Top 6 Favorite Nursing Bras (+ ones to avoid!)

I had hoped to have a few posts up already this week but sometimes blogging and social media feel a little silly when there are so many things happening in this world. 

At the same time there are so many good things happening too, so today I'm focusing on that as we countdown to baby #2!! 

I got so many requests to share the best nursing bras for breastfeeding when I mentioned it on Instagram stories, so I'm excited that someone else will be able to benefit from my extensive research! Seriously though, why is it so hard to find some good ones?! 

In my last go of it, I hated my nursing bras so much that I pitched most of them after Rowan weaned thinking good riddance! This time around I decided I wanted to invest in some functional and comfortable nursing bras, so I bought a ton. 

Like... a lot.

I tried them from Target, Motherhood Maternity, H&M, Nordstrom. You name it, I did the research. 

I should also note this post is not sponsored at all (though there are affiliate links FYI), I'm just here to share the good, bad and the ugly. And of reference, I'm a C cup when prego and nursing so most of these I'm rocking in a size large.  

The good news is after finding some really good deals on the bras below, I was able to return the Cake Nursing Bra because yikes, that's expensive!

Winners

Jessica Simpson Full Coverage Clip Bra :: The only wired nursing bra that I've ever contemplated keeping on for longer than 5 minutes. 

Seamless Clip Down Nursing Bra (Similar) :: Love this one!! Removable padding is a big plus and I like the thick band to hold in the back fat/bra rolls that are making their way to my super pregnant body. 

Lace Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra :: Reminds me of a non-maternity bralette. Super soft, light support for sleeping or lounging around the house. I got two colors because I can easily wear this after breastfeeding. 

Jessica Simpson Seamless Jacquard Nursing Bra :: Really soft and supportive material with padding and a thick band. I liked this a lot but didn't keep it only because it gave my ladies sort of an odd shape...  it may have been perfect once I filled it out a little more postpartum though. 

Medela Nursing Sleep Bra (Similar higher end version here and affordable 2-pack here) :: Basic no frills bra without removable padding, but comfortable for sleep!

Gilligan & O'Malley Lace Back Bralette :: This is NON-maternity folks, but super easy to use for nursing, really soft, and has soft cups so it's acceptable to wear in public. I might get one in every color!

Losers

Gilligan & O'Malley Sleep Bralette :: Not enough fabric in general and uncomfortable straps

H&M MAMA 2-pack Soft Nursing Bras :: These were really soft and seemed promising but kept sliding up. I know I have a belly in the way right now but that wasn't something I could deal with! 

Isabel Maternity Seamless Nursing Bra :: Really had high hopes for this one because I like the new Ingrid & Isabel line at Target, but the shoulder straps were terrible and the strap that remains when you pull down the cup is directly in the way for nursing... Really weird placement. 

So those are my favorite nursing bras! It turns out that all of the expensive ones I ordered were nice but not necessary after finding comfortable, affordable options! I mostly just had to stop looking for them in Target... but don't worry, I still find plenty of other good things at the mothership! ha. 

Any other mamas have a favorite nursing bra? Would love to hear them!!