Pregnancy and postpartum bring so many changes for women—your body, your daily routine, and yes, this includes your bra drawer. So as you go from newly pregnant to new mommy, I am sure you are asking the question, “Can I wear the same bra for pregnancy and postpartum?”

The short answer for you is yes, but you need to make sure you are selecting the right style for it to happen. As a bra expert of 15+ years, I will break down everything you need to know about maternity and nursing bras, and how to find the right one to support you both before and after your new baby arrives!

Maternity Bra vs Nursing Bra: What’s the Difference?

• Maternity bras are designed for pregnancy comfort as your ribcage expands. They usually are made from stretch fabrics with wire free soft bra cups, and wider bra bands to accommodate for growth. And lots of adjustability.

• Nursing bras are designed for postpartum feeding at the breast and typically have nursing clips or are designed as a pull down style to make breastfeeding easier. But the goal is to provide access for the baby to latch onto the nipple. 

• Pumping bras, although you may think they are designed the same as nursing bras, the main difference is they are designed to hold breast pumps hands free on the breast instead of just exposing the breast for direct nursing. A different technique in breastfeeding even though it's all for the same purpose! 

 If you’re shopping for a bra you can wear both pregnant and postpartum, the smartest investment you can make as a new mom is a combo nursing + maternity bra with pumping capabilities as well. It will be flexible enough to grow with you now and functional enough for nursing and pumping later.  A win win for you mama! 

When to Buy a Nursing Bra During Pregnancy

Many new moms wonder if they should purchase now during pregnancy or later after birth. My top recommendation as an experienced bra designer and former breastfeeding mom of 3 is to start shopping in your 2nd trimester. Yes, moms can experience breast tissue changes as early as the first trimester, but it's a good idea to measure yourself after the 12-14 week mark and start shopping then. 

Things to take into consideration when bra shopping during pregnancy is that your chest may continue to grow once your milk comes in. 75% of the moms we polled reported that their breast size grew 1-2 cup sizes from pregnancy through postpartum. You don't want to purchase anything that is super tight now, because chances are it won't be roomy enough later on! 

Choosing the Best Bra for Pregnancy and After Birth

The top 3 details you want to look for in a maternity, nursing and pumping bra are the fabric, fit and features! The fabric should be soft and stretchy so it adapts to growing cup sizes but not irritating on your sensitive skin. Too floppy = no support so watch out for very thin and flimsy bras too.

You want support and structure in a quality nursing bra, but you also want to avoid underwires as your breast size is constantly changing with your breast milk. Improperly fitted underwires are a recipe for clogged ducts, mastitis and breast trauma. It's better to avoid and go with a wire free bralette style instead. 

The features are equally important as the fit of your maternity bra. Opting for clip free nursing bra options is a great way to simplify nursing and pumping (and then you can wear after breastfeeding as well!) Having hands-free pumping features to your nursing bra is also going to be a lifesaver if pumping becomes part of your mama routine. Look for slits or overlaps that hold flanges and wearable pumps in place. Even if you don't think you will be needing a hands free pumping bra, it's better to have the option just in case. 

Do I need a new bra after pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not always! A lot of moms will wear their nursing bras long after they have weaned from nursing and pumping. If you buy a flexible nursing bra during pregnancy that is comfortable and supportive, chances are you will want to wear it after breastfeeding too. If you have a large chest size, often busty size nursing bras are more comfortable and a better fit than traditional bras. Remember that you don't need to be breastfeeding to wear nursing bras, especially if they are cute and don't have any nursing clips!

So, can you wear the same bra for pregnancy and postpartum? Yes—as long as you pick a nursing bra designed to grow with you and support all different stages of motherhood.

Davin & Adley nursing + pumping bras are soft, flexible, and designed for pregnancy comfort, hospital bag essentials, and everyday postpartum wear. One bra, all stages—because moms deserve simplicity. Shop the entire collection here!