The 5 best bras for labor and delivery

When I look back on those hours in the birthing suite, I can’t remember much of what happened. It must be nature’s way of ensuring survival of the species. If moms can remember how painful and torturous labor and delivery was, no one would ever get pregnant again.

What I do remember were the emotions. There was frustration, fear, even anger. There was also excitement, happiness, and anticipation. One thing is for sure, the whole room was charged with heightened emotions.

I wore a nursing bra but didn’t even notice that it was on.

And that’s how it should be. Let’s take a deep dive:

What to look for when choosing a bra for labor and delivery

• it needs to be so comfy that you don’t notice you have it on. This means no seams, no clasps, no hooks and definitely no wires.
• Soft, stretchy fabric that breathes well
• Flaps that are easy to pull-aside. Don’t wear nursing bras with clip-down cups no matter how easy they are to use. You won’t be in the frame of mind to fiddle with clips.
• Racerback or pull-over design so you don’t have to deal with straps falling off your shoulders
• Fits just right – If it’s too big, it might move around. If it’s too small, it will feel restrictive. (Read: How to buy a nursing bra that fits you perfectly)

I think these are the best labor and delivery bras. I’ll tell you why:

Best overall labor and delivery bra: Motherhood Maternity Wrap Front Nursing Sleep Bra

Check it out on Amazon

Why I love the MM Wrap Front Sleep Bra

• Sizes range from S to 3X to fit 34B to 46DDD
• It’s made of soft, breathable cotton with a bit of Spandex thrown in for stretch
• It’s a pull-on design with no irritating wires, hooks or snaps
• The wrap front makes it easy to pull aside the flaps for skin-to-skin contact and that first breastfeed.
• Pull-over design
• Great value-for-money

What I don’t like about it

• If you have a long torso, the bra might be too short for you
• Sizes run small.

Best labor and delivery bra for large breasts: Kindred Bravely Extra Soft Organic Cotton Busty Nursing Sleep Bra

Check it out on Amazon

Why I love the KB Organic Cotton Sleep Bra

• Designed specifically for E cups and above. Sizes go up to XX-large (42I)
• made of super-soft organic cotton so it’s comfier and safer for babies to nuzzle into
• expanded fabrics in the cup for additional coverage
• longer straps to fit larger breasts – great for moms with a longer torso or taller frame
• Pull-over design for snugness
• No wires, hooks or clasps
• Good value-for-money

What I don’t like about it

• cup sizes run big
• the straps are too long for petite women and moms with smaller breasts

Best labor and delivery bra for small breasts: Kindred Bravely French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra

Check it out  on Amazon

Why I love the French Terry Sleep Bra

• Caters to women from size 28B and upwards. However, if you were an ‘A’ cup, they would still fit fine.
• Mom’s Choice Award winner
• Pull-aside soft flaps for easy breastfeeding
• no hooks, clasps or wires
• Comes in 5 pretty colors
• Made of ultra-soft, breathable bamboo
• Easy pull on style

What I don’t like about it

• Bra sizes run small

Best labor and delivery bra for moms who plan to pump in hospital: Cake Maternity Lotus Pumping Bra

Check it out on Amazon 

Why I love the Lotus Pumping Bra

• You can use it as a nursing bra and a hands-free pumping bra
• It comes in sizes XS – XL which caters to moms from bra size 30A to 42E. There is even a busty option.
• It is made of soft, stretchy fabric, seam-free and wireless.
• Pull-on racerback design for ease
• You can wear it without a top during delivery
• It is compatible with most pump brands – Spectra, Medela, Tommy Tippee, Avent, Pigeon, NUK, Minbee and Chicco.
• Comes in 5 cool colors.
• OEKO-TEX certified so you know it doesn’t contain harmful toxins – safer for mommy and baby

What I don’t like about it

• It starts of feeling a bit tight. Make sure you break it in first before the big day
• on the pricier side

Read my detailed Lotus Pumping Bra review.

Most comfortable labor and delivery bra: Boob Design Organic Merino Wool 24/7 Nursing Sleep Bra

Check it out on Amazon

What I like about the Boob Merino Wool Sleep Bra

• Remember your softest, snuggest merino wool jumper? This is better.
• Keeps you warm in the cold hospital but is  light enough to be breathable when you’re sweating in the throes of labor
• Pull-on design with no hooks, clasps or wires.
• Easy pull-aside flaps
• Organic Merino wool comes from merino sheep that have been raised naturally. No chemicals are used in the wool processing.
• Certified GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 so you know its safe from harmful chemicals

What I don’t like about it

• It’s really expensive for a nursing bra. You can buy other sleep bras that are almost as comfy for half the price. Having said that, we know Merino wool is expensive so the higher price point is expected.

To wrap up

You would have noticed that all the labor and delivery bras I listed were sleep bras. That’s because sleep bras are the comfiest things ever. The best part about these bras is that you can also use them during your hospital stay and throughout your breastfeeding journey. Some moms continue to sleep in them years down the track.

Make sure you choose a really comfy bra for labor. It’s as important as knowing when to shave after delivery. 

Quick links:

• How to choose the right nursing bra (with examples)
• What to wear during delivery? (The 7 most popular choices)
• The 7 best hospital gowns for delivery
• Can you wear jewelry during labor?
• Can I wear a nursing bra during labor?

• Author
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Sharon James

Chief Blogger at The Sensual Mom

I am a mom of 2 bossy toddlers. I breastfed both and struggled through all the usual breastfeeding issues. Now I give nursing moms the info you need to make good decisions during your breastfeeding journey.

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