Best Nursing Sports Bras For Breastfeeding Mums

So you've just given birth to your little bundle of joy, and you're in the midst of bouncing back by trying to incorporate some form of exercise back into your routine while trying to juggle breastfeeding. It ain't easy, but you know it is all worth it for your sanity, health and beloved child.

However, breastfeeding mums will know that multiple issues can occur. Because you're postpartum and the fluctuating periods of milk production and emptying, your breast sizes can fluctuate tremendously. You also want a sports bra that gives you support and comfort while you're working up a sweat, whether you're stretching in a low-intensity yoga class or swinging dumbbells at the gym, especially when the breasts are feeling heavy and engorged.

These are not all. You will want a bra that doesn't chafe your nipples any further while being breathable and moisture-wicking so that you can remain dry and happy. And of course, even a nursing sports bra needs to be stylish. But most importantly, you want a bra that offers you quick, convenient access to breastfeed or pump whenever you need to.

All of these reasons are why you need nursing sports bras, which combine the best of both a nursing bra and a sports bra. Ahead, we share the best sports bars for breastfeeding mums.

1. Dorset Active Nursing Bra, $59, Lovemère

Lovemère is a Singaporean lifestyle label founded by Florence Tay and Keith Tan in 2017 with the aim of creating comfortable clothes for the changing bodies of mothers and mothers-to-be. As such, the Dorset bra embodies that ethos as it is made with soft, breathable cotton while offering support through its racerback style and adjustable shoulder straps. There is also an inner removable padding for greater cushion. The bra is designed for low to medium-impact activities. Available in various colours and sizes from S to XL.

2. Adore Elite Nursing Sports Bra, $24, Vivre Activewear

Vivre Activewear is a homegrown activewear label founded in 2014 by Sylvia Lim and Kevin Chia. The brand wants to create quality, thoughtfully made sportswear that doesn't scrimp on function or style. Made with low-intensity workouts in mind, the Adore Elite bra has a criss-cross design on the back, while the blend of nylon and spandex ensures that the bra is lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick to dry. The shoulder straps are also adjustable. Available in various colours and sizes two to 12.

3. Bravado Designs Bravado Body Silk Seamless Rhythm Nursing Bra, $48.90, Allemom

Sold on the local mother-centric multi-label platform Allemom, Bravado Designs is an American maternity and nursing intimates purveyor with over 30 years of experience. This wire-free nursing sports bra for breastfeeding mums combines four-way stretch fabric, knit-in zones for added support and a pullover design. Moulded cups and removable foam inserts aid in contouring the bust as you participate in low to medium-impact sports. Available in various patterns and sizes from S to XL.

4. Love + Fit High Impact Nursing + Pumping Sports Bra, US$68 (S$91.39), Ingrid + Isabel

American maternity wear brand Ingrid + Isabel was founded by mother Ingrid while she struggled to find clothing that fit her during her pregnancy with Isabel. Their nursing sports bra was made to support you through high-intensity workouts. It is fitted with adjustable straps that convert it from vertical to racerback and a four-tiered band to accommodate changing bust sizes. Also, the bra comes with two layers - one to facilitate latching, and the other for pumping. Available only in black and sizes from S to XXXL.

5. LJ Nursing Bra, US$56.25 to US$72 (S$75.60 to S$96.77), Lorna Jane

Founded in 1990 by Australian Lorna Jane Clarkson, the athletic wear label Lorna Jane needs little introduction among the activewear crowd. As the name of the nursing sports bra for breastfeeding mums implies, this iteration provides maximum support, even for high-impact workouts. The clasp back design, adjustable straps and four-way stretch fabric all work in tandem to provide lift while the removable padding and thin straps add to the comfort level. Also available in nude and sizes from XXS to XXL.

6. Women's Light-Support Lightly Lined Sports Bra (Maternity), $95, Nike

Enhanced with Nike's Dri-FIT technology that helps sweat evaporate quicker away from the skin, its plunge-back bra is also fitted with adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closure at the back for convenience and support. The light-support bra does good for the environment too, as it is made with at least 50 per cent recycled polyester fibres.

7. MP Women's Maternity/Nursing Sports Bra, $101.99, Myprotein

More than just a protein powder and supplement brand, Myprotein has since branched into activewear. Their nursing sports bra for breastfeeding mums is built with sweat-wicking fabric that has laser-perforated details to increase breathability. Meanwhile, the medium-support bra has features such as racer back style, elasticated underband, adjustable straps and underbust band. The moulded bra cups are also removable. Available in various colours and sizes from XXS to XXL.

8. Women's Plus Size Nursing Sports Bra, $30.99, Gratlin

This Gratlin model was made especially for plus-size women or those with bigger breasts. The full coverage cups ensure that your modesty is also protected and supported with a racerback design and wide underband and straps. The four-way stretch cotton material further adds to the support for the changing body. Available in various colours and sizes from S to 5XL.