As a new mother, choosing the right bra for your changing body and needs can be overwhelming. The difference between a maternity and nursing bra may not be obvious at first glance, but it is crucial to select the right one to ensure maximum comfort, support, and ease during this special time. Famous words from Maya Angelou say “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” the same goes for your body, when it signals a change, you must listen and provide accordingly.
Maternity and nursing bras are both designed with the unique needs of breastfeeding mothers in mind, but they serve different purposes. While maternity bras provide support and comfort for the changing breast size that occurs during pregnancy, nursing bras are designed to make breastfeeding easier. They have cups that can be opened or pulled down to allow for easy access to the breast and are usually equipped with nursing clasp or clasps on the straps for easy one-handed opening.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the key differences between maternity and nursing bras, the features and support they provide, and how to choose the right one for you.
What Is A Maternity Bra?
A maternity bra is for all the mom-to-be and new moms. All the moms will know how much your breasts will grow during the pregnancy; most women go at least 2- 3 cups sizes up.
A maternity bra is made to accommodate your growing breasts and escape from those everyday tight bras.
Some of the standard features of a maternity bra are that they are really stretchy and will adjust as your body changes. The fabric is also breathable to make sure that you feel comfortable.
A maternity bra usually uses a hook and eye closure, with the additional provision of hooks so that you can change the fitting of the bra as you want. If you want a tighter fit, then you can change it; if you want a looser fit, then you can adjust that way too.
The shoulder straps of the bra are also easily adjustable to the amount of support and fitting that you want. The tighter shoulder straps, the more support you get and vice versa.
You can notice that most of the features of a maternity bra are the common features of a regular, everyday bra. If you do not find a maternity bra, or if you are not comfortable with one, you can just buy a normal bra with these features.
Some unique features of a Maternity Bra
- Maternity bras have wider straps to provide additional support and comfort
- They feature adjustable straps and band that can be expanded as the woman’s body changes during pregnancy
- Many maternity bras have cups that can be unfastened for easy nursing
- Some maternity bras have special padding or pockets for nursing pads
- Some maternity bras have added support for the underbust
- Maternity bras are made from breathable and stretchy materials to accommodate changes in breast size.
What is a nursing bra?
A nursing bra is specially made for moms who are breastfeeding their babies. It is truly a hassle when it comes to bras while feeding your baby. This is why you need to wear a nursing bra.
A nursing bra has special modifications that allow you to feed your baby without having to remove your whole bra.
A clasp or a hook is on the cup of the bra, and you can open the cup and feed your baby easily. This bra will come in handy to you when you have to feed in public.
During the early stages of your feeding, your breast may be more fuller and continuously growing. To accommodate this, you can buy a sports type nursing bra that will be more flexible and allow your breast to fit perfectly.
You can also choose a nursing tank top that is a layered piece that will give you everything in one.
A nursing bra is made sure that it is comfortable for you to wear. It will mostly be wirefree; if not, it will have a flexible wire that will not hurt you or dig into your skin.
However, the bra will still give you the support without underwire that you need. The claps and the hooks are designed in a way that you can easily unhook and feed them.
Some unique features of a Maternity Bra
- Nursing bras have cups that can be unfastened with one hand, making it easy to nurse while holding a baby
- They often feature a flange or panel that can be opened to expose the nipple for breastfeeding
- Some nursing bras have padding or pockets to hold nursing pads in place
- They have wider straps and a more robust band to provide additional support and comfort
- Nursing bras are made from breathable and stretchy materials to accommodate changes in breast size.
- Some nursing bras come with additional support sling on the cups.
- Some nursing bras come with a easy release clip on the straps.
Conclusion:
| Feature | Maternity Bra | Nursing Bra |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides support and comfort for a growing belly during pregnancy | Allows for easy breastfeeding access, support and comfort for nursing mothers |
| Fit and Sizing | Usually designed to accommodate fluctuating breast size during pregnancy | Usually designed to adjust to the changing breast size post pregnancy and nursing |
| Cups | Often have cups that open to allow for easy skin-to-skin contact with baby | Often have cups that open with one-handed clips for easy breastfeeding access |
| Material and Comfort | Made with breathable, stretchable and comfortable materials | Made with breathable, stretchable and comfortable materials |
| Additional Features | Padded straps for added comfort, underwire for support | Padded straps for added comfort, underwire for support |
Understanding the key differences between maternity and nursing bras is essential for making an informed decision on what type of bra to wear during and after pregnancy. Maternity bras are designed to provide support and comfort for the changing breast size that occurs during pregnancy, and typically have wider straps, a wider band, and more space in the cup. Nursing bras, on the other hand, are designed to make breastfeeding easier, and often have cups that can be opened or pulled down to allow for easy access to the breast. They usually have a nursing clasp or clasps on the straps for easy one-handed opening.
When choosing between the two types of bras, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences. If you plan to breastfeed, a nursing bra may be a more convenient choice. However, if you prefer more support and comfort during pregnancy, a maternity bra may be the better option. Additionally, some nursing bras also have the capability of converting to a maternity bras when the breastfeeding period ends.
It’s essential to consider the features, support, and comfort levels of each type of bra when making your decision. Be sure to try on different styles, and choose the one that best fits your needs, and comfort, and helps you feel confident and supported throughout the journey of motherhood.
