How to Find the Right Bra for My Breast Pump By: Amanda Hunt, Expert Bra Designer and CEO of Davin & Adley (Guest Blog)
If you just ordered your first breast pump through your insurance, congrats mama! That is a huge box checked off the list before your baby arrives. If you have opened the pump box and started looking at the pieces, you are probably wondering how do I pump with this and not have to hold it the entire time?
If you’re a first-time mom, you may not have realized that your breast pump and your pumping bra actually need to work together. Choosing the right one can make the difference between a comfortable and successful hands-free pumping session or a very frustrating one.
Let’s review a few simple tips to help guide you in selecting the right bra for your pumping setup.
What Type of Breast Pump Are You Using?
Before you buy a pumping bra, you need to know what kind of pump you have. There are three main styles of breast pumps:
1. Standard Breast Pumps with Flanges
This style of breast pump is most commonly covered by insurance. Popular options are Spectra, Medela, Motif and Baby Buddha. These pumps use external flanges that need to be held firmly against your breast. With this type of pump, you’ll need a pumping bra that securely holds the shield of the flange in place with strong support to create proper suction.
2. Wearable Breast Pumps
Wearables are cup shaped breast pumps that sit entirely inside your bra, no external bottles or dangling tubes. Popular options are the Eufy, Willow, and Momcozy. For a secure but not too tight pumping bra fit, you will need a supportive soft but structured pumping bra that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the wearable pump, while also being able to stretch enough to accommodate the size of it. If your bra is too thin, flimsy and loose, the pump shifts and loses suction. If your bra is too tight, it will cause discomfort and risk plugged ducts.
3. Collection Cups (Paired with a Breast Pump Motor)
This type of pumping set up is a combination of Standard and Wearable by pairing a cup shaped collection cup that goes inside your bra, but has an external motor and tubing. When it comes to a pumping bra for collection cups, you would want the same type of bra as you do for wearable breast pumps, like we mentioned above. The only difference is that you would have additional tubes to connect inside your bra to the collection cup.
Are You Nursing Your Baby Too?
This is a question most new moms don’t think to ask themselves. Not all nursing bras are pumping bras and not all pumping bras allow for nursing. If you plan to both nurse and pump, you’ll want a bra that allows for both. Busy mom life doesn’t allow much time for changing your bra all day long, so if you aren’t sure what your breastfeeding journey will look like, consider pumping bra options that have easy access for nursing as well. My personal favorite for this is the Amelia Cami.
Understanding the Difference between Pumping and Nursing Bras
Nursing only bras are designed for direct nursing at the breast only. Their main function is to clip down or pull down easily for feeding and be comfortable for all day wear. Nursing bras were never designed to be hands free pumping bras and most are not able to hold a breast pump in place. Not every nursing bra even works well with collection cups or wearable breast pumps, which surprises a lot of moms after they already purchase with that intention.
Pumping only bras are designed for short periods of use, specifically to hold flanges for hands-free pumping sessions only. You need to change in and out of your nursing bra to be able to strap on or zipper up a pumping only bra. This style of pumping bra has no access for nursing and won’t lay flat under clothing. They are something you tuck away in your pumping bag and change into as needed. Many moms buy one of these and then realize after they still need separate nursing bras too, creating extra unnecessary outfit changes.
Combo nursing and pumping bras is where things get significantly easier. A well-designed combo nursing and pumping bra will allow for both nursing at the breast and holding your breast pump hands free, instead of switching between multiple bras you can do it all in one. Keep in mind when searching for these combo nursing and pumping bras, which style of breast pump does it hold and is that the style of breast pump you have.
What Nursing and Pumping Bra Size are you?
For almost every mom, breast size changes during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Your pre-pregnancy bra size is not going to be your postpartum bra size. We surveyed our customers and 75% of our moms grew 1-2 cup sizes from before their pregnancy. It’s important to not guess and either be fitted properly for a new bra or measure yourself and review the online sizing chart closely.
A great tip for finding a pumping bra that fits correctly is to search for nursing and pumping bras with adjustable straps. This allows you to customize the fit as your breast size fluctuates with your breastmilk. If you are full and engorged, you can loosen the straps to give more room. If you are significantly smaller in the chest after nursing or pumping, you can tighten the straps for more support. Another great idea is to select a wire-free relaxed fit style. Bralettes and camis are the best choice for accommodating breast changes over the course of your breastfeeding journey. Structured underwires are not recommended for frequently changing breast tissue as they can pinch along milk ducts and cause issues with breast milk production.
No matter how good of a pumping bra you find, if it doesn’t come in your size and fit your cup correctly, it’s not for you. If you have a large chest size, we recommend looking for brands with Busty Size Nursing and Pumping Bras as this allows for extra room and full coverage. If you are plus size, it’s also recommended to look for properly sized plus size nursing and pumping bra options that don’t press too tightly on your milk ducts. For assistance in getting fitted for a nursing and pumping bra in standard, busty and plus sizes, Davin & Adley offers free size consultations before you purchase. This is a simple and easy way to find your perfect fit in any size, Small - 4X and Busty.
Why So Many Moms Choose Combo Nursing and Pumping Bras
When you’re new to breastfeeding, it’s easy to assume you need one of each type. A nursing and a pumping bra. It’s only after a few weeks of experiencing the inconvenience you will begin to search for ways to simplify the process. Many moms are selecting combo nursing and pumping bras from the start so it saves them time and money in the long run, especially if breastfeeding doesn’t start off exactly as planned or when returning to work and needing both options. So if you’re planning to nurse your baby when together and pump when you are away from your baby, (which many moms do), we recommend a combo nursing and pumping bra to make this season of motherhood easier.
Let’s recap! Here’s your checklist for selecting a pumping bra:
✔ Make sure the pumping bra is compatible with your style of pump
✔ Select supportive fabric to keep flanges secure while pumping
✔ Pick stretchy but structured designs to fit large wearable pumps
✔ Look for easy nursing access in a pumping bra if you combo feed
✔ Make sure it’s comfortable for all day wear, no outfit changes needed
✔ Look for adjustable straps to accommodate breast size changes
At Davin & Adley, we are a female owned maternity brand specializing in combo nursing and pumping bras and believe you shouldn’t have to change bras every time you switch between nursing at the breast and setting up to pump. If you are ready to make the switch, we would love to help you find an amazing bra for both your breast size and breast pump. Explore our combo nursing & pumping collection to find the one that works with your pump and your feeding goals. If you are interested in a free size consultation before you purchase, reach out to schedule one at any time and our team of breastfeeding moms will guide you to the best choice for you!