So, you did it — baby has arrived, and you’re a new mom! First things first: congratulations, babe. Pregnancy and delivery aren’t exactly a walk in the park, and we are SO proud of you.

Now that you’re officially a mom, there is a whole slew of new things to learn — how to get into a feeding and sleep schedule that doesn’t make you feel like you’re losing your mind, for one. (Trust us, we’ve been there.) Figuring out how to care for your body post-pregnancy can have a bit of a learning curve as well, especially if you choose to breastfeed and now have to manage swollen irritated breasts.

One thing that shouldn’t complicate your life, though, is your nursing bra. Perhaps you’re considering a few different types and need help choosing the best one. Or maybe you’re contemplating whether it’s worth taking the plunge in the first place. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

Read along as we share everything you need to know about using a nursing bra and maternity essentials.

What Is a Nursing Bra?

Let’s start with the basics. What makes a nursing bra, well, a nursing bra?

For starters, it will include features that allow you (and your little one) to easily access your boob without disassembling your entire outfit. That might include a clasp at the front to unhook the cup or an overlayer of material that covers an easy-access slit. It may also be a soft and flexible material design to allow you to easily pull down your bra without taking it off.

A high-quality nursing bra will also be made of a soft fabric for maximum comfort — swelling and irritation can be very common while breastfeeding, and the last thing you want is your bra chafing or compressing you.

Other safety and comfort features might include OEKO-TEX@-certified fabrics or a wireless design. The ideal nursing bra is functional and comfortable as your coziest maternity joggers and is the first purchase you should make when gathering up your nursing essentials.

How Do I Use a Nursing Bra?

Now for the important question: Once you choose the right nursing bra, how do you use it?

While the answer will largely depend on what specific bra you buy, in general, nursing bras can be grouped into two categories: those that unhook and those that you simply pull down.

For example, the Everyday Nursing Bra incorporates one-handed (read: easy) clasps above each cup. All you have to do to access your nipple is simply unclasp the cup; no need to take off the entire bra.

Other nursing bras will feature an easy pull-down design so that all you have to do to nurse is slip one boob free. For example, the Dream Feed Nursing and Sleep Bra incorporates a crossover front that makes it super easy to free one breast while keeping the rest of yourself covered up. Although nursing bras like these may be slightly less discreet than those that unhook, they also tend to be a bit comfier. (It’s true, we’ve slept in the Dream Feed bra more than once).

Finally, some nursing bras may combine features, which can be especially helpful when you need to pump in public spaces or on the go. Our fave example of this is the Essential Nursing and Pumping Bra, which incorporates a nursing clasp, pull-down design, AND a front fabric overlayer that covers hidden slits, so you can pump without exposing the rest of your chest.

How Do I Choose the Right Nursing Bra?

We’d love to give you a straight answer here, but the truth is every woman has different needs during the fourth trimester. If something works for you, it doesn’t mean it’ll work for your bestie, and vice versa. More important than getting the most popular or most stylish nursing bra is getting one that works for you and your specific needs.

To choose the right nursing bra, you should assess your lifestyle and comfort needs postpartum. Maybe you’re eager to get out in the world again, and you need a bra that’s going to be super functional when you’re out and about.

In that case, you might want to go for a clasp-style nursing bra or this handy-dandy Wearable Pump Bra. Just because you’re breastfeeding doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Tuesday night tacos with the girls like usual.

Or your biggest priority is being as comfy as possible. Often, we chill in our favorite jersey PJs all day! (Totally self-care.) In that case, the right nursing bra for you is probably wireless, hardware-free, and some sort of luxe bamboo-blend fabric. You’d probably benefit the most from a pull-down style bra that you can wear under your coziest sweatshirt.

And, of course, pay close attention to sizing when shopping for nursing bras. Your boobs might be going through some changes at the moment. Perhaps they’re a size or two up, slightly swollen, and sensitive. The last thing you need right now is a bra that pinches, constricts, or chafes your tender nips, so definitely take a close look at that size guide before you buy.

Nurse Like a Champ

You’ve picked out the perfect nursing bra, and you know how to use it. Now you’re all set to breastfeed your babe like a champ! As always, if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding, you should always ask your doctor or another healthcare provider.

Otherwise, take a deep breath, and remember: you’ve got this! It’s a crazy beautiful time and sometimes also just a crazy time. We get it. If you need emotional support or boob support, we’re only one click away.

Sources:

Breast pain and breastfeeding | NHS

The fourth trimester: What you should know | Harvard Health

Breasts After Breastfeeding: How They Change and What You Can Do | Healthline