive feel.

On the other hand, the nursing bra fastens either at the front between the breasts or at the back. It provides optimal breast support and helps maintain the beautiful shape of the breasts. Underwire nursing bras are specially designed to offer support without compressing the breasts.

Nursing bralette: Comfort, ease of putting on, less restrictive feel
Nursing bra: Optimal support, preservation of breast shape

The choice between these two options therefore depends on your needs in terms of comfort, support, and ease of use.

Check out our FAQ

What is the difference between a bralette and a breastfeeding bra?

Just like in everyday life, it is possible to use a bralette or a breastfeeding bra to support your chest while breastfeeding your child. And while many of us wonder how to choose the right "breastfeeding bra", the choice often starts there. A bralette is generally more casual and used for daily support , for sports or for sleeping. Sports bralettes are often made with soft and breathable materials such as cotton, coupled with elastic materials for better comfort and greater freedom of movement. They are often wireless and have wider straps than bras. A bra is a piece of lingerie that is intended to maintain the shape of the breasts in addition to supporting the breasts . They can have reinforcements and reinforcements. The bra is often worn with more fitted clothes. There are several types, such as bras:

balcony
basket
triangular
with lace

You can get a wide range of nursing bras or specialized bras depending on your size and price. They are available either in store or online to receive them by delivery.

How to choose the right nursing bra?

Several elements must be taken into account when choosing the right nursing bra or specialized bra.

The size

Your breast size will vary as you go through pregnancy and breastfeeding . Be sure to take a size that suits you at the time and choose an evolving underwear. The Smoon padded maternity bra will allow you to adjust its size to the variations that your chest will undergo during this particular period.

The support

It is important to make sure that the pregnancy bra you choose offers good support for the breasts and that it does not compress it too much . To be sure of making the right choice, it is better to try on a bra or a nursing bra before buying it. If it is a delivery purchase, don't panic, returns are always possible!

The materials

Choose soft and OEKO-TEX materials , such as those we offer at Smoon. Cotton, natural fibres, bet everything on softness for you and your baby!

The style

Pregnancy bras are not always the most glamorous, but some lace designs will allow you to enhance your breastfeeding period. You can also opt for more technical maternity nursing bra, which offers better breast support and greater comfort, such as our seamless, non-wired pregnancy bra. Likewise, you will find a wide range of nursing bras or bras, at all prices and in all colours. For example, you will find the Smoon nursing bra in:

black
beige

Choosing a pregnancy bra : with or without underwire?

Among the great dilemmas of nursing lingerie is the choice between a nursing bra with underwire or a nursing bra without underwire. The underwiring provides significant support and a pretty bust shape . However, care must be taken that they are large enough to encompass the entire breast, in order to avoid pain or engorgement. At night, it is best to opt for a non-wired nursing bra or a comfortable bra in soft materials. Thanks to its wide and adjustable straps, the Smoon nursing bra offers an aesthetic shape of the breasts and optimal comfort, all without underwiring!

How to breastfeed without damaging your chest?

One of the first steps to take is to position the baby correctly while breastfeeding . Breastfeeding position affects how the breast is likely to deform or the skin to stretch. It is particularly recommended to regularly change the side of breastfeeding, so as not to solicit only one breast. Wearing suitable lingerie is also strongly recommended so as not to damage your breasts . Specialized breastfeeding bras have a particularly important support, which helps preserve the tissues of the chest.

What outfit to breastfeed at night with her nursing sleep bra?

During your baby's first weeks, you may wake up often, especially to feed your baby. It is therefore important that you wear a comfortable and practical outfit, which facilitates access to your feeding bra. As far as underwear is concerned, opt without hesitation for specialized lingerie, with soft materials; prefer cotton nursing bras without underwiring, with easy openings to access the chest. As for pajamas or nightgowns, again there is a wide range of clothes specially designed for breastfeeding, with zippers or press stud systems, which allow easy access to your nursing bra. breastfeeding and giving the breast without completely undressing. They are particularly appreciated in the middle of winter! Choose clothes made of soft and comfortable materials to avoid irritation on the skin. Prioritize:

cotton
modal
viscose
lyocell

Also make sure that over your nursing bra, your clothes are not too tight or restrictive. The goal is to relieve you in these first moments of maternity when sleep is often chaotic, not to create pain or discomfort!