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I became a first-time mom in 2019, and I didn’t think that nursing bras were worth investing in. When I breastfed my firstborn, I relied on hand-me-down nursing bras from friends and family to save money. I even liked wearing my husband's basketball jersey sandos for "easy access" (yep, can you imagine?). I thought I'd only breastfeed for a few months, so it seemed practical.
However (and thankfully), those months turned into years. I breastfed my daughter for almost five years. She only weaned when I got pregnant again. Now, with my second baby, I've come to understand that wearing a high-quality, comfortable nursing bra is just as important as wearing sunscreen.
Let's get one thing straight: breastfeeding mamas deserve nursing bras that are not only functional but also comfortable and worth our hard-earned money. I’ve tried several nursing bras from different brands, and here is my honest review.
Smart Parenting Review: Nursing Bras
The great thing about nursing bras these days is that their designs and styles have greatly evolved. Breastfeeding moms are lucky to have plenty of options, and they're so easy to find and purchase online (even while breastfeeding, of course!)
Here are the top nursing bras I recommend for every breastfeeding season:
1. For newly-birthed moms
One of the most important items in your hospital bag should be a comfortable nursing bra. After giving birth, breastfeeding becomes your next big challenge. During the first few days, expect sore nipples and leaks. That's why the ToughMomma Kathryn French Cross Pull Aside Cotton Wireless Nursing Bra is perfect for moms this season.
Its crisscross front allows easy access, and the back is free of hooks for extra comfort. The material is soft and stretchy, ensuring it doesn’t irritate your newborn. The thin padding protects sore nipples without adding bulk. Because of its softness, it feels barely there—perfect for side-lying and wearing with breast pads.
Verdict: The Tough Momma Kathryn French Cross Pull-Aside Cotton Wireless Nursing Bra is so comfortable that it's a nursing bra you can sleep in.
Price: Php 384.45
2. For moms staying home and going out
For the first few months postpartum, Personal Collection's Nelia Nursing Wire Bra is your no-nonsense everyday bra. There are no pads, and the cups don't deform. The nursing clips are easy to lock and unlock, so you won't struggle whether you're at home or out and about. The material is soft and gentle for both you and your baby. You can wear it under your comfy breastfeeding dresses.
Verdict: Personal Collection's Nelia Nursing Wire Bra is a bra you'll want to hoard and wear daily.
Price: Php 499
Buy it from a Personal Collection dealer here
3. For moms starting to pump
There's a nursing bra perfect for you, depending on the kind of pump you use. MommaBare's Bare and Free Seamless Bra is the ideal choice for you if you're using a wearable, hands-free breast pump. Its laser-stitched cups hold your pump securely in place, making multitasking a breeze. Plus, it's padding-free, so you'll never have to worry about losing the pads in the laundry again.
It's made of high-quality material so the cups don't deform even when you pull them aside for direct latch access. Wearing it feels like you're not wearing a bra at all, but it still provides great support for both your breasts and your back. Available in white and champagne beige, It's worth the price because you can wear it through all seasons of motherhood.
Verdict: MommaBare's Bare and Free Seamless Bra is a bra you'll never want to take off.
Price: Php 1499
4. For moms returning to fitness
Once your OB-GYN gives you the green light to exercise again, a sports bra with nursing access is a must. We know all too well how tight sports bra can be, if you factor that plus our demanding milk monsters, I mean babies, when they want to feed, comfort clothes becomes important.
The Valianne's Trends Peri Nursing Sports Bra fits the bill. It's a sports bra with nursing access. The bra is made of 90% nylon and 10% spandex, and provides excellent support and coverage, whether you are doing easy or intense routines. Available in nude and black, it’s just what you need to motivate you to work out and hit your fitness goals.
Verdict: Valianne's Trends Peri Nursing Sports Bra is a hardworking bra that will help you feel strong and supported as you return to fitness!
Price: Php 325
5. For moms who want to feel confident and sexy
Let's face it—breastfeeding can be unglamorous and lonely at times. That's why ever mom deserves a beautiful nursing bra that makes her feel confident. Lily of the Valley All-Lace Nursing & Pumping Bra does just that.
This elegant nursing bra made me feel beautiful, sexy, and even a little luxurious. The soft, long-lasting lace and durable elastics make it worth every peso. It's like wearing the sultry bras and thongs you got from your bridal shower (which are now sitting at the bottom of your drawer). The classy magnetic clasp allows you to lock and unlock it without even looking—fellow padede moms, you know how helpful that is!
The brand customizes the bra to your size, ensuring a perfect fit. Whether you're using a Haakaa or a hands-free pump, this nursing bra is good to wear under a party dress or an office 'fit!
Verdict: Lily of the Valley All-Lace Nursing & Pumping Bra is a bra that will make you feel fabulous.
Price: Php 1399
A final word: Don't scrimp on yourself, mama
Breastfeeding is no easy feat (and it's not free either). Having a reliable set of nursing bras in your closet provides peace of mind, ensuring you can nurse comfortably wherever you are. Again, it won't hurt if you splurge on these investment pieces because they will be with you through the long haul. And that kind of comfort and convenience? Truly priceless.
Read how I was able to go to a concert two months postpartum with the help of a wearable breast pump here.
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