Nursing and maternity bra: how to choose?

Breast size changes enormously throughout your 9 months of pregnancy, as well as after birth, during breastfeeding. If you do not wish to breastfeed, please note that it is still essential to wear a good bra to support your bust.

Finally, if you wish to breastfeed, you will need a bra that is both functional, comfortable and elegant — because yes, you will practically never take it off!

Without proper support, you risk minor as well as more significant consequences: these can range from discomfort and irritation to recurring back pain that can be difficult to shake off. So it is well worth being prepared and investing in a bra suited to pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

There are several types of nursing bra; the key things to keep in mind when making your choice are "comfort and support". There are bras available with or without underwiring, in more or less full-coverage styles, and so on.

If you are looking for a wire-free, seamless, knitted-in-one bra with great support, the Jolibump bra is a comfortable and elegant nursing bra, which you can wear throughout your pregnancy, for breastfeeding, and long after.

Most maternity and nursing bras are designed to match your usual cup size. Indeed, unless you tend to gain a lot of breast volume during pregnancy (and yes, we are all different), opt for your usual pre-pregnancy cup size. This will work well both during pregnancy (to accommodate changes in your bust) and after birth (for breastfeeding your newborn).

Unless the brand specifies otherwise, choose your maternity and nursing bra just as you would a regular bra! They are designed to adapt and generally also feature adjustable straps and adjustable back fastenings.

Furthermore, if at the time of trying it on you feel the slightest discomfort, do not hesitate to exchange your item for a larger or smaller size depending on how it feels. You can also refer to the size guide for each brand for more information if you are unsure.

Your skin and your baby's skin deserve the very best. However sensitive they may be, we recommend choosing the finest and most natural materials for this undergarment, which will be in direct contact with your baby's skin — and that is why no one wants controversial or potentially harmful materials. 

On our side, we therefore recommend natural materials such as cotton or, ideally, organic cotton!

Of course, a little elastane will be unavoidable, as this bra will need to be sufficiently flexible to comfortably accommodate the changes in your bust.

For example, the Jolibump bra is an innovative organic cotton bra manufactured in Portugal in family-run workshops with a high level of standards!

We've all tried it — the "no bra" movement has been growing in recent years, and it gained even more momentum during the Covid pandemic and repeated lockdowns. Because yes, sometimes bras are uncomfortable, they chafe, they itch, and we're all very glad to take them off at the end of the day.

During maternity, pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is also possible. You can opt for camisoles or wrap tops to slip under all your favourite tops so you can breastfeed with ease. You can also choose to wear a nursing top that provides support, is underwire-free and does not compress the chest, with a built-in bra.

Generally, breast size increases during pregnancy and continues to increase after birth, for breastfeeding. If you are new to this, as with all changes, it is worth noting that there will inevitably be an adjustment period as you get used to this new way of life! But gradually, your pectoral muscles will strengthen and get used to carrying the extra weight of your chest. So don't worry — after a few days or weeks, you'll have got the hang of it.

As for milk leaks, they are more significant during the first month after birth, but they will quickly become less frequent and less heavy — making it even easier and more natural to go bra-free once that first month is over.

We know there is a lot of more or less technical information to take on board, but with this guidance, you have everything you need to make the right choice: bra or no bra! A choice that is worth thinking about for the long term, since this garment is destined to accompany you for several months or even several years for those who decide to breastfeed for a long time.