Nursing Bra - Selection and Fit

Selection and Fit

As with all bras, finding a correctly fitting nursing bra can be difficult. Like regular bras, the band should ride on the woman's torso parallel to the floor. The cups should enclose the breast tissue with no bulging under the armpits, over the tops of the cups, or from under the cups. The cup fabric should be tight around the breast, the underside edge of the cups should lie flat against the woman's chest, and the center gore between the cups should lay flat against the woman's sternum.

Regular bras are not recommended for nursing mothers because they may not offer adequate support or may put pressure on the breasts. It is also more difficult to lift a regular brassiere over the breast when preparing to breastfeed, putting undue pressure on breast tissue, which could increase the risk of clogged milk ducts and infection. Some women are more comfortable wearing camisoles, sleeveless T-shirts, or tank tops over a shelf bra, which leaves the nipple exposed.