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The Daily Dish Jewelry and Accessories

These Are the Only 5 Bras You Need for Before, During & After Pregnancy

Because boobs change, and then they change again, and you need a bra that can handle it all.

By Courtney Thompson

Guess how I found out I was pregnant the first time? (And the second time, if I’m being honest.) My boobs were all of the sudden, out of nowhere, huge. And when you’re 30 years old, you know a few things about your body—you don’t get taller, and your breasts don’t randomly grow two cup sizes in a month. So, I was pregnant, yay! But throughout my first pregnancy, I was like a hamster in a wheel when it came to bras. My chest was growing each month, and each month I’d run to my local retailer to buy a new bra to fit my new measurements…only to have my cup literally runneth over in a few weeks’ time.

So, when my second pregnancy rolled around, I started wearing some of my old maternity bras from the first go-round and OMG, it was an eye-opening experience. Why hadn’t I done this the first time around? Here’s the thing about regular bras—they’re not great for super big, super full pregnancy boobs. And here’s another thing that sort of made my brain explode—there’s a whole market of maternity bras that can (and should!) be worn before, during and after your pregnancy. So, if you’re pregnant, put down that skimpy demi-cup brassiere one size bigger than normal and invest in these comfortable, highly supportive options instead because they're going to last you for a good 10+ months.

Belly Bandit Bandita Nursing Bra

This bra is all about comfort. Ideal for sleeping at night or when you’re longing around the house on the weekend, it’s contour pads mold to your ever-changing breast shape so that you can stick to one size for your entire pregnancy and while nursing. And you’re probably going to love it so much you’ll still be wearing it when your precious baby celebrates his first birthday.

BUY FROM: Nordstrom, $46

Boob Fast Food Bra

Pretty much everything Boob makes is genius—they specialize in adorable clothes that work BDA (before, during and after) pregnancy, with a hyper-focus on cuts that allow new moms to nurse in public without, ya know, getting naked. This bra is a favorite of mine for two reasons—the pattern is adorable, and it’s super thin in person. Read: It’s not a contraption, but rather a dainty bra that supports your new (and gigantic) breasts, without actually constricting them.

BUY FROM: Nordstrom, $59

Cosabella Talco Soft Cup Nursing Bra

Confession: I. Love. This. Bra. Not only is it comfortable, thanks to soft, stretchy jersey material, but it’s also plain ol’ pretty. Not surprising, considering the maker is Cosabella. When you’ve just had a baby and your body is recovering and your hair is falling out, you can feel VERY unattractive. You know what helps? A pretty little bra that is highly adaptable to your new form and is super easy to nurse in.

BUY FROM: Nordstrom, $98

Cosabella Racie Mommie Nursing Bralette

This bra might as well be a cupcake. It’s almost too pretty to wear. When it comes to maternity bras, most of them aren’t much to look at, as they’re more focused on function. This one, however, combines form and function, ensuring mama feels like the sexy sphinx she is (thanks to all that stretchy lace and the dainty racerback straps), and that she can nurse on-demand with ease. This one is so gorge, you’ll be pulling it out of your lingerie drawer long after you’ve stopped breastfeeding.

BUY FROM: Nordstrom, $79

Cake Croissant Smoothing Underwire Nursing Bra

You know why I love this bra? It looks like a regular bra—and feels like one!—but it’s packs the power of a highly-functioning nursing brassiere. Offering a smooth profile, the bra’s stretch ensures it will grow with you as your shape changes each trimester, and easy drop-down cups make it your go-to once that sweet babe has arrived.

BUY FROM: Destination Maternity, $67

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