If you are a woman with a hefty set of breasts, you know the struggle it is to find the right bra. Bras are essential for support – especially when you are busty. Now, add in the humongous growth during pregnancy, and you may be starting to panic.
Yes, you should expect your boobs to grow during pregnancy. As your body prepares to welcome your baby into the world and begin breastfeeding, your breasts will begin to grow as they fill with essentials for your baby’s nourishment. This growth may cause you to go up a few cup sizes.
If you are a woman with large breasts, you may be worried about finding the right nursing bra. There is no need to panic. Bra makers recognize the need for women to have supportive bras, as well as bras that make breastfeeding easier and more convenient. So, I am here today to help you find the best nursing bras for large breasts.
The Best Nursing Bras for Large Breasts (Updated)
Nursing Bra |
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Le Mystere Sexy Mama *Best Choice* |
(*) Below, you'll find my detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see prices and read customer reviews.
Buyer’s Guide
A Quick Review of Bra Sizing
First things first, let’s have a quick review. Your bra size is a combination of two measurements: your band size and your cup size.
To find your band size, you must measure around your back, under your armpits and above your breasts. This numerical size is then combined with your cup size. For example, you may wear a 38D size bra.
While your band size may stay relatively close to the same size, your cup size will change during and after pregnancy.
As your breasts fill with milk, you should expect your cup size to increase. You should also anticipate waiting to purchase a nursing bra until closer to your due date so you can be sure to find the right size.
Experts suggest, “Choose a bra that fits when the clasp is on the tightest setting, so you'll be able to let it out. This is definitely a good idea if you end up buying a nursing bra before you give birth since you'll grow at least another cup size when your breast milk comes in a few days after birth.”
Understanding the Types of Nursing Bras
According to the experts “Nursing bras have clasps or panels that allow easy access to the nipples for breastfeeding.”
For mothers planning to breastfeed, nursing bras are an essential part of their everyday wardrobe. They not only offer support, they also offer added protection from leakage incidents.
Most women buy multiple nursing bras. A good idea is to purchase at least three nursing bras so that you can switch out easily when a bra is in the dirty laundry. With breastmilk, you will need to regularly wash the bras to stay sanitary.
Additionally, you will need to own different types of nursing bras depending on your lifestyle. Here is a quick explanation of the different types on the market:
- An Everyday Nursing Bra – This bra is designed with comfort in mind. Most often, these bras do not have underwire.
- A Supportive Nursing Bra – This bra is made to support your breasts. If you have large breasts and are breastfeeding, you may need underwire for additional support.
- A Sleeping Nursing Bra – This bra is designed primarily to wear at night. It is comfortable, simple, and makes nighttime breastfeeding easier.
- A Sports Nursing Bra – This bra is made for sporty moms who plan to continue their workouts while also breastfeeding. They are supportive without all the bells and whistles.
- Sexy Lingerie – There are also nursing bras designed to be more feminine and pretty. These bras can be worn for support or just to feel like a little sexier.
Most moms will want to own at least an everyday nursing bra and a sleeping nursing bra. Depending on your lifestyle, you may need to also have another style in your wardrobe.
What to Keep in Mind While Buying
You may have noticed that I did not include a “pumping bra” on the list. This is because you do not have to have a pumping bra. Some breast pump machines are designed to work with specific pumping bras; however, most breast pumps just require access to your breasts. This depends on whether you pump and what type of breast pump you use.
While you shop, there are other things you need to keep in mind. For example, nursing bras are expensive. You will need to factor this into your budget. However, price bras in a store as well as online. Amazon often has the same bras for less money.
As you shop, there are four things to focus on: comfort, ease of use, support, and price.
Do not simply buy any bra or the prettiest bra, you want to buy the nursing bra that is the most comfortable, the easiest to use for breastfeeding, the most supportive, at the right price.
Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to find the right nursing bra for their breasts. An ill-fitting bra can lead to serious issues such as clogged ducts and mastitis. Take your time while shopping and do not settle for less than the best.
The Top Five Nursing Bras for Large Breasts
1. Anita Underwire
The Good
The Anita Underwire Nursing Bra provides support and structure, which is especially important for mothers with large breasts. It does have underwire. While many moms do not want to deal with underwire while breastfeeding, those with larger, heavier breasts will find the additional support helpful and necessary. It goes up to band size 44 and cup size H.
The Bad
This nursing bra is unlined, so if you do wear nursing pads, your nipple may show. It is also plain looking without any feminine qualities. The straps are also thinner than some of the other available options.
The Gist
While the Anita Underwire Nursing Bra is plain, it makes a great everyday bra. As long as you add nursing pads, you will be able to wear this bra for support and breastfeeding long term.
2. Cake Lingerie High Impact
The Good
This nursing bra is designed for active breastfeeding moms. It looks like a regular sports bra, but it has drop down cups for easy breastfeeding and extra fabric for added support and coverage.
It is very supportive and allows for little bouncing, which is essential for exercising. Plus, it is comfortable to wear for extended periods. It also fits a wide range of breast sizes (32B to 40L).
The Bad
Unfortunately, this bra is very expensive. And, some moms do not feel that the bra lives up to the cost. For example, the bra does include some underwire, which can become uncomfortable when exercising or before and after breastfeeding. Additionally, some other moms noted that the material was not breathable.
The Gist
If you plan to exercise and can afford it, the Cake Lingerie High Impact Nursing Bra is a terrific addition to your wardrobe. As long as you purchase it for the intention of breastfeeding and staying active, you will get the most for your money. However, you should not plan to use this as an everyday nursing bra.
3. Kindred Beverly French Terry
The Good
The Kindred Beverly French Terry nursing bra will make breastfeeding and sleeping easy. This nursing bra is super comfortable without any clasps or underwire. It offers gentle support so your breast pads will stay in the right place and you can rest well.
For women with larger breasts, the bra includes a supportive elastic chest band. It goes up to size I. Another bonus – it is machine washable!
The Bad
This bra is made for sleeping – not for supporting your breasts during the day. Additionally, it is very thin. Some moms also found the racerback style uncomfortable.
The Gist
This is an excellent nursing bra for night time only. Do not purchase this bra with hopes of support while you are moving around and taking care of your little one throughout the day. It works well for giving you a little coverage and support in the evenings, and it makes nighttime breastfeeding easy. But, this is the only way this bra should be used.
4. Hot Milk Luminous
The Good
For those women looking for a nursing bra that is a little more feminine, the Hot Milk Luminous is an excellent choice. This nursing bra is pretty with lace and other frilly designs.
Women with large breasts know it can be difficult to find a pretty lacy bra on a normal basis, so the fact that you can find one this pretty while you are breastfeeding will make you very happy. This line also includes matching post-pregnancy underwear. It also provides support and shaping without having to use underwire. It fits sizes 32B-42H.
The Bad
While the nursing bra is more feminine, it may also feel uncomfortable. The lacy touches may feel itchy. Plus, the frilly designs will look bumpy under most shirts. Other moms noted that while it does shape your breasts, it is not as supportive as other options.
The Gist
If looking and feeling feminine is important to you, the Hot Milk Luminous Nursing Bra is an excellent choice. It is pretty and lacy, which will remind you of who you were before you became mommy. But, keep in mind that all the frills may end up making you uncomfortable and dressing more complicated.
5. Le Mystere Sexy Mama
The Good
Believe it or not, a sexy nursing bra does exist. The Le Mystere Sexy Mama bra is named that for a reason – this bra is the sexiest nursing bra you will find on the market. It is both delicate, see-through, and shapely.
It is designed to make your breasts look beautiful and full, at the same time as making it convenient to breastfeed your baby. Another bonus is the memory foam cups that have absorbent protection.
The Bad
The sexiness and the memory foam adds up; this nursing bra is very expensive. As we discussed with the Hot Milk Luminous, the added detail may feel uncomfortable. If you do not usually wear bras with detail and trim, you may not like the way they feel.
The Gist
Fully functional and sexy, this nursing bra is a wonderful choice for the woman who wants to feel herself while also taking care of her baby. In addition to being sexy, it is also very supportive for all breast sizes. It is high quality and long-lasting, so it is worth the cost.
And the Winner Is…
Ultimately, this will come down to your personal preference. But, the winner for me is the Le Mystere Sexy Mama. In the early days of motherhood, it is easy to feel unattractive. You haven’t showered or slept, and you may be feeling like you look less than the best. This nursing bra will remind you of your femininity while also providing you great support and making your lingerie functional for breastfeeding.
To Wrap Up
I hope this buyer’s guide to nursing bras for large breasts helps you in your search for the best bra for your nursing experience. Moms can put themselves on the back burner and take care of everyone else first. But, this is one time when you need to think about your own needs.
Your breastfeeding experience will be more enjoyable if you are wearing a comfortable and supportive nursing bra. Be sure to try on multiple bras in assorted styles to see which ones you prefer. Then, buy more than one.
After reading our guide, do you have questions, comments, or suggestions? If so, let us know in the comments!
