One of the things that most amazed me about being pregnant (aside from the little human growing in my belly) was the seemingly unending growth of my boobs – and the abject lack of bras to keep them under control!  Things got even worse after my son was born and I started breastfeeding; my boobs were massive, painful and strapped into a bra that can only be described as a hammock.

I was really frustrated by the lack of choice available; everything out there seemed to either be small and pretty (ish) or huge and downright hideous.  Support was also an issue because I thought I couldn’t wear an underwired bra when breastfeeding – when I did find nursing bras in my size that were a tolerable level of ugly, they just didn’t cut the mustard when it came to holding my breasts (or milk tanks, as the Hubber affectionately dubbed them) up!  And as for feeling sexy, let’s just say that nursing bras are right up there with condoms as a 99.9% effective method of contraception.

I didn’t find out until it was too late that there are in fact a number of supportive, sexy and even underwired nursing bras on the market – by the time I discovered them I was only feeding morning and night and had resorted to wearing normal wired bras again.  So for my own future reference, and for you if you’re in hammock hell or preparing to breastfeed a new arrival, here is my pick of the nursing bra bunch.  Please be advised, I’ve not road tested any of these – they are just the ones I like and would try out next time around!

HOTmilk

I am absolutely loving these
bras – it would take something to make you feel sexy when you’re breastfeeding but I reckon one of these might do the trick!  Each style has a lovely name all its own and comes in a range of sizes up to F cup (selected styles also available in G cup), with matching knickers.  Their range of feeding camisoles and nightwear is also beautiful as well as being flattering to pregnant or postpartum bodies and their website even has a special section dedicated to helping the man in your life spoil you with their gorgeous lingerie! Stockist info is also available online but you can find a good selection here.

Emma-Jane

This brand was recommended to me when I was pregnant and I did buy the lace trimmed style in black and white.  For a non-wired bra it was pretty supportive, gave a nice shape under clothes and crucially wasn’t too high cut so I could wear scoop neck tops but I still missed the lift only an underwire can give.  Since I gave up breastfeeding I’ve discovered that they now do a ‘Silhouette’ smooth cup nursing bra with titanium ‘Softwire’ underwiring and a deep neckline.  It goes up to an E cup but I found I needed a size smaller than usual with this brand so if you’re normally an F this should fit.  Perhaps not one for the bedroom but in my opinion definitely a breastfeeding wardrobe hero.

Anita

Anita Maternity also do some great underwired nursing bras and crucially they go up to an H cup.  Granted, they are fairly sturdy-looking but they’ve offset this by using pretty fabrics.  Some styles also have a handy slider to remind you which side you last fed from – something which I found ridiculous before my son was born but wished I had when I was struggling to work it out by weighing my boobs in my hands!  The price also put me off a bit at the time but I now know that a good nursing bra is worth its weight in gold, so I think I’ll try this one next time.  Anita Maternity also do a fantastic range of maternity and nursing swimwear – if you’re brave enough to jet off with baby in tow of course!

Agent Provocateur

I had to include these just for the pure luxe factor!  Not sure I would ever spend £60 on a nursing bra but if you’re a fan of luxury lingerie then why should breastfeeding stand in your way?!  There are three bras in the range and each comes with matching briefs designed to sit under the bump in pregnancy.  These bras go up to a G cup which I was quite impressed with given that some other luxury brands seem to think all boobs stop at a DD, and they are designed in a flattering full cup style designed to give comfort and support without looking like something your granny would wear.

Amoralia

Finally, I think this ‘Nougatine’ bra by Amoralia is beautiful – feminine and sexy yet also looks practical.  The company was inspired by the lack of ‘feel-good’ maternity lingerie available and has since worked with expectant and breastfeeding mums to develop a range that is really comfy yet also functional with easy-release invisible nursing clasps, pretty straps and the use of fabrics like bamboo which is renowned for its moisture wicking and antibacterial properties.  This style was recently voted ‘Best Nursing Bra’ by Junior Pregnancy and Baby magazine and is available up to a G cup with matching briefs.