Gone are the days when pregnant and nursing mothers were confined to bed. Now nursing mothers are returning to work, going out and meeting friends and other mothers and they want a nursing bra that they feel comfortable wearing and one that looks chic.

Today there are all sorts of nursing bras to meet all requirements. There are 5 types of nursing bras; bras that unhook at the front, between the cups, bras that unzip at the base of the cup, bras that have a fastener or button on the front strap to allow access, bras that are stretchy and allow very easy access, and night-time nursing bras. Maternity bras come in all sizes as well, everything from petite to plus size nursing bras. The following brands of nursing bras offer some or all of these features.

Bravado nursing bras are extremely popular. Bravado maternity bras come in one of 3 ranges: the Bravado Original Nursing Bra, the Bravado Supreme Nursing Bra, and the Bravado Lifestyle Nursing Bra. The Original Nursing bra comes in 3 styles: Basic, Plus Style and Double Plus Style. Choosing which one suits you depends on whether you're expecting, have just given birth or have been breastfeeding for a while. If you're a new mother, then the Bravado Original Nursing Bra is the one for you. All bras are made from a super-soft cotton/spandex blend fabric, for maximum support and changing body shape. The Bravado Supreme Nursing Bra is for the fuller-breasted woman. Unlike other fuller-breasted bras the Supreme isn't under-wired but still holds its shape all day long. The bra also has a delicately embossed fabric, which is strong yet silky to the touch - clothing glides over it making breastfeeding very easy. The Bravado Lifestyle Nursing Bra is a very chic - dare I say sexy - bra with a low neckline, molded cups that give an incredibly smooth, seamless shape that is very flattering under tops and dresses. The neckline and strap have a very feminine lace edge and the nursing flaps open for full access for breastfeeding.

Medela nursing bras come in many types - too many to give an in-depth review. However, here are the ranges with some comments. The Medela Comfort Bra is probably going to suit most nursing mothers. It is for both day and night time wear, and Medela says it is the only "soft" bra available with convenient one-hand drop cup release for easy nursing - although other manufacturers might disagree. The Medela Comfort Bra is an excellent maternity bra, though not the prettiest you can buy. The Medela Seamlees Bra Line is a superb nursing bra and it's hard to find a better nursing bra. The Seamless range all come with low neckline with a delicate lacy pattern woven right into the fabric. Medela also claim that the two-piece cup has a unique one-hand outer cup release that allows easy opening for breastfeeding - again other would disagree. The bra affords a smooth, natural line under whatever top you wear. The Seamless line comes in several types, so there's bound to be one to suit every nursing mother. The different types available are; Softcup, Full Fit and Underwire. Medela have just recently release the Sleep Bra. It is made from very soft, stretchy fabric that allows easy drawback of the cup for breastfeeding - no fiddling with buttons, clasps or zips in the middle of the night. The Medela Classic Bra is very feminine and stylish. Again, the neckline is low and the lace 'softcup' is constructed of soft and cool cotton-Lycra. The cup size also adjusts to 3 positions to allow for the changing shape of the breast throughout the day. You can also buy the Medela Extended Size Classic Bra for the fuller-breasted woman - incidentally, the bra is designed to work with the Medela Pumping Free Attachment Kit.

The Playtex Expectant Moments Nursing Bra is a very stylish maternity bra. The neckline is very low and the cups are soft inside with a pointelle fabric outside. The fabric used is polyester, cotton, nylon and spandex. The combination of fabric provides support, comfort, coolness and easy adjustment. The bra fastens by means of a double hook at the back and there are pull-down front flaps, which have a plastic clasp at the top of the cup. The Playtex Expectant Moments bra is a very stylish but very affordable nursing bra.

Goddess nursing bras are made by the same company that also manufactures Rigby & Peller, Fantasie of England, and Freya, so you can be assured of their quality. Goddess make 2 types of nursing bras, the 1001 and 511. The 1001 Goddess nursing bra is unusual as it features bold printed shapes in red, black and white, printed above the nursing cups - the idea being to visually stimulate babies while nursing. The bra is made from 100% pure cotton. The neckline is quite low and the bra has broad straps to provide maximum comfort. The 511 is the more feminine design. The 511 Goddess nursing bra is made from a cotton/polyester fabric, embossed with a lace design. It has dual shoulder strap clasps for easy breastfeeding.

As you might expect the Elle Macpherson Nursing Bra is feminine, sexy and pricey. The Elle Macpherson La Mere nursing bra is very lacey, on both straps and the stretchy lace cups. The cups are lined with 100% cotton for comfort. The Elle Macpherson Maternelle Nursing Bra is also a very beautiful nursing bra. The bra is seamless, comes with wide straps and easy clips that allow the cup to be opened with one hand. Elle Macpherson nursing bras are very feminine and sexy but they do come at a price; not a bra you might wear every day but certainly the one to wear for that special occasion.

Gone are the days when nursing mothers hid indoors. Now any mother who is breastfeeding can find a nursing bra that fits her requirements; from comfortable and plain nursing bras to expensive and stylish nursing bras. Breastfeeding mothers can now go out into the world with their heads high and their chests out.

Robin O'Brien is founder of breastfeeding information. It promotes the benefits of breastfeeding. You can find out more about what is the best nursing bra for you.