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Maternity and nursing bras: All you need to know

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woman breastfeeding with nursing bras
Everything you need to know about finding the right maternity and nursing bras. Photo: Getty

Why do I need a maternity or nursing bra?

Buying new bras when you're pregnant or breast-feeding isn't a luxury - it's essential.

Bendon Lingerie's maternity range designer Collette Smith says motherhood is a time of great change.

"During and after pregnancy, the breasts undergo numerous changes, such as enlarging, becoming heavier, denser and more sensitive," she shares with Yahoo Lifestyle.

"It's not uncommon to go up two-to-four band sizes (the measurement around your body under your breasts) and two-to-four cup sizes during pregnancy.

"Therefore, it’s paramount that you are wearing a professionally fitted bra specifically designed to allow for growth and comfort.”

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What should I look for in a maternity or nursing bra?

"While it is personal choice, we highly recommend wearing a soft-cup, wire-free bra during and after pregnancy," Collette says.

"As your breasts are constantly changing during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may find that having no underwire is a lot more comfortable.

A dark-haired woman in a beige maternity bra smiles down at a sleeping baby in her arms. The baby is in a white suit.
A good maternity and nursing bra is essential for comfort and ease. Photo: Seraphine

"Wires can push in to where the milk ducts are forming, which can cause discomfort and may cause damage, (such as blocking) milk flow, leading to mastitis, which is very painful and prevents feeding.

"Other important features include pull-aside cups for easy feeding, adjustable straps so you can tailor it to your perfect shape, an extra-long hook-and-eye adjustment to guarantee the perfect fit during the different stages of pregnancy and nursing, as your size changes, and cotton fabric which is smooth and soft against the skin."

With all that in mind, here are some of the best options:

Bendon Classic Comfort Maternity Bra, $15

This pretty bra is made from a stretch-lace knit.

It has detachable cups for easy feeding and adjustable straps to grow with you throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

The torso of a woman who wears a black lacy Bendon Classic Comfort Maternity Bra, $15
Style and practicality combine in this Bendon Classic Comfort Maternity Bra, $15. Photo: Bendon

Bonds Intimately Maternity Triangle Crop, $34.99

This fully-lined bra has nursing clips and a drop-cup sling for easy feeding.

It's wire-free and has adjustable narrow straps that don't dig in.

A dark-haired pregnant woman wears a black bonds Intimately Maternity Triangle Crop bra.
Get comfortable in this Intimately Maternity Triangle Crop, $34.99. Photo: Bonds

Me.byBendon Elodie Maternity Bra, $69.95

This super-soft stretchy, comfy bra has moulded cups lined with cotton Lycra, and the back of the bra is lined with the same fabric.

It has drop-down cups for easy, comfortable feeding and a a nursing clip to allow you to remove it with one hand easily, while you're holding your baby with the other.

A must-have in your pregnancy and post-partum wardrobe.

A woman wears a white maternity bra. She has a tattoo of wings on her midriff.
A lovely white version of this Me.byBendon Elodie Maternity Bra, $69.95. Photo: Bendon Lingerie

Bonds Maternity Wirefree Crop, $34.99

This is one of the comfiest maternity items you'll own.

It's double layered and boasts minimal seams for maximum stretch.

It has a racer-back, as well as engineered panels for soft support and a contoured shape.

It also has removable foam cup inserts, a hidden sling for easy feeding and a front opening with easy to use one-handed maternity clips.

A blonde-haired woman wears a white Bonds Maternity Wirefree Crop, $34.99

Seraphine Nude T-Shirt Maternity and Nursing Bra, $49

This soft, comfy bra is lined in 100 per cent cotton.

It has simple clips to allow drop-cup access for breastfeeding and the soft, moulded cups provide plenty of shape and lift, as well as a flexible fit through every stage of pregnancy.

A dark-haired pregnant woman with her hair tied back wears flesh-toned Seraphine Nude T-Shirt Maternity & Nursing Bra and boy-leg underpants.
You will barely notice this Seraphine Nude T-Shirt Maternity & Nursing Bra, $49. Photo: Seraphine

Me.byBendon Simply Me Maternity Bra, $49.95

This cotton bra has a pull-aside cup, rather than a shoulder clip for easy, fast feeding.

It also features adjustable straps and an extra-long hook-and-eye for adjustment throughout and after your pregnancy.

It's pretty and functional - what more could you want?

The torso of woman wearing a navy blue Me.byBendon Simply Me Maternity Bra.
You'll love the colour of this Me.byBendon Simply Me Maternity Bra, $49.95. Photo: Bendon

Maternal Magic Wirefree Maternity Bra, $59.99

This pretty bra has an art deco-inspired lace detail on the neckline, but it's functional too.

It has plunge cups with adequate coverage for support, single-hand drop-down cups for easy nursing, and a double-layer cotton sling to support the breast whilst nursing.

It also has adjustable front straps and an extended hook-and-eye to allow the bra plenty of life as your body changes.

A dark-haired pregnant woman wears a lacy maternity bra.
Cast a spell in this Maternal Magic Wirefree Maternity Bra, $59.99. Photo: Bras n Things

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