The best Maternity Intimate Apparel: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Can't recommend the Simple Wishes pumping bra enough. I just pull up my shirt, unclip or pull down whatever I have on as a bra or undershirt, and zip the bra on. It takes like ten seconds and allows me to get a ton of work done while pumping. It's around $30 and has held up really well for me. They sell the same one at Target (branded as Lansinoh) but it doesn't come with the extra extender thing included like the Amazon one does.

When my SIL had her baby a month after I had mine, she unexpectedly had to start exclusively pumping her first week PP, and I bent over backwards to deliver her one of these bras the day she started. That's how essential it is to me! She bought a second one the next day.

Aside from pumping bras, you could also consider Pumpin' Pals. They allow you to lean back when you're pumping instead of having to awkwardly hunch forward. I haven't tried them myself but I've heard good things.

I would HIGHLY recommend this one: Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump with On-The-Go Tote

The tote looks just like any bag, the pump stays right in the side of the bag all the time, super convenient. Enough room in the bag for extra batteries, the plug, lots of bottles, tops, cleaning supplies etc.

I used this with two kids, and I took it to a law firm constantly where I work and no one ever had any idea it was my pump. It also comes with a little cooler and ice pack for the bottles you pump, which is also discreet and can go right into the fridge.

Here is the link to it at Target, but you can get it anywhere: https://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-with-on-the-go-tote/-/A-10762141?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&am...

I also bought a pumping bra on amazon, which held both of the pumps up to my breasts making the whole thing hands free and able to pump both sides at once. Completely necessary, a lifesaver.

It looked something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Signature-Pumping-XS-Large/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516809760&sr=8-3&keywords=pumping+bra

I got this one off Amazon. I'm up walking 3-5 miles a day for work, and it's helped a ton. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JCRTWCAHJMJCWGQ6B6CN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

🙋 I'm a year out (tomorrow!) and my boobs started about the same size as yours. There was no whipping out that was gonna happen with these ladies. I've really liked these bras from Amazon:

Women's Full Cup Lightly Padded Wirefree Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Bra Size L, 3PCS/Pack(Pink-Black-Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

You can leave the padding in for some more coverage or take it out for more flexibility in pulling the cup down. I've been wearing the same set of 3 since I was pregnant and they're holding up well.

Nursing tanks were also great especially in the beginning. Target has some decent ones, but I didn't love them, they were cut a bit narrow at the top for me. Nobody really wants nursing boob side boob lol.

I also experimented with the one up one down method. Basically you layer a tank under your shirt. Shirt goes up, tank goes down. You can make it a one stop shop with a nursing tank or just use a loose cami that can slide down or even just live under your boobs. This way your stomach is covered. Baby's head will cover most of the exposed boob as well.

My babe was born in June in the south so it was super hot to be wearing two shirts all the time. Most often, I would use a cover or a muslin and just hike my shirt up, unclip my bra and be half naked under the cover.

I got this one from Amazon and I’ve been loving it!!

AZMED Maternity Belt, Breathable Abdominal Binder, Back Support, One Size, Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.nf1Cb21J1YVQ

I have a pair of thinx and these period underwear from amazon are a really good alternative, they have a variety of styles, I want to try some other cuts at some point.

Bambody Absorbent/Overnight High Waist Panty: Period Panties/Maternity & Postpartum Underwear (Medium, 3 x Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WXKH34T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_BEqj2J45MxwbY

A bellaband may help! I just got one so I can keep wearing my regular pants, which no longer zip shut without creating a major muffin top.

Spectra and Medela pumps are both pretty reliable. There’s one called Willow that is a wearable pump but otherwise people often buy a hands-free pumping bra separately (this was the best one that I used). Freezer bags are sold separately as well and doesn’t matter which brand, doesn’t have to be the same brand as your pump

I bought them off of Amazon. They were cheap and comfy as my boobs grew bigger and bigger.

I’m two months PP now and I’m starting to get my milk supply back (baby in the NICU, pumping sucks) and I had to buy more bras in a bigger size. I didn’t wanna spend a lot of money on bras yet since my boobs just have not stopped growing.

Here’s the bras I got:

HOFISH 3PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras Bralette S-XXL with Extra Bra Extenders & Clips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_18K466R19X99F131DRAZ

I lied. This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/AZMED-Maternity-Breathable-Abdominal-Support/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=pd_aw_fbt_img_1/143-6019903-8289706?pd_rd_w=VegF3&pf_rd_p=a17138f0-5d94-421e-b7e6-4dc052761f87&pf_rd_r=6MY06HW7Y4QNS1NPAFVY&pd_rd_r=dddea176-d5d3-44a...

I am 36.5 weeks and also have a herniation in the same spot.

Buy yourself THIS maternity belt (highly reviewed on amazon). You'll thank yourself as you get bigger. I wear it every day and if I ever forget I can tell immediately in the difference in pain. Before my bump was super big I just wore it when doing a lot of walking/standing, now I wear it all the time.

I have been going to physical therapy throughout the pregnancy and that has helped a lot. My therapist is actually a prenatal/pelvic floor PT specialist, too. I have pregnancy approved excercises that I do to strengthen my back and hip muscles, which help a lot but don't get me wrong - you're in for some pain and discomfort that will likely be worse than the average pregnant person's because of your situation. My physical therapist also recommended I get this Sacroiliac joint belt as because of my herniation my pelvis is misaligned (or maybe my pelvis misaligned caused my herniation, who knows) and therefore she said I was at extra risk for SPD. Lo and behold, I started getting SPD symptoms as early as 11 weeks!

So now, I wear the SI joint belt and the maternity belly brace daily. Before the past month or so, I just wore them when I was walking/standing a lot (my husband and I refer to the combo as my 'sausage casing,' it's hilarious).

My fav bras right now are nursing bras I bought on Amazon. They are super supportive.

Women's Full Cup Lightly Padded Wirefree Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Bra Size L, 3PCS/Pack(Pink-Black-Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.Tm1Cb68QXZCX

My doctor recommended I get one for walking up the stairs. I have just reduced the amount of stairs I am doing so I haven't used it very much. I bought this one -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z4W4KZB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I believe it just supports the weight of your belly more so it's not all on your cervix. It does make me feel more supported.

I actually mean something like this (link below) which is used for holding the pump flanges in place while you pump.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_BR6BGB4SBK3GYMV196P6

Flanges are typical on the more traditional breast pumps that insurances cover. I personally used a spectra and highly recommend it. I've heard mixed reviews on the willow/elvie and they're unfortunately not often covered by insurance.

I started seeing a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care and it was the first thing she told me to get when I started seeing her at 26 weeks. This was the specific belt she had me get: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BV55R1VP215C6M0C1KDP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

TBH I use it mostly when I’m working from home but she advised wearing it as much as possible. It’s fairly thin so you could easily wear it underneath clothes. The other thing she said that’s important is the placement. The belt should be low (not high on your belly). She said how the model is wearing it in the product photo is wrong, it should be lower. Hope that helps!

https://www.amazon.com/AZMED-Maternity-Breathable-Abdominal-Support/dp/B0113WE0QS this is what I’ve been using since week 15. I’m showing but it’s not huge. I’m 5’5” about 135 pounds at this point I guess (haven’t been weighed in a few weeks) Maybe there’s something better but it works for me.

I went through the same thing last week. Ordered these from Amazon and I could literally sleep in them. So comfortable! I haven't figured out a solution for working out but since I am only walking the dog at this point I have been okay without one. I can always squeeze back into a sports bra for necessary if the energy magically comes to me.

My husband bought me on early on from Amazon after it was suggested by my doctor. It's a simple wrap with a velcro closure in the back. It's one size fits all and I felt it was a bit snug initially, but it's stretched and definitely helped, particularly on days where I have been out and about and more active. I ordered a breast pump through my insurance with the help of aeroflow and also applied through them for a belly band that my insurance covered (I'm in the US). The one they sent is Motif brand and definitely higher quality and easier to put on (esp now at 32 weeks). I'll include links to both below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_D3V.FbNV8WJ68?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://motifmedical.com/pregnancy-support-band/

I like my Hofish bras a lot. Before baby I had sworn off underwire bras and these were just as comfy as the ones I had been wearing.

Oh, I have a three-piece binder on my amazon wish list to buy later on this summer . . . this one

I am 24 weeks today and just bought a belly band off of amazon. I work in a school and am on my feet for most of the day. On monday i had to go home early cause was I was so uncomfortable. Now that i have one, i cant imagine going through the day without it! it just feels like extra support and im in much less pain by the end of the day.

this is the one i got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0113WE0QS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I’m in the same situation as you and my work pants have metal hooks instead of buttons so it was hard to find a way to keep them closed! However, I did buy this belly band off Amazon because I’m not ready to buy maternity clothes yet and it has been pretty amazing. Plus, the feeling of my pants being tight around my gut made me sick to my stomach and now it’s no longer a problem lol.

BellaBand Women's New Everyday Bellaband, Black, 1

I just ordered the top one on Amazon since I'd like relief as soon as I can get it.

AZMED Maternity Belt, Breathable Abdominal Binder, Back Support, One Size, Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-2oaBbP3XQ1VD

I had SI pain, then sciatica pain and now just lower back pain in general. I started wearing my belt at 12 ish weeks when I wasn't even showing. I bought this one from Amazon AZMED Maternity Belt, Breathable Abdominal Binder, Back Support, One Size, Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113WE0QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Xm7XBbSEJEZSK (Sorry I'm on mobile). My pain never disappear but it felt way worse when I skipped a day of wearing it so I recommend it.

I have the Jill and Joey maternity band - I think it’s great. Jill & Joey Maternity Belt - Belly Band for Pregnancy Back Support - Breathable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BYTJ6V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OrsrFbEZYZN17

So my usual bras started getting uncomfortable in the third trimester (actually they got uncomfortable the second I got pregnant, but whatever). I started wearing these cheap bras from Amazon, which have removable pads and not-great support but at that point I did not care.

I wore the cheap bras until I had to start thinking about returning to work at 5 months pp, at which point I measured myself properly and got a few new expensive supportive nursing bras at Bare Necessities (I did pump at work but I used the Elvie, so a nursing bra was all I needed).

At 16 months pp I still have and wear the cheap bras on weekends--they're also nice for sleep. The lining of the removable pads came off when I accidentally put them in the dryer, which is annoying but they still do their job and now I don't bother separating them in the wash and toss them in the dryer anyway.

Women's Full Cup Lightly Padded... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought this 3 pack from Amazon and I'm a big fan. They are supportive and comfortable. I went back to work four weeks post partum so the removable pare gave me extra protection from leakage.

I loved this thing, which looks stupid but really works, and it doesn't require changing bras.

https://www.amazon.com/LactaMed-Simplicity-Hands-Free-Bra/dp/B00JAO6TT8/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1536595062&sr=8-3&keywords=simplicity+hands+free+pumping+bra

It's completely normal for breasts to change size and shape during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Some women find that their breasts grow significantly during this time, while others have minimal changes. It can be difficult to predict exactly how your breasts will change, but there are a few options you can consider to ensure that you have a comfortable, supportive bra during this time:

Look for bras with adjustable straps and hooks. These types of bras can be adjusted as your breasts change in size, providing a customizable fit that can grow with you.

Consider purchasing nursing bras. These bras are designed to be easily opened and closed for breastfeeding, and many styles have adjustable straps and hooks for a customizable fit.

Opt for a maternity bra. Maternity bras are designed to provide support and comfort during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and some styles have stretchy fabric or adjustable hooks and straps to allow for growth.

Consider a bra extender. These small, inexpensive devices can be attached to your existing bra to add an extra inch or two to the band size, providing some extra room as your breasts grow.

It's also a good idea to be measured by a professional bra fitter at a specialty lingerie store to ensure that you are wearing the correct size bra. They can help you find a bra that fits well and provides the support you need.

I recommend HOFISH nursing bras. They are very comfortable and great value.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W

I got a pack of these and liked them so much I bought a second pack. They definitely don’t completely prevent VPL, but at this point I give no fucks.