Choosing the best nursing bra

Let's face it, leaky boobs and soggy breastpads don't exactly make you feel glam, but a nursing bra that fits well and looks pretty can help make breastfeeding easier and boost your morale - as well as support your newly-acquired DD's! New mum Tina Hay put four to the test.

Before you buy...

- Get properly fitted or check your size yourself

- Measure under your breasts, around the ribcage for bust size

- Then around the fullest part of the breast for cup size.

- Five inches difference between the bust and cup usually indicates a B cup

- For every extra inch go up a cup size

ELLE MACPHERSON INTIMATES

Rating *****

How much? £29.99

Sizes: 34C-38DD in lilac or black.

What Tina liked: ‘Great support and lots of adjustments to help with the fit. For feeding times the excess fabric folds away under the breast. It was discreet and feminine.'

What Tina didn't like: ‘The colour range - I'd like one in white!'

Info: Call JoJo Maman Bebe on 0870 241 0560 to order.

ANNA CECILIA EASY-ZIP NURSING BRA

Rating ****

How much? £29.95

Sizes: 34B-40G in white or black.

What Tina liked:'Comfy. When the breast was full you could adjust the bra as it has two layers - an inner lining and zippered cups.'

What Tina didn't like: ‘Unzipping sideways  made feeding more awkward and less discreet.'

Info: Call Cheeky Rascals on 0870 873 2600 to order.

EMMA JANE LACE TRIMMED FEEDING BRA

Rating ***

How much? £19.99

Sizes: 32B-40G in white or black

What Tina liked: ‘Good support bra made of 95% cotton/5% elastane. Easy-to-use clip fastenings at front and four back adjustments.'

What Tina didn't like: ‘The lacy edging didn't stretch much, leaving my full breasts squashed.'

Info: Call Blooming Marvellous on 0870 751 8944.

JOJO NURSING BRA

Rating ***

How much? £12.99

Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL in black, nude, white, rose pink.

What Tina liked: The pink one was very pretty. Easy to use and reasonably supportive.'

What Tina didn't like: ‘The sizing. A medium, which is bigger than normal for me, felt restrictive.'

Info: Call JoJo Maman Bebe on 0870 241 0560
 

...and don’t forget breastpads

The best are soft, absorbent and stay where you put them!  

Tommee Tippee Disposable

£2.69 for 24. Individually wrapped, contoured disposable pads with non-slip fixing strip. Call 0500 979899 for stockists.

Avent Ultra Comfort Disposable

£4.99 for 50. Four layers offer dryness, comfort and anti-slip tape. Call 0800 289064 for info.

Genesis Washable Shaped Nursing Pads

£5.99 for 6. Cost effective pads treated with anti-microbial agent to keep nipples healthy. Available from larger branches of Boots.

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