My initial response is always a resounding, “No, not while breastfeeding.”  I don’t recommend underwire bras for breastfeeding moms.  They can put an undue amount of pressure on the breast, leading to clogged ducts, and dealing with those painful little guys is just not worth it.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and if you’ve got somewhere special to go and want (or need) to wear your best bra, and it happens to be underwire, I completely understand that.  I just wouldn’t make a daily habit of it.  At least not yet…not while you’re in the initial stages of establishing good breastfeeding practices.

I know how desperately you want to look good in clothing again.  You’re so done with maternity garb and you’re craving “normalcy”, but breastfeeding does not mean that you have to wear an unsupportive bra.  Here are my Top 5 favorites, which I wrote about for About.com.  These nursing bras have stood the test of time and I highly recommend any of them.  (You will even notice that I mention an underwire one!)

1.  Bravado Nursing Bras and Tanks (https://store.yummymummystore.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi): These are, hands-down, the most comfortable, supportive and fashionable nursing bras around. From the back, they look like a sports bra, and from the front, it is simple to latch and unlatch. The perfect blend of cotton and spandex allows the bra to adjust to your daily fluctuations, without getting stretched out and baggy.

2.  Elle MacPherson Intimates (https://store.yummymummystore.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi): You’ve got to hand it to Elle MacPherson, the Australian supermodel/actress who gained nipple notoriety as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. She launched her Intimates line in 1990, and her nursing bras have gained great popularity among breastfeeding beauties throughout the world. These bras are beautifully designed, very soft and stretch quite well. They also clasp easily and are very supportive.

3.  Glamourmom Nursing Bra Shirts and Tanks (https://store.yummymummystore.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi): Fitting in to the “one-less-thing-to-think-about” category, Glamourmom products offer an all-in-one system. Completely stylish and supportive, these nursing bra tanks/shirts allow for complete postpartum tummy coverage and can be worn alone or with another shirt over it. The built-in soft cups are comfortable, and the clasps are very easy to undo.

4.  Playtex Expectant Moments Nursing Bras:  Getting back to basics, the Playtex nursing bras are inexpensive, simple and supportive. These are great for Moms who can’t live without their underwire, but these bras are very soft and comfortable, so you’re getting good quality for your money.

5.  Medela Nursing Bras (https://store.yummymummystore.com/product/ST-602 and https://store.yummymummystore.com/product/ST-605): Comfortable and breathable, Medela nursing bras are the tried-and-true. The fabric stretches well and gives decent support. They also accommodate every breast size imaginable, so no Mom should feel unsupported on that end.