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Nursing bra: how to choose the right model for you

Breastfeeding is a bit like stepping into a new chapter—overwhelming, tender, demanding... and sometimes downright confusing. Your body changes, your needs too. And amidst all this upheaval, some details matter more than you’d think—even if they seem secondary at first glance. Like choosing the right bra, for example.

In those early weeks, as everything gradually adjusts (or not so gradually), you quickly realize that a well-chosen bra can make a big difference. It can turn a sleepless night into a slightly more comfortable one. Or make that nursing session in the corner of a café a little less stressful. In short: the right nursing bra is like a good postpartum playlist. It won’t fix everything, but it makes the ride a lot smoother.

So how do you choose this precious ally? What features should you prioritize? What should you watch out for? And how can you avoid ending up with a not-so-practical piece that ends up at the back of a drawer? Here’s everything you need to know.

Why a nursing bra and not just a regular “comfy” one?

During pregnancy, your breasts are already changing—they grow, become more sensitive, sometimes even painful. And after giving birth, everything speeds up: milk comes in, your size can fluctuate daily (even hourly!), sensitivity increases, there might be cracked nipples, leaking… Let’s be honest: it’s intense.

A regular bra, even a "comfy" one, simply isn’t made for this. It doesn’t accommodate these changes, doesn’t allow for quick access to the breast, and can even cause discomfort or complications (like clogged ducts or pain).

A nursing bra, on the other hand, is specifically designed to support these transitions. It adapts to your changing body, allows easy breast access, and takes care of your skin. And when it’s well chosen, it can become one of your best daily allies.

7 criteria for choosing the right nursing bra

1. Fabric: your top priority

During this period, your skin becomes thinner and more sensitive. That’s why we recommend choosing materials that are:

  • super soft, to avoid chafing or irritation,
  • breathable, to reduce sweat and dampness,
  • and natural or certified, to limit exposure to harmful substances.

Micromodal (made from beechwood fibers) ticks all the boxes: naturally antibacterial, breathable, and incredibly soft.

2. Real flexibility—without sacrificing support

Comfort is key, but not at the expense of support. A nursing chest, especially a fuller one, still needs solid support—even without underwires.

The key to good support lies in the underband—the band beneath the bust. This band needs to be well-fitted: not too tight, not too loose. If the underband isn’t doing its job, the straps end up bearing all the weight, which can lead to shoulder pain and overall discomfort.

Ideally, go for a design that offers:

  • a well-designed underband that supports without squeezing,
  • soft, adjustable straps that aid support without carrying all the weight,
  • a fabric that moves with your body without stretching out over time.

3. No underwires—at least to start

Underwires can compress milk ducts and lead to mastitis. Best avoided, especially right after birth.

Look for:

  • seamless, well-fitting cups,
  • an elastic band under the bust for gentle, pressure-free support.

4. Easy access = peace of mind

Day or night, easy access to the breast makes all the difference.

Discreet, sturdy clips or a cross-over opening for nighttime—what matters most is that it’s a simple one-handed gesture.

5. Adjustable sizing to follow your body

Your breasts will fluctuate, so your bra should adapt:

  • stretchy yet durable fabric,
  • multiple rows of hooks under the bust,
  • a full-coverage cut that doesn’t compress.

6. Absorption: the game-changing detail

Leaks happen more often than you might think.

Luckily, some models come with:

  • absorbent and leak-proof layers built into the cups,
  • say goodbye to disposable pads and soaked t-shirts!

7. A design that works for nighttime too

A good nighttime bra can be a true lifesaver:

  • no hooks or seams,
  • super soft,
  • worn all night long without discomfort or rubbing.

What if one bra could do it all?

That was the idea that sparked in Véronique’s mind—a mom of two, navigating the challenges of intense oversupply. Leaks, broken nights, soaked shirts… she’s been through it all.

Instead of just dealing with it, she created what she had never found in stores: a practical, technical solution—designed by a mom, for moms.

A year and a half of development, prototypes, testing… and a real-world crash test:

“I wore it day and night. I have two of them, which I wash every single day—and I just can’t live without them!”

Designed alongside midwives and tested by thousands of moms, these bras have become an essential.

Our bestseller: the Day n’ Night bra

Designed to support you through every phase of motherhood, this bra:

  • Features 4 technical layers in the cup (absorbent, leak-proof, breathable),
  • Is made from certified micromodal—ultra-soft and eco-friendly,
  • Can be worn day and night, thanks to its crossover opening for easy nursing,
  • Adjusts to size fluctuations without ever digging in or feeling tight,
  • Has a seamless underband for gentle yet reliable support,
  • And it’s beautiful. Which, let’s face it, doesn’t hurt.
Cély wears a 95E with our Day n' Night bralette M/L.

And if you want to explore more options, we've recently launched some new styles. Discover them now in our lingerie guide to find the one that suits you best.

Absorbent nursing bra stretchy micromodal maternity lingerie by Mama Hangs

In a nutshell

  • 👉 No more grabbing a random bra in a hurry.

  • 👉 You deserve comfort, support, softness — and a little style.

  • 👉 You deserve not to change your t-shirt after every feed.

    Choosing the right nursing bra is more than just a detail: it’s a way of taking care of yourself, every single day.

    And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you. Whether you need help with sizing, finding the right model for your lifestyle, or just want to talk through your needs, feel free to write to us — or take a quick spin through our lingerie quiz for a tailor-made recommendation.

    Because becoming a mother changes everything. But your comfort should never come second.