These Are The Pumping Bras Lactation Experts Swear By

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The best pumping bras can turn new parents into multi-taskers. That's because they contain nursing pads, which attach to your nipples to absorb your milk supply. The best part: you don't have to manually hold the pumps and bottles. There's probably nothing quite like forgetting you're holding a bottle up as you get lost in your fave Netflix show.

But, in most cases, you'll probably love the convenience of a hands-free pumping bra you can wear all day if you wanted to. "Pumping is a lot of work and anything we can do to make the process easier is critical, says Kelly Kendall, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). "With a pumping bra, you want to look for something you can also wear between pumping sessions without removing your bra and putting a separate pumping bra."

So, to help you find the best pumping bras, we consulted several lactation experts and put a few bras to the test. In our consultations and testing, we considered how easily accessible they are for pumping and nursing moms, how supportive they are for breasts and nipples, and overall comfort when wearing them. See below for the best pumping bras you can shop right now, per lactation experts, reviews, and editor testing.

Meet the Experts: Kelly Kendall, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Shanille Bowens, Certified Lactation Consultant and Doula (DONA) at Naturally Nurtured Birth Services, and Chrisie Rosenthal, an IBCLC at the Lactation Network.

The Do Anything Bra

Bodily's Do Anything Bra was developed in collaboration with a lactation consultant, and has grown to become a cult-favorite among nursing moms. The cozy fabric feels soft on the skin, and the bra is designed to hold pumping parts and milk.

Our tester, a recent mom on our team, loves this Bodily bra for its supportive cups that make hands-free pumping a breeze. "I'm actually able to move around and not be tethered to the wall or have to hold everything secure with my hands," she says. The straps are also adjustable so that they can be converted into a racerback design for more support. Moms who regularly deal with leaking may want to stick to the black color, though, if they don't like wet stains. Customers say that most color options stain with the exception of black.

Rave Review: "This is the best pumping bra. I bought three and want more. Great flange support and it’s super soft and comfortable. Don’t waste money on other pump bras–just get this one!"

Wire-Free Maternity Breastfeeding Bra

A super affordable buy, these bras feel like loungewear. In fact, our tester said she regularly wears these at night. The bras are designed with adjustable shoulder straps, hook-and-eye closures, and easy drop cups that are easy to open for feeding. "These work as hands-free pumping bras with a little folding of the fabric, and also easily fit a portable pump, like Willow or Elvie, in the cups," she says.

Our tester also loves their removable pads for extra coverage, or in case of leaks. She likes their seamless feel, even though they don't offer as much support as bras with an underwire. Because the stretchy fabric offers some give though, they're a good option for women with larger breasts. "I had some difficulty picking a decent nursing bra because my chest is large, but this is a great fit and it supports you well," wrote one reviewer.

Rave Review: "I have now bought these bras twice. I ordered up for my second pregnancy and they are so comfy. The material is nice and soft, they are very adjustable, and even come with extenders in case you need to size up. They are also very handy when pumping or breastfeeding."

24/7 Classic Nursing Bra

Third Love bras are synonymous with comfort, and nursing moms can get in on the love, too. A personal favorite of one of our testers, this bra is designed with clip-down pleated straps to prevent slipping. The bra also comes in sizes up to a 44E, making it an option for those with bigger busts, too.

Our tester said that this bra is very supportive, though it doesn't work well for pumping/holding flanges. However, she enjoys wearing it under real clothes because it feels and works like a standard, comfortable bra with added clips for nursing anywhere. If you do want to get a pump in there, it has just enough space to fit a portable one, like Willow or Elvie, in the cups.

Rave Review: "Supportive, nice-looking, comfortable, and does what it’s suppose to. I sized up one cup size from my usual Third Love bra size and it worked great. Even holds my wireless breast pump well!"

BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Tank

If you prefer a bra with more coverage, you'll probably love Knix's nursing tank. Our tester enjoys using it on trips. "It's my go-to for traveling and nursing on a plane without feeling too exposed," she says. "I like the tank style because I can wear it solo or with a zip/button sweater over to have quick access."

The tank top/bra is wireless, but designed with built-in support and removable leakproof pads to keep your breasts lifted and dry. That being said, reviewers say that they don't love that the pads are loose, since that allows them to shift around or become bunched up. Still, reviewers like that wearing the tank feels like going bra-less.

Rave Review: "I was tired of nursing bras which squished my breasts (uncomfortably so) and made weird lines underneath my shirts. Not only are these super comfortable, they also offer a light compression, which is great for postpartum."

Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra

Kendall recommends this Kindred Bravely bra because it makes it easy to transition between pumping and nursing. It's made with their proprietary EasyClip, which makes it super convenient to pull down for pumping. The bra also fits around most standard pump flanges, like Medela or Spectra.

Reviewers say that they love the bra feels supportive without being too snug, though you should ensure you've got the proper size before regularly wearing it. Some customers did report having to exchange the bra for a better size in order to prevent any compression or gapping that lead to the flanges falling out. Reviewers also say that the fabric isn't too breathable, so you may run hot wearing this one.

Rave Review: "This bra makes pumping while working so perfect! You can wear it all day, so no need to switch bras. It’s super comfortable and well-made."

Amelia Pumping & Nursing Crop Cami 2.0

Another option that makes it easy to transition between pumping and nursing, Kendall recommends this cami from Davin & Adley because it saves you from having to change your bra throughout the day. "For nursing access, you just need to pull down from the top of the camo ,which exposes the breast," she says. You can pull it down using just one hand, so it's very convenient, too.

The bra is also really a cami, so it sits lower on the abdomen, making it a great option for people who want tummy coverage, she adds. One caveat, though: Customers say the cami is not great at holding flanges in place if you're moving around a lot, like bending over to grab something.

Rave Review: "This is one of the best pumping bras I've purchased! So soft and silky. I purchased one of the Amelia camis to try out and I fell in love [so much] that I went back two days later and got two more. They are so comfortable and pretty. You can even wear it out and about!"

Molly Stretch Underwire Nursing Bra

All that layering on pumping bras can make them feel hotter the longer you wear them. Enter this moisture-wicking fabric that helps the wearer keep cool and comfortable. It's a go-to bra for certified lactation consultant Shanille Bowens.

Because it's designed with underwire, it's also pretty supportive, and comes in sizes up to KK (!). Though, you should be weary of wearing underwire. If the bra's too tight, it can cause mastitis.

For those who consider style a top priority, this is one of the more chic options on this list, thanks to the bra's lacy details. However, customers say the lace does not feel good on nursing nipples, so it's best to use nursing pads as a complement to this bra. Those looking for hands-free pumping should also consider a different option, as this bra requires you to hold your pumps in place.

Rave Review: "Finding a sturdy, supportive nursing bra was a NIGHTMARE until I stumbled across this one and fell in love! I’m size 42JJ and this bra fits like a dream. It supports heavy breasts, it lifts and separates (decreasing sweaty boobs), and it’s sturdy despite the delicate-looking lace."

Easy Expression Pumping Bra

If a secure fit is what you're after, this option will not let you down. Bowens recommends Medela's bra for its built-in pumping system that allows for a hands-free experience. Plus, it's also adjustable and has removable cups. The only downside: it's only compatible with Medela pumps, like the MaxFlow, Swing Maxi, Freestyle Flex, and Sonata. It does feel quite snug, but that's to ensure it's supportive.

Also, the snugness helps prevent any gapping that could lead to a flange slipping out, making it a great option for people with smaller busts. Though the bra is great for people multi-tasking, customers say its stitching makes it completely noticeable under regular clothes, so it doesn't make for a great everyday flattering fit. But if you want to wear it while getting chores done around the house, go for it.

Rave Review: "This is such a life-saver, so I can pump hands-free while working at my computer. Very easy to put on."

Hands-Free Pumping Bra

With nearly 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this pumping bra from Momcozy is a fan-favorite. Bowens likes it because it has a lightweight feel that makes it comfortable for sleeping. The straps are adjustable (you can turn them into a crossover design if you want) to make it easy for you to find the most secure fit. The clasp only requires one step to remove, so it's also very convenient to start pumping or nursing sessions.

Customers say they love that the bra fits like a comfy bralette, but that it is quite thin, so your nipples may peak through or leak while you're wearing it under T-shirts. You can remedy this by throwing on some nursing pads with the bra, though.

Rave Review: "I'm so happy I got this bra. No more holding my pumps and bending over to keep them stable. I'm going to buy more! It's very comfortable and you can sleep in it."

SuperMom Fixed Padding T-Shirt Bra

This pumping bra from Simple Wishes was consciously designed. It's built with a pump support liner that keeps flanges in place without compression that can be harmful to milk ducts. But it also comes with a sling halter strap that adds more support as the bottles fill and get heavier.

Customers love that the padding on the bra is fixed, so that dealing with scrunched padding or cups that get lost in the wash isn't an issue. Its only caveat: reviewers say that the bra can get a little lumpy since it's made with multiple layers. However, those layers also keep nipples from showing through.

Rave Review: "These are my favorite bras for nursing and pumping. The pads are fixed and you don't have to worry about removing them every time you feed, or them bunching up in your bra. Definitely will be purchasing more!"

The Essential Nursing And Pumping Bra

Breastfeeding can cause some uncomfy situations like tender nipples that need a little more TLC. In these situations, the Hatch Essential Bra may become your go-to, since customers rave about how soft the fabric is, even for irritated nips. Reviewers say that it's also easy to use with one hand.

Our only gripes: the lining on the cups are visible under clothes, and the bra is on the pricier side. But customers also say it's definitely worth the price.

Rave Review: "Exactly what I needed! I just went back to work and this bra is perfect for pumping in between meetings while checking email. Loved it so much, I got two more. Plus the material is soft, comfy, and not bulky unlike other pumping bras."

Original Organic Cotton Blend Pumping & Nursing Bra

Designed as a racerback, this pumping bra from Bravada feels almost like a sports bra. It features a supportive band below the breast cups and overlapping panels that allow for hands-free pumping and convenient nursing. Several customers say that it's quite snug, and for some even ran small, which creates other issues when putting it on. The bra has no clasp in the back, so it needs to be pulled over your head.

Reviewers raved about how the bra excels at keeping different breast pumps locked in place, though. One customer also loved its thicker straps, which lend even more support to the bra.

Rave Review: "I love this bra! I wasn’t sure if it would be comfortable or supportive after reading some mixed comments online, but I am so happy that I ordered it anyway. It is really comfortable and I have been living in it ever since I opened the package."

How we chose the best pumping bras

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including fitness editor Jennifer Nied, a recent mom, and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated pumping bras. Our team consulted three lactation consultants for opinions, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best pumping bras for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What should I look for in a pumping bra?

If you want to make your pumping experience as convenient as possible, there are several things you should keep in mind while shopping for a pumping bra.

Support

"A pumping bra should be comfortable, but snug enough to hold the pump parts securely in place," says Chrisie Rosenthal, an IBCLC at the Lactation Network. It should also be supportive enough to keep your breasts in place, too, adds Bowens. Ideally, you want to make sure that the extra weight doesn't make the bra pull or sag while you're pumping.

Material

Rosenthal recommends opting for material that's breathable and stretchy, and preferably has no underwire. "Choose a size that will allow for body changes as your torso and breast size may both change significantly over time," she says. Bowens also recommends looking for bras made from breathable materials, as that will help keep you cool and comfortable.

Design

Bowens recommends a few key design features that will make your pumping experience more comfortable. First, it should be easy to open and close, so that you can attach and remove your pump flanges without complications. You can also opt for removable cups, which make it easy to pump without having to take off your bra, Bowens says. Cups can also add padding, and ample padding can help absorb any leaking milk to keep you dry and comfortable.

If you're looking for some extra support, Bowens also recommends going for bras with crossover straps. "Crossover straps help to distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly, which can be helpful if you have large breasts," she says.

Comfort

Whatever you do go for should ultimately feel comfortable. Shopping for bras with adjustable features, like straps that can be shortened or lengthened, can increase the chances that your bra will be comfy. "The bra should be comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time," says Bowens.

Do you wear a pumping bra all day?

You can if you want to, but it's not necessary. "Most parents only wear their pumping bra during pump sessions," says Rosenthal. "But there are some pumping bras that double as nursing bras, and parents are more likely to wear those all day."

If you do want to wear it all day, Kendall recommends bras with straps, as opposed to strapless-type pumping bras. "It's one less step in the pumping process, which we want to make as seamless and easy as possible," Kendall says.

Does wearing a tight bra reduce milk supply?

It can. "A bra that's too tight or ill-fitting can cause plugged ducts and mastitis, which can ultimately reduce supply," says Rosenthal. Mastitis is a condition which leads to inflammation in the breast, usually caused by some sort of infection.

Your bra should be snug but not overly tight, says Kendall. "A good rule of thumb is that if it is leaving marks or indentations on your skin, then it is too tight."

Read more about the best bras

Best Minimizer Bras | Best Backless Bras | Best Wireless Bras | Best Sticky Bras | Best T-Shirt Bras | Best Sports Bras | Best High-Impact Sports Bras | Most Comfortable Bras | Nursing Sports Bras

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