How to Measure for a Nursing Bra
Last updated
The NHS says that whether you are buying a nursing bra or a normal bra, it is a good idea to be measured so that you know your bra fits properly. 1 It also says a bra, nursing or not, should never be so tight that it presses or squeezes the breasts, as this can cause blocked ducts. 1 Below is what recognised health bodies say, quoted and linked.
Key takeaways
- The NHS says to get measured so you know your nursing bra fits properly. 1
- The NHS says not to buy a nursing bra too early - to wait until the last month of pregnancy, and to get re-measured 6 weeks after the baby arrives. 1
- The NHS says a bra should never be so tight that it presses or squeezes the breasts, as this can cause blocked ducts. 1
- La Leche League says that if you usually go braless, you do not need to wear one while breastfeeding. 2
**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓
How do I measure for a nursing bra?
The NHS says that whether you are buying a nursing bra or a normal bra, it is a good idea to be measured so that you know your bra fits properly. 1
When should I buy one?
The NHS gives specific timing: it says not to buy a nursing bra too early in pregnancy - to wait until the last month to buy the first one, and to get re-measured 6 weeks after the baby arrives. 1 La Leche League says you may find it comfortable to wear a bra fairly often during the first 2 to 6 weeks of breastfeeding, and that you may experience engorgement and very heavy breasts as your milk comes in. 2
Why does fit matter?
The NHS says a bra, nursing or not, should never be so tight that it presses or squeezes the breasts, as this can cause blocked ducts. 1 La Leche League says to let comfort be your guide and to avoid a bra that is too tight, because too much pressure on the breasts may cause sore breasts due to plugged ducts. 2 La Leche League says bras with under-wiring, or other firm structure, can contribute to blocked ducts and even mastitis, so are best avoided in the early months. 2 The NHS notes a practical point for feeding: a soft, non-underwired bra can be easily pulled up or down when you want to feed your baby. 3
For overnight, La Leche League says to make sure a bra worn to bed is big enough or stretchy enough to allow for expansion if the breasts fill during the night, because a bra that is too tight can cause soreness and problems such as blocked ducts. 2
Do I have to wear a bra while breastfeeding?
La Leche League says that if you usually go braless, you do not need to wear one during breastfeeding, and that after the engorgement period you can take a bra off whenever you like. 2
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure for a nursing bra?
The NHS says to get measured so you know it fits properly. 1
When should I buy a nursing bra?
The NHS says to wait until the last month of pregnancy, then re-measure 6 weeks after the baby arrives. 1
Should a nursing bra have underwire?
La Leche League says under-wiring or firm structure can contribute to blocked ducts and even mastitis, so is best avoided in the early months. 2
Do I have to wear a bra?
La Leche League says no - if you usually go braless, you do not need to wear one while breastfeeding. 2
A note from us
We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.
Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.
When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.
Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.
We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.
If something feels urgent, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.
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Sources
- NHS (Birth in Grampian / NHS Grampian). https://www.birthingrampian.scot.nhs.uk/infant-feeding/common-questions-and-challenges/do-i-need-any-special-clothes/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- La Leche League International. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/bras/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
- NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-in-public/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).