Nursing bra

A nursing bra is designed to provide quick and easy access to the breast for the purpose of breastfeeding an infant.

Nursing bras usually have up to four rows of hooks in the rear closure to allow the woman to adjust her band size to a limited extent.

Experts recommend a soft-cup bra made of a blend of cotton and Lycra with cups that stretch to accommodate changes in breast size.

[3] Women should consider buying a maternity bra as soon as their regular bras begin feeling uncomfortable or notice their breasts are changing.

Once lactation begins, the woman's breasts swell significantly and can feel achy, lumpy and heavy (which is referred to as engorgement).

[6] There are an increasing variety of nursing bra designs, including softcup, underwire, seamless, and lounging styles.

[2] Some designs utilizing stretchable fabric are suitable for smaller-breasted women,[3] allowing them to pull the entire bra up over the breast to facilitate nursing.

[9] Experts recommend nursing bras that are stretchy, absorbent, and don't bind the breasts in any way that could interfere with milk flow.

[20] After World War II, the post-war baby boom stimulated a large increase in the market for nursing bras.

Nursing bras saw little innovation for some time and the market was dominated by larger lingerie companies who would simply add a clip.

Another innovator is Mary Sanchez, who received a patent in 1991 for the one-handed fastening method and variable adjustment of cup size.