Maternity & Nursing Bras

Most mums find they need a maternity bra sometime in the second trimester, usually once the underwire on their regular bra starts feeling uncomfortable or restrictive. Every body is different though, so if you're noticing breast tenderness or growth earlier than that, there's no reason to wait. The Low Cut Diamond Maternity Bra is a popular choice for early pregnancy as it's wire-free, stretchy, and gentle enough to sleep in.

A maternity bra is designed primarily for comfort and support during pregnancy. A nursing bra does all of that and adds easy-access clasps or a drop-down cup for breastfeeding. At New Beginnings, most styles are designed to work across both stages, so you don't need to buy a separate set for each. For a full breakdown of what to look for at each stage, the Maternity vs Nursing Bras guide covers everything you need to know.

Underwire can put pressure on breast tissue and milk ducts, which can contribute to blockages or mastitis, particularly during breastfeeding. Wire-free bras with gentle, supportive cups are generally recommended from pregnancy onwards. All New Beginnings maternity bras are wire-free and designed specifically to avoid this kind of pressure.

UGrow™ is a unique fabric weave developed in collaboration with a Danish medical fabrics manufacturer. It's built into every New Beginnings maternity bra and allows the fabric to flex and grow with your body as your shape changes through pregnancy and feeding. It also helps maintain consistent support, which can assist in preventing milk duct blockages and supporting healthy milk production.

It depends on your stage, bust size, and what you need the bra to do. For everyday breastfeeding support, the Diamond Breastfeeding Bra and Everyday Maternity Bra are the most popular choices. Fuller busts tend to do best with the Everyday Bra for its higher cut and extra coverage. Smaller busts often prefer the Diamond or Active styles. For weaning, the Transition Bra is specifically designed for that stage. New Beginnings also offers free returns and exchanges on all bras, so you can try a size or style and swap if needed.

Three is the practical minimum: one to wear, one in the wash, and one for tomorrow. If you're breastfeeding frequently or dealing with leakage, having a fourth on rotation makes the washing cycle more manageable. It's worth investing in a couple of styles too, since what feels right for sleeping may be different from what works for daytime or exercise.

Sizing is based on your pre-pregnancy bra size. If you're between sizes, try both your usual size and one up to see which fit you prefer. Because UGrow™ fabric stretches and adapts, the bras are designed to accommodate several cup sizes of growth without needing to upsize constantly. If you're unsure, the sizing guide on each product page gives specific recommendations based on your pre-pregnancy measurements.