How to Get the Most Out of Your Nursing Bras (So They Last!)
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When you find that one nursing bra — the one that actually fits, doesn’t dig in, and lets you nurse without a wrestling match — it’s a keeper. But let’s be honest: we wear our nursing bras hard.
Milk leaks. Night feeds. Daily wear. Washing on repeat.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve maybe shrunk a few in the dryer… or forgotten to rotate them because life with a newborn (let alone two) is a lot. So let’s talk about how to get the most out of your nursing bras — so they actually last and keep supporting you through all the messy, beautiful chaos of motherhood.
1. Wash Gently — But Not Constantly
I used to wash mine after every wear because, well… breastmilk. But over-washing stretches the fabric and wears out the elastic fast. What I do now:
- Wash every 2–3 wears (unless there's a milk emergency)
- Spot-clean little leaks when I can
- Keep a “bra rotation basket” so I’m not always wearing the same one
2. Hand Wash When You Can (Or Use a Delicate Bag)
Look, I don’t have time to hand wash everything. But when I can? My bras thank me. What helps:
- Use cool water + gentle detergent
- If machine washing, always use a mesh lingerie bag
- Run on delicate cycle only (trust me, high-speed spins are brutal)
3. Never Toss in the Dryer
Learn from me: nothing wrecks a nursing bra faster than high heat. The elastic breaks down, the fabric pills, and suddenly your “cloud-soft support” turns into a scratchy sag. Instead:
- Lay flat to dry
- Or hang by the center gore (not the straps!) so it keeps its shape
4. Rotate Like It’s a Self-Care Ritual
Wearing the same nursing bra every day feels efficient… until it’s worn out in a month. My game-changer:
- Keep 3–5 bras in rotation (yes, even sleep bras count!)
- Letting each one “rest” helps them keep their shape and softness
I leave little notes in my drawer to remind me to rotate — survival brain is real 😅
5. Start with Quality (It’s Worth It)
The cheap ones I bought early on? Didn't last a month. I didn’t realize how much the right bra mattered until I got one that didn’t dig into my sides or get soaked through at night.
That’s why I created the Bloom & Heal Maternity bra. They’re soft, wire-free, easy to nurse in, and don’t fall apart in the wash. Honestly, they feel like a little kindness wrapped around me on the hard days.
💖A Note from a Mom Who Ruined Too Many Nursing Bras
Taking care of your bras might sound small, but when you’re postpartum? Small comforts are big wins. Whether you’re cluster feeding at 2 a.m. or finally leaving the house with spit-up on your shoulder, you deserve to feel supported.
So be gentle with your bras, just like you’re learning to be gentle with yourself. You’re doing more than enough, mama. And yes — you deserve the comfy bra.
Want more real-talk tips like this?
Come hang out on the Bloom & Heal blog. We’ve got advice, stories, and soft support for every stage of motherhood. Because you’re not alone — and we’re in this together💛
FAQs
Q: How often should I wash my nursing bras to keep them in good shape?
A: You don’t need to wash your nursing bras after every wear—unless there’s a milk spill or spit-up mess. Washing every 2–3 wears helps preserve elasticity and softness. Spot-clean when you can, and always use a gentle detergent.
Q: Can I machine wash my nursing bras without ruining them?
A: Yes, if you do it gently. Always place your bras in a mesh lingerie bag, use cold water, and run them on the delicate cycle. Avoid mixing them with rough fabrics or heavy items, which can snag the material or warp the shape.
Q: Is it bad to put nursing bras in the dryer?
A: Dryers are the fast track to worn-out bras. High heat breaks down elastic, changes the fit, and can leave the fabric feeling rough. Lay flat to dry, or hang by the center (not the straps!) to preserve the shape and softness.
Q: How many nursing bras do I really need postpartum?
A: Aim for at least 3–5 nursing bras in rotation. That gives you time to wash, rest, and alternate without over-wearing one favorite. Include a comfy sleep bra in the mix, especially if you’re nursing at night or dealing with leakage.
Q: What type of nursing bra is best for sore, engorged breasts?
A: Look for wire-free nursing bras made with soft, stretchy fabric that adapts to breast fluctuations. At Bloom & Heal, our Blossom Bra was designed for this exact reason—so you feel gently held, not squeezed, on even the most sensitive days.
Q: How do I know if my nursing bra needs replacing?
A: If your bra has lost its shape, feels too loose or too tight, the straps won’t stay put, or the fabric’s irritating your skin—it’s time for a refresh. Your body’s changing constantly in postpartum, and your bra should keep up with that.
