How Many Nursing Bras Do I Need?

Planning your postpartum wardrobe gives you confidence that you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable recovery. By now, you may already have tons of adorable newborn onesies in the nursery. But, it’s just as important to think about what you’ll wear in the first months after giving birth.

Breastfeeding provides many benefits for you and your little one. On top of nourishing your baby’s growing body, you’ll strengthen your bond. Whether you are pumping or feeding your baby directly from your breast, you can bet that you’ll need several supportive bras and other postpartum compression garments.

Technically, there isn’t a specific number of bras to buy for nursing. But, we’ve found that most new moms want three or more. Having at least three bras gives you one to wear while you wash the other one. That extra bra gives you a spare in case you unexpectedly need to change, which is ommon while nursing.Of course, lots of moms prefer having even more bras than three. You can use this guide to start planning a postpartum wardrobe that includes all of the undergarments you need.

What Features Should I Look for in Breastfeeding Bras?

If you’re wondering how many nursing bras you should need, you might also be curious about what makes them special. A nursing bra is usually made from a soft, stretchy material that is supportive and comfortable at the same time.

Breastfeeding bras often have clips that allow you to easily pull a panel down to open it up for nursing. This allows new moms to avoid having to unhook the back of their bra. Being able to prep for feeding with one hand comes in handy when you’re holding a newborn. The clips on each cup make it easier to breastfeed discreetly if you prefer. Since you’ll be able to open up one cup at a time, you’ll have more coverage on top. You can even find bras that pull down without clips for quick access.

Perhaps the most important feature of a nursing bra is comfort. Most bras for breastfeeding are designed without underwire that can dig into sensitive skin. Since breast swelling is normal while you’re breastfeeding, having bras that stretch and contract with your body is essential.

If you have larger breasts, then you’ll still find that the firm elastic that we use for the bra band is supportive. Our bras have cups made of double-layered fabric that support your breasts without feeling confining. When support is a concern, then make sure to choose the high-tech clip style for daytime wear.

All of our nursing bras have adjustable straps that eliminate worries about slippage. After all, no one wants to stress about adjusting their bra straps when they have a precious newborn in their arms.

Are There Different Types of Bras for Nursing?

Some bras for breastfeeding come in styles that have your typical hook-and-loop closure on the back. But, they’ll also have cups with clips where the straps meet the top. High-tech clips allow you to quickly release the cup fabric from the strap to make your breast accessible for feeding.

The Leonisa maternity line includes a pullover nursing bra that is designed for multiple purposes. The multipurpose seamless maternity bra is made without hooks, clips or any other hardware that could get in the way of your comfort. Many new moms enjoy wearing this type of bra at night when they prefer lighter support. But, you’ll be happy to know that the bra still provides full coverage for daytime wear. To breastfeed, you’ll simply use the crisscross cup design to open up the top when it’s time to nurse.

The extra wide straps of these bras not only provide support to breasts heavy with milk but also prevent them from digging into your shoulders. The fabric is made from breathable materials using antibacterial technology that is ideal for mothers who are lactating. Feeling fresh and clean at all times of the day and night makes nursing even more rewarding.

Will I Need Multiple Bras in Different Sizes?

The stretchy fabric that we use to make bras for nursing is one of its best features. To keep things simple, our bras are categorized to fit small, medium, large and extra-large sizes. To find your size, you’ll simply measure under your breasts where the band would go. You’ll then measure around the fullest part of your bust to get the contour measurement. You can then enter these numbers into our bra size calculator to predict your perfect fit.

Alternatively, you can start with your current bra size to check which one to buy in our sizing chart. Either way, most moms find that they can wear their new bra for the majority of their nursing and postpartum periods without having to go up or down a size.

You may even be able to wear your bra during the last few weeks of your pregnancy if your old bras no longer fit. Many expectant moms purchase a couple of bras to wear immediately after delivery, you can add on more bras once your breasts settle into their new natural size for breastfeeding.

How Do I Care for My New Bras?

Life as a new mom is busy. Make sure to be easy on yourself during those early weeks of parenthood. After all, nursing your baby and caring for their needs are your highest priority. Having maternity bras that don’t require a lot of upkeep can help you find more time for newborn snuggles. The nursing bras at Leonisa are made using fabric that our team designs in-house with functionality and easy maintenance in mind.

Most of our nursing bras require simple care that you’re likely already familiar with if you wear other types before pregnancy. To extend the life of your bra, you can hand wash it in cold water using a gentle detergent. Rinsing your bra and allowing it to air dry helps to preserve its shape. For storage, you can fold your bra in half and place it in a drawer. Avoiding hanging your bras prevents the straps from getting overly stretched. Caring for your bra’s straps helps it to continue to provide you with optimal support.

When you think about the answer to the question of how many nursing bras you need, you’ll want to consider your general washing routine. If you tend to wash clothing once a week, then you’ll want to have enough bras to wait until washing day.

The fabric that maternity bras are made from is moisture-wicking and antibacterial. But, you could face needing to change bras more than once a day if they get milk on the cups. Having several bras available means that you’ll have one to wear while you wash and dry the others.

Add the Perfect Bras for Nursing to Your Postpartum Wardrobe

By now, you should have an idea of how many bras you need to get through your first few weeks of nursing. Starting with three is a safe rule of thumb to follow. But, we recommend stocking up on your favorite styles in a range of different colors. Having one or two for bedtime is just as important as having daytime bras. Check out all of our styles to find the ones that suit your preferences for cozy nursing sessions.

Of course, you’ll also want to take full advantage of the time you have available to shop for yourself now. These last few days of pregnancy are perfect for picking out shapewear that helps you feel your best after delivery.

Once you’ve filled your wardrobe with all of the garments you’ll need post-delivery, remember that this is only the beginning. During the postpartum period, your body will go through lots of changes. Whether you need compression leggings or a different-sized bra, you’ll always find what you need in our Leonisa maternity and nursing clothing line.

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