*Disclosure:  I received complimentary products for the purpose of this post.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.*

When I got pregnant with my daughter, a few friends shipped me over their maternity and nursing bras.  I was thrilled by that, but realized in no time that what fit one day didn’t necessarily fit 3 months down the road.  3 pregnancies in and I will can tell you that what fits one pregnancy, very likely will not fit the next.  Or maybe that is just me.  I had a bunch of maternity and nursing bras going into this 3rd pregnancy, but finding one that actually fit my bust size right now has been a bit of a challenge.  I know I’m not alone and that plenty of you have probably gone through this same challenge throughout your pregnancy, but I want you to know, there is a way to have a bra that fits throughout pregnancy.  Here are 5 things to know when buying a nursing bra.

Before I share those tips though, I suppose I should tell you about why a nursing bra is different than any other bra.  There are two main styles of nursing bras, clip down and pull aside.  The clip down bras tend to offer more support.  Hotmilk Lingerie bras feature a one handed clip that you can release to feed your baby.

Get measured and fitted around 3-4 months into your pregnancy.  Around this point, you will likely notice an increased size of your bust, so having a supportive bra will help you feel more comfortable.

Get measured and fitted again around 7 months into your pregnancy.  This timeline may vary, so at any point, if your bra isn’t feeling comfortable, it may be time to get refitted.

Measure yourself.  You will need 2 measurements – one just under your bust, and one around the fullest part of your bust.  To get the first measurement, measure around your torso, just under your bust.  While exhaling, check in a mirror to be sure you have the tape measure straight.  For the second measurement, measure around the fullest part of your bust, again, checking in a mirror to be sure you are measuring straight.  Don’t pull the tape measure tight, and if necessary, round up, not down.  Taking note of those two measurements, use this size chart to determine your bra size.

Get the correct fit.  Now that you have the right size, you will likely need to adjust the bra to fit you properly.  Following these simple steps from Hotmilk, you can ensure the proper fit.

Get a style that fits you.  There are plenty of different styles of nursing bras available.  Finding the style that suits you best will not only help you stay comfortable, but also feel beautiful.

Hotmilk Lingerie is a great place to get your maternity and nursing bras.  All of their bras have 6 rows of hook & eye closures to allow for growth.  Not only that, but the bras have a little stretch to them to allow for maximum comfort.  We received the Mystery print and it is one of the prettiest bras I own.  From the gorgeous lace to the enticing print, to the 100% cotton lined cups, I feel gorgeous and comfortable while wearing this.One feature I always look for in a nursing bra, is an easy, one handed clasp with a simple drop down cup for easy breastfeeding.  Especially during those first few weeks when you don’t know how well baby will nurse, making it as easy as possible is so crucial.  Hotmilk Lingerie bras are very easy to clasp and unclasp using just one hand.  

If you are searching for a quality nursing bra to help you look and feel your best, Hotmilk is a fantastic option.

Buy it:  You can check out the gorgeous selection of both maternity and nursing bras and more at the Hotmilk website.

Did you buy nursing bras when pregnant or after having your baby, or just use your regular bras?