Breastfeeding
12 Comfortable & Affordable Nursing Bras for Breastfeeding
Finding a nursing bra does not have to be a stressful or expensive experience. There are affordable nursing bras that will fit all of your needs! Whether you like your bras more sporty or lacy, there is one that is perfect for you.
Let’s find your perfect nursing bra!
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12 Budget-friendly Nursing Bras for Pumping and Pregnant Moms Under $40
Buying everything that a baby needs can get pretty expensive. However, it doesn’t always have to be; there are products out there that work just as great but are much cheaper.
I know when I became pregnant with my first I thought I needed the most expensive bra. I thought a higher price means a better quality. However, it turns out, I was very wrong. The nursing bras I liked the best happened to be the less expensive ones I bought!
Wherever you are, whoever you are, you do not have to be the perfect supermom. Being yourself is enough. And sometimes, finding the right nursing bra as a new mom, is enough to give you the boost of confidence you need to be YOU.
Tips to shop for the right nursing bra
First off, don’t worry about the price tag. You can find some of the best nursing bras under $40.
It is best to shop when you have plenty of time, so you are not rushed. Most of the time, you will want a bra similar to the one you already love and wear daily.
Whether it be a sports bra, lace, or underwire bra, you can find a nursing bra that fits your comfort. From there, it is just finding one that has a nursing feature!
Know your correct bra size ahead of time by measuring at home. By the end of the second trimester, your breasts should have grown, and you may even have gone up a size.
Make sure to measure properly to find one that is the best fit. Your breasts will grow 1-2 sizes once your milk comes in, so finding a pregnancy bra that grows with you is key. Finding a bra that fits YOU well and is not too tight, is essential to preventing plugged ducts. The nursing bras below are all great options!
When is the best time to buy a nursing bra?
Close to the end of your third trimester would be the best time to buy a nursing bra.
Your breasts change all throughout pregnancy, but around the 7-8th month, they are usually finished and ready for breastfeeding. You can always prepare for breastfeeding in advance and buy them earlier in the pregnancy; however, you will want them to have room for growth. That’s why finding a bra with an extender can be really helpful!
I bought some nursing bras when I was in my second trimester. My breasts were huge compared to when I wasn’t pregnant and were getting squished.
I didn’t want to buy new bras just to buy some nursing ones in a few months, so I ended up buying nursing bras early on. I made sure to allow room for growth, thankfully!
They ended up being the right fit when I started breastfeeding! I was so happy to save money and be comfortable once again.
How much does a quality nursing bra cost?
You can find a good high-quality nursing bra without spending too much money. Most high-quality bras are all under $40.
If you are spending more than that, you are overpaying. Most are typically around $25 but don’t spend over $40!
Speaking of cheap and affordable, try this free prenatal class from a L&D Nurse that I LOVE. Sit on your couch and learn more about what to expect during the third trimester and postpartum? Yes, please! Try the free class here!
12 Affordable Nursing Bras for Both Maternity and Breastfeeding
Here are 12 affordable nursing bras that will suit anyone’s needs!
You will be comfortable and prepared to breastfeed as soon as your little one arrives once you grab one of these awesome bras!
Best nursing bras for everyday wear
You don’t want to constantly change your bra just to breastfeed. That is why it is vital to find a nursing bra that is comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Best T-Shirt Nursing Bra
Motherhood Maternity Demi Nursing Bra
This t-shirt bra will give you both support and comfort. It has an underwire to support your breasts along with a lined demi-cup that is very soft. This is a fantastic bra if you want to remain comfortable, but also have an extra lift and support to your breasts. It is flattering to your new shape but also convenient and cozy.
Best Seamless Nursing Bra
Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Seamless Nursing Bra for Breastfeeding
If you don’t like underwires, you can still find a comfortable everyday nursing bra. This amazing bra is seamless and has super soft fabric so you feel like you aren’t wearing a bra at all! I cannot stand underwires. I feel like they hurt more than support me.
I have a seamless nursing bra and it is heavenly. It is also so stretchy that it will fit throughout the changes during pregnancy and nursing. Even though it is wireless, it still brings the support your breasts need.
Best Wireless Nursing Bra that Clips Down
Seamless Clip Down V Neck Push Up Nursing Bra Including Extenders & Clips
This wireless nursing bra clips down for easy breastfeeding with one hand. It is a V-neck push-up bra as well. So your breasts look extra good while maintaining support and comfort.
This incredible bundle comes with three bras, extenders, and clips so you are able to use throughout pregnancy and nursing without getting anything else. Some features that make this our top choice for a wireless nursing bra:
- Sturdy clasps yet easy to unclip one-handed
- Soft fabric
- Includes extenders for growing breasts
- V-neck to allow breasts to breathe and be more comfortable
- Push up bra to give you a more flattering look
Simple Cotton Nursing Bra
Simple Comfy Cotton Nursing Bra
If you just want a simple, cotton bras, this one does not disappoint. It is such a soft and comfortable bra, many love to wear it while they sleep! It has a crossover front along with clips to allow for easy, one-handed nursing. If you wake up early morning engorged, this bra helps support your breasts, but does not squish them, especially when engorged.
Best Sporty Nursing Bra To Workout In
Many moms love to workout in the morning while their kids are still sleeping. This is why having a sport nursing bra is perfect, as you can go straight from your workout to feed your little one as soon as they wake up.
You won’t have the hassle of changing out of different bras to fit your needs. Plus, sports bras are also very comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Best Racerback Nursing Bra
Playtex Nursing Sports Bra with Racerback
If you workout or just want extra comfort, try a racerback nursing bra. It gives plenty of support without a wire and holds your breasts in place. The top folds down easily for nursing, so you don’t have to switch back and forth between bras.
It is a low impact bra, so don’t go running with it. You can enjoy your early morning yoga session and go straight into nursing with ease and grace.
One of the best things about this fantastic bra is that there are no removable pads, instead, there is a full lining, so your nipples don’t show. I love this feature! I hate having to remove the pads for washing, or they get crumpled and destroyed.
Best Maternity and Nursing Sleep Bras
Having a bra to sleep with while you are pregnant, and nursing helps your breasts not hurt so bad. I love two specific bras to sleep in:
Kindred Bravely French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra for Maternity and Breastfeeding
The Kindred Bravely bra has a racerback to give you the utmost support and comfort. Instead of clips to nurse, this bra has a crossover style, so you simply pull over to nurse your baby. This way it is all fabric so you can be in total comfort while you sleep. This is the best bra because it is so soft you don’t feel like you are even wearing a bra, it’s a win-win!
Lataly Women’s Sleeping Nursing Bra Wirefree Breastfeeding Bralette
The Lataly bralette is another comfortable bra to sleep in as it has a ribbed gore so it will expand to accommodate your ever-growing breasts. You will find the clips to easy access for nursing throughout the night.
These comfortable bras are very economical as they come in a pack of five for less than $40! They give plenty of support so you could wear them all day every day if you wanted but are especially comfortable while sleeping.
Maternity and Nursing Bras To Make You Feel Pretty
After you give birth, you will never look and feel the same way. You might have stretch marks or scars. Many times, it is difficult to look in the mirror and see all the changes that have happened.
I know I struggled with this early on, and still struggle to this day. I think it is vital to have a nursing bra that makes you feel good about yourself despite the changes. It has become a part of my self-care routine to put on my lacy nursing bra to feel extra beautiful that day.
Lacy Maternity Bras
Kindred Bravely Lace Nursing Bralette
Another Kindred Bravely favorite is their lace nursing bralette. It is a pretty lace nursing bra that is also practical. Putting this on makes me feel so sexy, but I can also nurse if I need to. I get to feel better about my ever-changing body, all the while staying practical and ready to nurse. I get to feel beautiful even when I wake up at 2 am to feed my baby. It’s the little things!
This amazing bra is extremely soft to wear. It is one of my favorite comfortable and stylish bras. Some features include:
- Racerback bralette
- Pull-aside nursing feature
- Wire-free
- Lace accents
Best Strapless and Bandeau Nursing Bras
Clandy Women’s Seamless Bandeau Bra
For those warm summers and nights out, it is important to have a strapless nursing bra. It is stretchy to provide comfort even when your breasts are engorged.
If you live in a hot area, you can even just wear this bandeau all by itself, or pair it with a dress or shirt. When you need to nurse, simply pull down the bra and you are all set! This is another comfortable bra that will make you feel pretty when you wear your outdoor dresses.
Most Supportive and Comfortable Nursing Bras
Your breasts change so much throughout pregnancy and while nursing. Some go up multiple sizes, which is very painful. I remember with my first child; my breasts were hurting more than my entire body.
Finding a nursing bra that was supportive and comfortable made all the difference in the world. I went from being in pain all day long to being comfortable once again, all due to a change in my bra.
Best Plus Size Nursing Bra for Those with Larger Busts
Gratlin Women’s Padded Underwire Full Support Maternity Bra
For those with bigger breasts, finding a supporting bra is hard enough on its own, let alone a nursing bra! Gratlin’s Maternity bra is our top favorite for those with larger busts.
It is padded with an underwire, as well as has a full sling design, so you get tons of support for your breasts. One amazing thing about this bra is that it comes with six rows of hooks, so it’ll last throughout your pregnancy and while you nurse.
Best Underwire Nursing Bra
Gratlin Women’s Full Coverage Lightly Padded Underwire Nursing Bra for Breastfeeding
If you like the extra support underwires give you, try this Gratlin Full Coverage bra. It is lightly padded, so you get your natural silhouette. You will be able to easily nurse as it has one-handed nursing clips with slings.
This will lift and give your breasts support just like a normal bra. I have trouble wearing sports bra during the day due to the lack of support they bring. I love that this bra is soft and still comfortable enough for me to wear, but also lifts and gives me plenty of support.
Best Hands-Free Nursing Bras and Accessories
If you pump along with nursing, you have to get a hands-free nursing bra. That way you can multitask and get things done while you are pumping!
The Simple Wishes is everyone’s favorite bra! You can breastfeed and pump discreetly which is incredible. I am able to pump even with guests and family members over at my house, or even while I work!
There is 10 inches of Velcro in the back to make it fit you perfectly. There are four layers to make sure you don’t spill any milk and it holds your pump entirely. It is comfortable enough to wear, like a sports bra.
If you plan on pumping at all, this is a definite must-have bra. There are four ways to wear this bra:
- Halter style
- Racerback
- In tank
- Strapless
Best Nursing Tank Tops
If you live someplace hot, it might be best to get a nursing tank top with a built in bra. It does not have removeable pads but gives you light support while you nurse. You can use it as a layering piece, or on its own.
I liked wearing one while I was pregnant as the summer heat was unbearable! It is also comfortable enough to wear while sleeping.
Nursing tanks are a great thing to have in case you don’t feel like wearing a shirt for the day. It was especially nice to have right after first nursing when your breasts are still sore. Wearing clothes was painful enough, so having this tank top with a built-in bra was a lifesaver!
Related Post: 12 Things I needed for my summer baby
Common Questions About Finding the Best Nursing Bras
How do you know which size nursing bra to buy?
- Measure as you would a normal bra
- Best to buy around the last couple of weeks before you give birth
- Most bras will have a sizing chart to help you determine what to buy
- Some go up a full size while nursing, so it just depends!
How to set yourself up for breastfeeding and pumping success?
- The most important thing to remember is that it takes time to learn. It may not be natural right away, as it is a process.
- Don’t stress if things don’t go your way and be willing to adapt.
- Make sure to eat and drinks lots of water as that will keep your supply strong.
- Spending more time with your baby also will increase your supply and make things easier.
What other breastfeeding and pumping essentials do I need?
- You’ll want things to help your breasts relax and heal from the cracking and sometimes pain. Lansinoh has some great gel pads to soothe your breasts. They can be used hot or cold depending on what your breasts need
- A Boppy nursing pillow helps your arms not get tired while breastfeeding. It positions the baby perfectly to get a comfortable feed in
- You’ll also want a nursing cover so you can feed your baby while you are out and about, or if you have friends and family over at your house. This nursing cover also can fit over your stroller and car seat to keep things away from your baby.
What are the best nursing pads to get with my nursing bra?
- Organic bamboo is my favorite type of nursing pads. They provide ultimate comfort and protection from leakage. They are machine washable so you can reuse them over and over again. This pack comes with 14 pads and a bag to wash them in. Bamboo is the most absorbent fabric and is safe to use with your baby.
If you’re expecting, here’s a list of things you need to throw in your hospital bag and also 5 things new moms can’t forget to get for themselves to survive the first 6 weeks of postpartum.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Finding the Perfect Nursing Bra While Pregnant
It does not have to be stressful to find a nursing bra that you will love, as there is one for any type of need you may have. Do your research so you can get the best affordable nursing bras that will be comfortable and fit your needs.
What is your favorite nursing bra and why?
