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The Ultimate Nursing Bra Guide (the good, the bad and the ugly)

Is it just me...or are nursing bras super ugly? I feel like most of them look like boring, beige, band-aids. I know it’s probably not a great idea to buy a bunch of expensive and pretty bras that you will most likely soak with breastmilk and have to wash frequently, but I still feel like I should look and feel cute while nursing. Moms can be sexy too!

So today I’m sharing my personal experience and giving you the ultimate guide to nursing bras. The good, the bad and the ugly.

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I personally think it's a great idea to have at least seven nursing bras (one for each day of the week). Having more than seven would be even better because it mean you can change out of one as soon as it becomes wet and you don’t have to do laundry as often, or put as much wear into each bra. Bra needs are very personal and unique, but my top priorities were STRETCH and comfort.

I looked at Motherhood Maternity, but was disappointed in their options for their prices. They seemed to have a lot of underwire bras at the location I visited and I wasn’t interested in an underwire bra (some believe underwire can prevent blood flow and cause negative effects for nursing mothers).

Target has great cheap options if you aren’t worried too much about looking cute (which wasn’t a concern for my sleeping bras - yes, I wore a nursing bra with nursing pads over my nipples every night the first three months postpartum because I would leak).

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My personal favorite bras to wear were stretchy bralettes by Free People and lace bralettes by Aerie. Both brands offered me comfort, stretch, style, and affordability! I also didn’t mind if they ended up showing if I was wearing a tank top (or when I’d breastfeed in public).  I recommend them to every mama I know. My breast size and shape has fluctuated so much and I know they’ll continue to change, so anything stretchy has been my friend.

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I will say that I think I ‘cheaped out’ and I plan on buying some nicer bras during my next pregnancy. I have been eyeing bras by Dairy Fairy and I have always dreamed of owning a bra by Cosabella. Hanky Panky and Cake also make pretty nursing bras.

It’s so important to remember that your investment in good nursing bras means you will have something that makes you feel good when your body is foreign to you and you’re still recovering from birth. I think it’s important to feel pretty while eating snacks, wearing pajamas, sitting on the couch all day because you’re busy breastfeeding your new tiny human.

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I have also heard that select Nordstrom locations can convert your bras into nursing bras for a $10 fee. I stumbled upon this genius hack that also shows how nursing bras can be used as pumping bras (YAS!). Whatever bras you decide on, make sure they make you feel beautiful and supported (physically and emotionally) in your new role as mama.

By Karly Delatorre of Part Hippie (@karlyleslie on Instagram)

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