Nursing bras: clip, fit range and pumping
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- Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra. Best for: Everyday nursing in a soft, seamless bra. See options on Amazon
- Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra. Best for: Pumping and nursing in one bra. See options on Amazon
- Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. Best for: A wide size range up to K cups. See options on Amazon
Wire-free and stretchy
All three bras here are wireless or wire-free and use stretchy seamless knits. Kindred Bravely says its Sublime fabric is a seamless knit that is smooth, stretchy and supportive, adapting to you through each stage. Bravado describes the Body Silk Seamless as soft, seamless and wire-free so nothing digs in, with 360 degree stretch fabric, knit-in support zones around the cups and molded cups.
A bra that stretches matters because your size can change during pregnancy and after feeding starts. Both makers include an adjustable back closure; Kindred Bravely adds a back extender in the box.
Clips and nursing access
Each bra opens at the cup for feeding. Kindred Bravely lists one-handed clip-down access on the Simply Sublime and an EasyClip double-layer system on the pumping bra. Bravado lists its 'B' nursing clips as usable with one hand and tested to hold up to 25 lb, with cups that fully drop away for skin-to-skin contact.
Pumping hands-free
If you pump, the Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is the one built for it. Kindred Bravely says its patented double-layer system lets you clip down to nurse or pump without changing your outfit, and lists fit with standard breast pumps including Medela, Spectra, Lansinoh, Ameda, Hygeia, Philips Avent, Motif and Evenflo. Kindred Bravely also says the Simply Sublime securely fits standard wearable breast pumps. See our wearable breast pump guide.
Size range and fit
Kindred Bravely sells the Simply Sublime in Regular (B-D) and Busty (E-H) fits from S to 3X, and the pumping bra adds XS and a Super Busty (I-K) fit. Bravado lists three Body Silk Seamless fits: Standard for 30 to 50 bands and B to DD cups with an elastic inner sling; Full Cup for 30 to 46 bands and F to H cups with a fabric sling; and Extended Cup for 30 to 42 bands and I to K cups with a U-shaped sling. Use each maker's size chart, since both size by band and cup rather than standard bra sizes alone.
Padding and fabric
Kindred Bravely lists removable padding on both of its bras. Bravado lists contoured, perforated removable foam inserts and gives the main body as 90% nylon and 10% spandex, made with recycled nylon. Removable pads let you add your own nursing pads; see our nursing pads guide.
Breast comfort and infection signs
MedlinePlus says feeding often and pumping to keep the breast from becoming swollen (engorged), careful nipple care and good latching technique may help reduce the risk of breast infections. It says to contact your provider if any part of the breast becomes red, tender, swollen or hot, if you develop a high fever while breastfeeding, or if the lymph nodes in your armpit become tender or swollen.
What to look for when you buy
Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime Nursing Bra
Best for: Everyday nursing in a soft, seamless bra
Kindred Bravely lists a seamless full-coverage Sublime knit, one-handed clip-down access, wireless support with removable padding, adjustable straps, a back closure with extender, fit with standard wearable pumps, and Regular (B-D) and Busty (E-H) fits from S to 3X.
Watch out: Not a hands-free pumping bra; see the pumping version for that.
See options on AmazonKindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
Best for: Pumping and nursing in one bra
Kindred Bravely lists a patented double-layer EasyClip system for nursing and hands-free pumping, fit with standard pumps such as Medela, Spectra and Lansinoh, wireless support, removable padding, adjustable straps, a back extender and fits up to Super Busty (I-K).
Watch out: The double layer is more bra than you need if you never pump.
See options on AmazonBravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
Best for: A wide size range up to K cups
Bravado lists a wire-free seamless recycled-nylon knit, knit-in support zones, molded cups, removable perforated foam inserts, one-handed 'B' clips tested to 25 lb, drop-away cups, and Standard, Full Cup and Extended Cup fits for 30 to 50 bands and B to K cups.
Watch out: Pick the fit (Standard, Full Cup or Extended Cup) carefully; they use different slings.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- When should I buy a nursing bra?
- Both makers design these bras to stretch through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use each maker's size chart for your current band and cup.
- Can I pump in a nursing bra?
- Kindred Bravely's Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is built for it and lists fit with standard pumps. It says the Simply Sublime fits standard wearable pumps.
- What size nursing bra do I need?
- Bravado sizes the Body Silk Seamless in Standard (B-DD), Full Cup (F-H) and Extended Cup (I-K) fits; Kindred Bravely uses Regular, Busty and Super Busty fits with S to 3X sizes.
- Are underwire nursing bras bad?
- These three are wireless or wire-free. Ask your provider or a lactation consultant if you have concerns about fit or pressure.
- When should I call a doctor about breast pain?
- MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if part of the breast becomes red, tender, swollen or hot, or if you develop a high fever while breastfeeding.
Sources
- Simply Sublime Nursing Bra (kindredbravely.com), Kindred Bravely
- Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra (kindredbravely.com), Kindred Bravely
- Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra (bravadodesigns.com), Bravado Designs
- Breast infection (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus