GUIDE: NURSING BRA - What matters

  • Nursing bra - do I absolutely need one?
  • Nursing bra – where to buy?
  • What is a nursing bra?
  • How does a nursing bra work?
  • Pregnancy bra or nursing bra?
  • When should I buy a nursing bra?
  • Nursing bra – how do I find my perfect size?
  • How do I measure my nursing bra size correctly?
  • Nursing bra – what size should I buy?
  • How can I tell if a nursing bra fits perfectly?
  • Bra extender for more room
  • How many nursing bras do I need?
  • What types of maternity and nursing bras are available?
  • Why wear a nursing bra at night?
  • Which nursing bra is right for me?
  • Nursing bras for a larger bust size
  • Nursing bras for a smaller bust size
  • Nursing lingerie with lace
  • How long can I wear a nursing bra?


Nursing bra - do I absolutely need one?

We can answer that with a resounding "Yes" – and please, not just one! Here we explain in detail the advantages of a nursing bra and what you should pay attention to so that you can get through pregnancy and breastfeeding in a relaxed and supported way.

"Relaxed mom = relaxed baby"

Since 2004, our team of confident and fashion-conscious mothers and women has been constantly comparing and testing new maternity and nursing bras with their various features. We've become experts and know exactly which materials and designs offer you the best support. A nursing bra is definitely a must-have during pregnancy. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your body and can stay active, and that naturally starts with your underwear. Later, during breastfeeding, you'll benefit even more from the comfort and style of a nursing bra, which will also help relax your baby.

Nursing bra – where to buy?

You can confidently skip the trip to the store, avoid cramped fitting rooms, and don't have to worry about your size being unavailable. Besides the wide selection, the great advantage of our Mamarella shop is the fast processing. Our personal customer service team is available daily to assist you with any urgent questions. Order your favorite nursing bras conveniently on account and try on different bras at your leisure after determining your size here . Even with a very large bust, you can choose from numerous maternity and nursing bras that feel like a second skin while still providing support.

What is a nursing bra?

  • Breathable, soft material and stretchy cups
  • Improved size adjustment through at least six rows of checkboxes.
  • Gentle support thanks to ribbed knit sections and side nursing supports
  • Avoidance of bothersome seams

The comfortable and soft feel, along with the supportive properties that adapt to your body during pregnancy and breastfeeding, are the most important criteria for our maternity and nursing bras. Regular bras generally use less stretch fabric, and the material and seams are made firmer and stiffer. They usually have a closure with only two or three adjustable hook-and-eye closures. Sooner or later, a conventional bra will pinch, squeeze, or even dig into your skin during pregnancy. Anything but comfortable.

Our maternity and nursing bras are made from exceptionally breathable and pollutant-free materials such as cotton, modal, or bamboo viscose. The cups are stretchy, exceptionally soft, and usually feature minimal or even no irritating seams. Overall, more stretch is used, resulting in a comfortable fit as the material adapts perfectly to your changing body. The wonderfully soft material feels like a second skin and gently supports your breasts. An elastic underbust band can provide additional support, as can extra cup inserts that protect and conceal the nipples if needed. Most of our nursing bras have closures with at least six rows of hooks to prevent unnecessary chafing. The adjustable straps and side nursing supports further shape your breasts.

How does a nursing bra work?

  • Multifunctional design
  • Features quick access for breastfeeding
  • Provides ample space for nursing pads
  • High wearing comfort during the day, at night and during sports

Our nursing bras promise maximum support, a comfortable feel, and ease of use. While you'll primarily benefit from their comfort during pregnancy, they offer exceptional support during breastfeeding. The special nursing clips on the straps can be opened with one hand, leaving your hands free for your baby. At home, a simple movement is all it takes to focus entirely on your little one. Even in public, you can breastfeed discreetly and comfortably, especially when paired with our nursing shirts or blouses featuring convenient nursing access. Our nursing bras also provide ample space for nursing pads, ensuring you feel confident and secure even when you're out and about.

Pregnancy bra or nursing bra?

If you plan to breastfeed after giving birth, you can easily opt for a nursing bra right from the start. Such a bra is suitable for your entire pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. It offers the same features as a maternity bra and also has practical nursing clips or a neckline that is perfectly suited for breastfeeding. Even if the nursing bra becomes too small towards the end of your pregnancy, it can fit you again later after giving birth. Our seamless maternity and nursing bra is designed to meet your needs from the very beginning of your pregnancy and offers you plenty of room until delivery thanks to its elastic, soft material. Without bothersome seams, and with an elastic underbust band and side support, it also supports your breasts while breastfeeding.

When should I buy a nursing bra?

"Benefit from comfort and quality even during pregnancy!"

Some women notice they're pregnant even before they get a positive pregnancy test. Often, breasts feel heavier and more sensitive in the first few weeks. Your ribcage also expands to make room for the baby. At this stage, your favorite bra may no longer feel comfortable. Now is the time to choose a maternity bra. We recommend buying your first maternity bra in your usual size. Our maternity and nursing bras usually have at least six hooks, providing enough room to adjust to your changing breast size. Our wireless nursing bras are especially soft against the skin and offer flexibility in terms of size.

Nursing bra – how do I find my perfect size?

"80% of all women wear the wrong bra size!"

The right size is, of course, crucial for comfort. Did you know that almost 80% of all women wear the wrong bra size? The consequences can include neck tension, problems with the cervical spine, and even chronic headaches and backaches if the wrong bra is worn for years. As soon as your breasts start growing and gaining weight during pregnancy, they absolutely need extra support to prevent stretch marks from forming in the first place. A nursing bra continues to support you during breastfeeding and helps your breasts return to their pre-pregnancy shape afterward. A well-fitting bra is essential, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your breasts are heavy, sensitive, and need the perfect fit. All you need is a measuring tape and a few key points to consider:

  • Take precise measurements no later than the beginning of the 4th month of pregnancy.
  • Repeated measurements in the 7th month
  • Measure again after birth and/or after the milk comes in.

When choosing a nursing bra, please make sure it fits well. We recommend taking your measurements no later than the beginning of your fourth month of pregnancy. If you're unsure about your size or are between sizes, we suggest choosing one cup size larger. You should take your measurements again around the seventh month when your belly and breasts have noticeably grown. Even then, allow for a little extra room, as they usually increase in size again shortly before birth. For the postpartum period, we advise you to purchase two to three nursing bras, including one size larger, to accommodate your milk coming in and nursing pads.

How do I measure my nursing bra size correctly?

  • First measure the circumference directly under your breasts, and then measure your breasts themselves.
  • Important for measuring your underbust: The measuring tape must lie flat across your back and fit snugly so that you can still breathe. The biggest mistake women often make is measuring with a tape that is too loose!
  • Now compare the measured values ​​with our size chart.

"80% of the weight of your breast is supported by the nursing bra itself, only 20% by the straps."

Measure the circumference directly under your bust and then measure your bust itself. When measuring your underbust, make sure the tape measure lies flat across your back and is snug so you can still breathe comfortably. When measuring your overbust, it's important that the tape measure lies loosely so it doesn't constrict your breasts, as this could distort the measurement. Don't forget to check that the tape measure lies at the same level across your bust and back. Using these measurements, you can then easily find your maternity underwear size in our size chart.

When choosing a maternity and nursing bra, make sure it fastens on the tightest hook. This allows the bra to comfortably grow with your ribcage, which will expand further in the coming months. The straps shouldn't dig in, and the cups shouldn't compress your sensitive breasts. Note: You should be able to wear any nursing bra without the straps; they're there to keep the bra in place.

Nursing bra – what size should I buy?

"Ever heard of nursing bra diagonal sizes?"

Since your breasts can change dramatically during pregnancy and after childbirth, finding the right nursing bra isn't always easy, even after trying on several models. This rule of thumb will help you easily determine your correct size:

If the underbust band is too loose, it's advisable to choose the next larger letter, but one size smaller in terms of the number. In other words, if an 80E is too loose under the bust, try a 75F. Conversely, if the underbust band is too tight, try a bra with a larger letter and a smaller cup size, for example, an 80E instead of a 75F.

How can I tell if a nursing bra fits perfectly?

The cups of a nursing bra should give your breasts enough room, but not be too large. The center gore between the cups must be wide enough and lie flat against the skin between your breasts. The underwire should completely encircle your breasts. With wire-free nursing bras, the breasts should also be fully covered, and the center gore should not gape.

Note: Your milk will come in approximately between the 2nd and 4th day after birth, so you can expect to go up two to three cup sizes. Your nursing bra should then fit comfortably on the outermost hook. Later, as your ribcage returns to its pre-pregnancy size, you can tighten your nursing bra by one or two hooks. This way, it will gradually adjust to your ribcage again.

Bra extender for more room

Our bra extenders with four extra hooks are perfect for balancing in-between sizes. For example, if regular bras fit you at the beginning of your pregnancy and you simply need a little more room in the band size, an extender is ideal. Bra extenders are especially invaluable after your milk comes in, as your breast size can fluctuate significantly. Since you've already factored in some extra room in the cup size, you can now also get relief in the band size.

How many nursing bras do I need?

Depending on how your breasts change, you'll need at least two maternity or nursing bras to change into at the beginning, and you can switch to a larger cup size in the last trimester if needed. Before the birth, we recommend buying two to three extra nursing bras, taking your milk supply into account. It's a good idea to leave enough room and choose a cup size larger. This will also give your nursing pads enough space. Combined with suitable nursing nightwear, you'll feel comfortable right from the start in the hospital.

We recommend:

  • 2 to 3 models during pregnancy (1st/2nd trimester)
  • 2 to 3 models for shortly before and after birth, taking into account the milk coming in.
  • Additionally, a sports nursing bra and a sleep nursing bra may be needed.

What types of maternity and nursing bras are available?

Plunge Nursing Bra
The plunge nursing bra has a deep neckline, making it ideal for V-necks and low-cut tops. Its narrow center gore allows for sophisticated top designs while remaining invisible. For smaller busts, the plunge bra creates a beautiful cleavage and visually enhances the bust.

T-shirt nursing bra
T-shirt nursing bras are all bras that are made without bothersome seams and do not show through clothing, especially under tight shirts. They are often made without underwires.

Push-up nursing bra
A push-up nursing bra has an underwire and built-in cushions or gel pads in the cups that lift the breasts. This creates a sexy cleavage and makes the breasts appear larger. It is therefore particularly suitable for women with smaller breasts.

Balconette Nursing Bra
A balconette nursing bra has straps positioned further out on the cup and a horizontal neckline. The cups enclose the breasts from below, lifting and centering them. This design creates a beautiful cleavage without compromising support. Balconette bras are particularly suitable for women with a larger bust.

Bralette Nursing Bra
Bralette nursing bras are particularly appealing due to their comfortable fit without underwires or clasps. Thanks to a higher elastic content in the material, they are especially comfortable to wear and barely visible under clothing.

Full Cup Nursing Bra
The full-cup nursing bra is designed to cover a larger area of ​​the breast than other bras. Full-cup bras therefore have a higher center gore and the straps are positioned more centrally than on a balconette bra. It is particularly suitable for women with larger breasts and a fuller bust, as it offers extra support and lift.

Sports nursing bra
Sports bras for nursing have a higher cut overall, with both cups covering almost the entire breast. They typically compress the breasts in a bandeau style with a high center gore that sits close to the ribcage for maximum support. Most are wire-free and often feature wider straps. The breast tissue is protected and perfectly supported, allowing for optimal freedom of movement. We offer special sports bras with a racerback and double-layered bustier. These bras are also excellent for supporting your heavy breasts later in the postpartum recovery phase.

Sleep Nursing Bra
Sleep nursing bras in a bustier style or with a practical wrap-style or criss-cross neckline are especially comfortable and fit like a second skin. Thanks to nursing clips or a simple movement to slide the fabric apart, you can easily breastfeed your baby while lying down without having to get up. We recommend a sleep nursing bra even during pregnancy, when your breasts noticeably grow and become heavier. A sleep nursing bra is also perfect for wearing during the day under comfortable clothing and is especially ideal for cuddling on the couch with your baby (or baby bump).

Why wear a nursing bra at night?

“Breastfeeding while sleeping takes on a whole new meaning for us”

Sleep is essential, and you should get as much of it as possible. That's why we place particular emphasis on ensuring you have sufficient comfort and support at night, especially when your breasts become heavy and full of milk. Particularly in the first few months, we highly recommend our seamless, wire-free nursing bra , as you can wear it day and night. The soft, comfortable design without any irritating seams feels like a second skin and provides perfect support for your breasts. Furthermore, any leaking milk can be easily absorbed with nursing pads, so you don't have to worry about your bedding or clothing getting damp.

Which nursing bra is right for me?

Now you know the advantages and features of a nursing bra and are wondering which model suits you best? Depending on your preference and breast size, you can choose between models with or without underwire.

Nursing bras for a larger bust size

Our underwired nursing bras are suitable for all breast sizes, but especially for larger cup sizes from E upwards, as they provide support for the breasts while wearing and breastfeeding. If you prefer a non-wired nursing bra due to a larger bust size, or are looking for a model for nighttime use, we recommend our full-cup nursing bras. The special stretch material and double-layered design keep your breasts in place while still allowing you plenty of freedom of movement. Thanks to the wider straps and generously cut back panel, you get even more stability.

Nursing bras for a smaller bust size

For smaller bust sizes, our bustier nursing bras and sportier racerback models are ideal. The elastic underbust band and lightly padded cups conform to your bust and are exceptionally flexible.

Nursing lingerie with lace

Pregnancy: Our lace maternity bralettes without a bothersome back closure are exceptionally flexible thanks to their high stretch content. With shaping cups and a wide underbust band, they create a beautiful décolletage and accentuate any neckline. We recommend waiting until you're comfortable with your baby before purchasing special lace nursing bras with underwire. This way, you can measure your correct size and the nursing bra will last for a longer period. Our models are available with underwire and a push-up effect for a stunning décolletage.

How long can I wear a nursing bra?

We don't want to dictate anything to you here, because as long as you feel comfortable, you can wear a nursing bra. Many women enjoy the soft feel, even after they've finished breastfeeding. Every body recovers differently, and every woman feels differently. We even have nursing bra models with extra interchangeable clips that allow you to convert the bra into a regular style later on. Otherwise, just give yourself and your body enough time and enjoy all the support you can get. A nursing bra is definitely an investment that will last you a long time!