We get it. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable, and maintaining your pre-pregnancy fitness routine might be the last thing on your mind. But staying active can be particularly beneficial during pregnancy and postpartum.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, exercise is safe during pregnancy and in most cases, recommended. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting exercise during pregnancy.
If you decide to maintain a certain level of activity during pregnancy, you may be asking yourself, “Do I need a maternity sports bra?” The answer is probably yes! Upgrading to a maternity sports bra that will make you feel comfortable and supported is worth the investment.
Whether you’re taking brisk walks around your neighborhood, riding a spin bike, or doing prenatal yoga at your local gym, you may want to consider having a variety of bra options for high impact workouts and low impact activities.
Pro tip: Not sure about your current bra size? Check out our fitting page!
Is a maternity sports bra necessary?
Some of the earliest signs of pregnancy are sore nipples and tender breasts, and it’s common to go up a cup size or two, if not more, during pregnancy. As a result, you might find that your current sports bra won’t cut it for the entirety of your pregnancy. We recommend investing in a pregnancy sports bra that will help to support your breasts while alleviating discomfort during your workouts.
Kindred Bravely maternity bras can accommodate the changes your breasts will go through during pregnancy. Our bras fit a range of cup and band sizes and are constructed with stretchy fabric so they can fit your breasts as they get larger.
Can you wear a sports bra while nursing?
You can absolutely wear a sports bra while nursing, but investing in a sports bra specifically designed for nursing can simplify your breastfeeding experience. (We know how hard it can be to pull a sweaty sports bra up or down for a feeding.)
Look for nursing sports bras with clip-down nursing functionality for easy access so your baby can nurse whenever hunger strikes. All of our sports bras have nursing clips for quick, easy breastfeeding access.
Pro tip: Regular sports bras and impact sports bras with high compression can affect your milk supply and may cause clogged ducts or mastitis. Consider adding a low-compression maternity sports bra with light support to your wardrobe.
Do I need a nursing sports bra?
If you’re a new mom who enjoys staying active, a good nursing sports bra might be an excellent addition to your postpartum wardrobe. Whether you’re breastfeeding or pumping, a nursing sports bra with clip-down access might be the right fit for your lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about changing your wardrobe to squeeze in a workout between feeding / pumping sessions!
Pro tip: As your milk supply begins to come in, you may find yourself needing high support. Engorgement and very heavy breasts are common for new moms as their milk supply is established.
The best maternity sports bras will support your breasts, give you full coverage, and provide easy access for nursing and pumping once you give birth. But most importantly, the best maternity sports bra will be comfortable. Here are our favorite sports bras for maternity and postpartum.
Best Maternity Sports Bra Overall
Ideal for low-impact activities, the Sublime® Nursing Sports Bra will remind you of your favorite supportive sports bra with its pullover style and adjustable straps for a custom fit. The stretchy and supportive fabric will keep you feeling comfortable whether you’re working from home or working out at the gym.
A National Parenting Product Award winner, the Sublime® Nursing Sports Bra features nursing clips for convenient feeding and skin-to-skin contact, making it the perfect maternity sports bra for new moms. The medium support of the Sublime Nursing Sports Bra makes it a great option for working out or everyday wear.
Moms say: “I’m large in the chest area and now that I’m pregnant, my breasts have gotten bigger! I had a hard time finding a maternity bra that fit great, was comfortable and provided support. I’m glad I purchased this bra! The quality is very good/durable and the material is nice on the skin. I was so satisfied with this bra that I purchased two more after my first purchase.”
Best Moisture-Wicking Nursing Sports Bra
BFF Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
We might be biased, but we think our BFF Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is sure to be, well, your new BFF.
Available in S-XXL-Busty and fitting cup sizes 30B-44I, the BFF Bra makes having nursing and pumping access look stylish. Featuring moisture-wicking fabric, our patented clip-down technology, a hook and eye closure, and convertible straps, this comfy, all-in-one pumping bra does it all, and it’s especially great for low-impact activities. Truly one of the best nursing sports bras!
Moms say: “Hello new BFF! - This nursing/pumping bra is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn, it is light and buttery soft, but keeps me cool. The straps are thick and comfortable and I feel completely supported while pumping and it's easy to nurse from. I also love the fun color!”
Pro tip: Add our Ultra Absorbent Reusable Nursing Pads for a leakproof workout. Up to eight times more absorbent than the leading washable breast pads and more environmentally friendly than disposable nursing pads, these breast pads are constructed of four ultra-thin layers for ultimate comfort and confidence -- and no leaks! Did we mention that the molded cup construction provides great shaping?
Best Combo Nursing Sports Bra
Sublime® Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Sports Bra
We took what you loved in our Hands-Free Pumping Bra and Nursing Sports Bra and combined the two, making the optimal bra from pregnancy to postpartum. Pumping moms, rejoice – this pullover style has clip-down cups featuring our patented Easyclip™, and it’s also underwire-free with removable padding. This bra is great for lower-impact activities like yoga and hiking.
Our double-pumping racerback sports bra is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you dry and comfortable throughout your workout, and it can fit all standard pump flanges, including Medela, Spectra, Lansinoh, Ameda, Hygeia, Philips Avent, Motif, and Evenflo, as well as wearable pumps like Willow, Elvie, and Freemie.
Moms say: “Amazing comfort. This is my favorite bra from Kindred Bravely. It's lighter with less padding than other bras and fits perfectly without folding. I would buy more of these in different colors.”
Remember, no matter how much you want to move your body, comfort should be a priority! If you have any questions, get in touch with our Customer Care Team. They'd love to help you find a great-fitting bra that provides the comfort and support you deserve during every season of motherhood!
PS: If your nursing journey is coming to an end, check out the Diana Sports Bra from our sister brand, Davy Piper.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please reach out to your health care team with any questions.
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