Choosing the best bra for breastfeeding and pumping can be a daunting task. Should I go hands-free? Can it be functional and cute? Which is the most comfortable? This list will help you pick the right pumping bra for your needs.
Breastfeeding is a challenging — yet rewarding — experience for many moms. As the primary source of nutrition for our infants, they have to endure side effects like painful engorged breasts, leaking breastmilk, sore nipples, round-the-clock feeding or pumping, and postpartum contractions (just to name a few). So, finding the right bra that offers support, comfort, and ease of use during this sensitive time is crucial for moms who plan to breastfeed their babies or pump to bottle-feed.
Designed to work with you and not against you when trying to nurse your little one or take a pump break, nursing bras are made with stretchy, comfortable fabric to allow easy and accessible feeding sessions.
What to Know about Nursing Bras
Like normal bras, nursing and pumping bras come in a wide range of styles, colors, and functionalities. You just need to choose one that best fits your breastfeeding needs. Some options include:
- Underwire vs. Wire-free
- Lined vs. Unlined
- Shaped Cups vs. Seamless
- Activewear vs. Casual
- Strapless vs. Straps
It’s key to choose a nursing and pumping bra that not only meets your current needs, but can also adjust to your future needs, as well. But there are a lot of options out there. Take a look at our top picks for nursing and pumping bras that are comfortable, stylish and — most importantly — convenient for breastfeeding.
Sublime® Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
Whether you’re nursing or pumping, this bra from Kindred Bravely is a great choice. It’s supportive enough to wear all day, and comfy enough to wear to bed for on after-hours pumping sessions. Not only is it compatible with all standard pump flanges, but it’s also available in a wide range of sizes S to XXL-Busty. It fits bra sizes 30B–44I. The clasps allow easy access to your nipples when breastfeeding, but it also includes a flange port that allows you to pump hands-free. That means you can work on the computer, do the dishes, fold laudry, or just enjoy scrolling on your phone while you pump. It’s a game-changer!
Plus, Kindred Bravely also makes a version of this as sports bras for both nursing and pumping moms. All are great options for breastfeeding mamas!
Learn more about this bra here.
Motherhood Maternity Wrap Nursing Sleep Bra
If you plan to pump and bottle feed your baby, make sure to include a hands-free pumping bra on your registry, like this mom-approved, hands-free bra from Simple Wishes. It holds all pump parts firmly in place so you can multitask while you pump tandem or one at a time. This bra is compatible with most major breast pump brands including Medela, Philips Avent, Lansinoh, Bellema, Evenflo, and Spectra. It’s strapless (but comes with straps as an option) and features a wide, thick band, making it a supportive choice. It also has a 10-inch adjustable Velcro back panel, so it’s guaranteed to fit as your body and breasts change throughout your breastfeeding journey. The best part is that it is secure and holds the girls in place to ensure a tight fit with your pump and minimal milk leakage.
Learn more about this bra here.
Cake Maternity Lotus Yoga and Hands Free Pumping Bra
Can you tell we’re advocates for hands-free nursing and pumping bras? They honestly make a world of difference, and it’s worth investing in a couple different type for various occasions. This hands-free pumping sports bra from Cake Maternity is a great choice for mamas who want to feel supported and have easy access to their nursing babes or pumps while staying active. It’s super soft, wire-free, and incredible supportive. This is great for lounging around the house, running errands, or relaxing with some yoga.
Learn more about this bra here.
Momcozy Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Any well-endowed women out there? Even if you weren’t blessed (or cursed, depending how you look at it) with large breasts before pregnancy, chances are you’ve grown a cup size or two since having your little one, especially if you’re breastfeeding. This bra from Momcozy is a great choice for busty mamas who want to pump hands-free. It’s super affordable, ranges from sizes S-XXL, supportive, offers coverage, and is designed for both nursing or pumping (or casual wear). This bra features a clasp for easy-access while breastfeeding, as well as “X” flap openings for securing the flanges of your pump and bottles.
Learn more about this bra here.
Bamboobies Nursing Bra
You know what no breastfeeding mom wants to deal with? Leaky boobs. It’s uncomfortable, can be embarrassing in the wrong settings, and is a waste of that liquid gold. That’s why we love this nursing bra from Bamboobies. It’s super soft, affordable, machine-washable, and comes with removable cup pads that offer not only a flattering breast shape but absorb any leaking milk. This is a truly environment- and wallet-friendly bra option since you won’t have to buy as many disposable pads.
Learn more about this bra here.
BRAVADO! DESIGNS Wireless Buttercup Maternity and Nursing Bra
This breastfeeding bra from Bravado locks in at a top contender for everything that matters — it’s comfortable enough to wear all day, smoothing to create a flattering breast shape, available in a wide size range (32B-40G), and wicking pads in each gel cup to help you stay dry all day long. It also features easy nursing clips that you can operate one-handed for when you’re holding the baby or multitasking while breastfeeding. Not to mention, it looks like a real bra; as in one you’d wear before you were ever pregnant. Anything that makes us feel more like ourselves is a win in our book!
Learn more about this bra here.
ILoveSIA 3-Pack of Nursing Bras
Don’t feel bad if you want to save money on your nursing bras. We get it! Babies and pregnancy come with a lot of expenses. That’s why we love these nursing bras from ILoveSIA. They’r easy on your wallet and your engorged breasts!
iLoveSIA’s nursing bras feature a ribbed gore and are made of soft, stretchy fabric that supports your growing bust without ever feeling too tight. They also feature clip-down cups for easy nursing access during breastfeeding that some moms say even help to keep pump parts in place. The three-pack is available in a range of colors and in sizes small to XXL.
Learn more about this bra here.
Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Bra
You know what doesn’t sound fun? Exercising with giant, engorged breasts. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but if you wear a bra that’s too tight, you can end up with clogged milk ducts. This no-wire sports bra from Kindred Bravely is made from a soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric and features a wide elastic chest band so you can workout and keep the girls in place comfortably.
Learn more about this bra here.
The Dairy Fairy Hands-Free Pumping and Nursing Bra
It’s hard to find a cute breastfeeding bra that makes you feel pretty and feminine (even at arguably the most feminine time of your life). But this nursing and pumping bra from the Dairy Fairy is adorable, functional, and comfortable. That’s a win-win-win in our book!
Learn more about this bra here.