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Your body goes through a host of changes when you’re expecting!

Besides your blossoming bump, your breasts start to feel tender, and will most certainly grow in size, too. Your gorgeous lace bras ― or other regular bras ― may not be suitable for you during this time.

Most of these undergarments will not have enough room for the diaphragm to move with your growing belly. So, a maternity and nursing bra will be useful as it ensure that you’re comfortable, and your boobs well supported.

Incidentally, underwire bras aren’t recommended if you’re breastfeeding, as the wire structure can put pressure on the milk ducts, potentially blocking the flow of milk. This can cause engorgement, and the milk ducts may even get infected.

So, pick a comfortable maternity and nursing bra with a soft, breathable cup, wide straps to support your fuller boobs, as well as more hook-and-eye clasps, so as to adapt to your changing body.

Scroll through the photo gallery for great suggestions that’ll complement your maternity wardrobe.

Main photo: iStock

Pregnancy-8-essential-maternity-and-nursing-bras-Mothers-en-Vogue

PRICE $29.90

FROM Pupsik Studio

WHAT The demi-cup design of this maternity and nursing bra allows you to keep wearing V-neck, or lower neckline tops, even when you’re pregnant or nursing. Without buckles and clips to fiddle with, the comfortable seamless, moulded cups give you a smooth silhouette. There are in-built bra cup pockets, so that you can slot in nursing pads. It comes in two colours, blush and charcoal, and three sizes (S, M and L). However, do note that this bra doesn’t come with padding, so if you’re looking for something with more support, opt for something else. 

PARENTS SAY This super stretchy and comfy bra is perfect for those long nursing days at home and on warm nights. “I just pull it down for easy access, and it dries quickly even when soaked with milk,” says Natasha Goh, mum to Tanya, 4 months.

La Leche League Wrap N’ Snap Nursing Bra

PRICE $22

FROM AlleMom

WHAT This award-winning adjustable soft-cup nursing bra is perfect for the early months of breastfeeding. Snaps around the band can be adjusted to fit you as your boobs grow during pregnancy and after. Besides a front snap closure that is adjustable, the drop-down open cup nursing clip system allows you use one hand to open and close it.

PARENTS SAY An extremely comfortable bra that doesn’t slip off the shoulder easily. The satin trim adds some sensuality, while the front snap closure is practical. As the stretchy material is thin, some mums may prefer to wear it at home.

Mothercare Pink and Stripy Maternity Nursing Bras (2 Pack)

PRICE $71.90

FROM Mothercare

WHAT Maternity and nursing bras don’t have to come in just boring neutrals. This pack of two T-shirt bras features adorable pink and striped designs. Lined in cotton with soft seams, the bra has extra hooks to give you the perfect fit. Drop-down clips give you easy access when you need to feed your baby.

PARENTS SAY “I was initially more comfortable with the sports bra type of nursing bras, but these surprised me with their comfort and ease of use. Not to mention, they look so much prettier!” says mum to two Felicia Seah. The bras are available in a wide range of sizes, from 34B to 40DD.

Greenearth Wireless Comfort Nursing Bra

PRICE $10.19

FROM Lazada

WHAT Made from 90 per cent cotton and 10 per cent rayon, this wireless, padded bra has adjustable straps and a front clip that offers nursing access.

PARENTS SAY If the budget is tight, this is a great option. However, do note that the bra comes in only one size ― fitting sizes 34B, 36B, 38B, 40B, 34C, 36C, 38C and 40C.

Carriwell Seamless GelWire Nursing Bra

PRICE $65.90

FROM Mothercare

WHAT Don’t feel adequately supported without an underwire? Try this seamless, lactation consultant-approved, gelwire bra that supports your breast’s natural changes when you’re having a baby. The bra, made of silky soft microfiber, is available in sizes S to XL. The smooth and seamless makes it perfect to wear under T-shirts.

PARENTS SAY Though pricey, the bra’s stretchy fabric promotes breathability, so it’s super comfortable. The design exposes as much of your breast as possible, giving you and your baby great skin-to-skin contact, while the bra cups snap down for you to nurse, “I love this bra ― it gives good support, and the gelwire doesn’t cut into your skin, even when your breast size goes up due to engorgement!” says mum of two Nikki Teh. We also love that the bra comes with a complimentary bra extender!

Bravado Bliss Nursing Bra

PRICE $54.90

FROM Pupsik Studio

WHAT Try this nursing bra for a comfortable fit and an elegant silhouette. Besides flexible under-breast support with excellent shape and lift, the seamless moulded foam cups hide breast pads, even with low necklines. The cups unclip at the shoulder, for complete breastfeeding access and skin-to-skin bonding. It comes with a free bra extender.

PARENTS SAY It’s made of a beautiful satiny fabric, so you’ll feel like you’re not comprising on style, even while nursing. “It looks great, even under body-hugging clothes because it’s seamless! It doesn’t even feel like it’s a nursing bra,” Seah enthuses.
 

Mardiana Lace Microfibre Bra

PRICE $36.90

FROM Spring Maternity

WHAT This bra’s demi-cup design lifts and shapes your bosom. A sexy lace trim accentuates your cleavage, while the moulded contour cups provide mums with the necessary support from the sides, as well as under the bust. Nursing clips with drop-cup access allow you to feed your baby with ease. Available in XS to XXL sizes.

PARENTS SAY We like how this understated and simple this bra doesn’t draw attention to its nursing function. The wider straps provide ample support, while the microfibre material helps to draw moisture away from you, especially during hot and sweaty days. Great value for the price.

Autumnz Paige Moulded Maternity/Nursing Bra

PRICE $17.90

FROM Lazada

WHAT Autumnz Paige is a moulded and full-support bra that offers a flattering look, even under tight fitting tops and dresses. Made of a smooth, breathable fabric, it gives all nursing mums amazing lift and shape. A full drop-cup with one-hand release clips allows you to nurse your baby with ease. All sizes feature three rows of hook-and-eye clasps behind.

PARENTS SAY This value-for-money buy is a great addition to your nursing wardrobe. “I found it useful to have some cheaper bras, because you’ll keep changing because of accidental leaks. I bought a few of this and it’s definitely of good quality ― it feels more expensive than it really is,” Goh says.