You're pregnant, your breasts are growing, your bra size keeps changing — and somewhere in the back of your mind, the question surfaces: when do I actually buy a nursing bra? Buying too early feels like wasted money. Buying too late isn't ideal either.
We asked Nina Cingel, lactation consultant at Borstvoedingscentrum Amsterdam. She guides mothers through breastfeeding questions every day and knows better than anyone when the right moment is.
The two best moments to buy a nursing bra
"There are actually two good moments to buy a nursing bra," Nina explains.
Moment 1: as soon as your current bra no longer fits "When you notice your breasts are starting to grow and you can no longer wear your regular bras — this often happens in the early stages of pregnancy, within the first three months."
This is when your breasts are growing primarily in cup size. A good maternity bra — or a combination model that also works for nursing — is the smartest investment at this point. That way you won't need to go searching again later.
Moment 2: the third trimester Towards the end of your pregnancy, your bra size changes again. Your ribcage is at its widest and your breasts are preparing for milk production. A good moment to check whether your current bra still offers enough support — and to buy a nursing bra if you haven't already.
When not to: right after birth
This is the most common mistake — and Nina is clear about it.
"Although most women end up with even larger breasts after birth, this is not a good moment to buy a new bra. Your breasts swell significantly after delivery — this is called engorgement — and it's temporary. It usually lasts no more than 72 hours."
And besides: in your first days postpartum, you have other things on your mind than bra shopping. Buy at the right moment and you'll get the most out of it.
Why your bra size is so hard to predict
Your breasts change during pregnancy in distinct phases — and that makes choosing the right nursing bra more complicated than you'd think.
In the first trimester, your breasts grow primarily in cup size. Fuller, heavier, more sensitive. In the second and third trimester, your ribcage also expands — by an average of 7 to 10 centimetres. That's two to three extra band sizes.
After birth, the process continues in reverse: your ribcage gradually reduces in size, and depending on whether you breastfeed, your cup size keeps changing too — at least for as long as you're nursing.
The problem: most nursing bras are designed for one fixed size. Buy too early and it won't fit later. Buy too late and you'll have spent weeks in an uncomfortable bra.
"You don't buy a bra to grow into," Nina emphasises. "If you buy it too big, it won't give you any support. And that's exactly what a bra is for."
What to look for when buying a nursing bra
Comfort above everything "It's very common to not want to spend money on a good bra. But a good, comfortable bra is in my opinion a must for taking care of your body. Especially during pregnancy," says Nina.
Soft, breathable materials Your skin is more sensitive than usual. Look for materials like TENCEL™ Modal — softer than organic cotton, antibacterial and breathable. Exactly what you want when your breasts are tender and sore.
Nursing function without clips Most nursing bras work with clips at the front or on the shoulder straps. Functional — but visible under a fitted top and sometimes awkward when you need to feed quickly. There are more modern solutions where no clips are needed and the bra looks just like a regular bra.
Growing room Choose a model that grows with you in both cup and band where possible. That way you won't need to buy again halfway through your pregnancy, and you'll still have a well-fitting bra after birth.
How many nursing bras do you need?
"It doesn't have to be expensive. There are good affordable options," says Nina. "And if you're breastfeeding, you're already saving around 100 euros a month on formula. That's a good reason to invest in a comfortable bra."
If you choose a growing model that also works as a nursing bra (like the Feelou bra), you need three in principle — one to wear, one in the wash and one in the cupboard. Without a growing model, most women buy 8 or more bras across all phases of early motherhood. Which adds up fast.
The Feelou bra: maternity and nursing bra in one
Don't want to think about nursing bras while you're still pregnant? A combination model is the smartest choice.
The Feelou bra is a maternity and nursing bra in one. It grows with you from the first trimester to the last feed — without extenders, without interim purchases. You choose your size based on what you wore before pregnancy, and the bra adjusts from there.
It also works as a pumping bra in combination with a wireless breast pump — no separate pumping bra needed.
"The Feelou maternity bra is a great choice because it's a maternity and nursing bra in one. You can also use it easily as a pumping bra in combination with a wireless breast pump." — Nina Cingel, lactation consultant at Borstvoedingscentrum Amsterdam
Read more about how to nurse with the Feelou bra here.
