Best Nursing Bra Pump Hack That Every Mother Should Know

ByWinters Hours Updated:

You probably already have one or more nursing bras in your wardrobe if you intend to pump. What if we tell you that there is a way to get a hands-free pumping bra without paying additional money?

We can teach you do-it-yourself nursing bra hacks and extremely inexpensive ways to maximize the use of your existing nursing bras. Do you feel like pumping is taking over your life right now? Have you tried everything, but your milk supply won’t come on?

The greatest option if you’re looking for an online pumping class is Free Pumping Course. The most thorough online training on breast milk pumping is offered by Love Our Littles.

Let’s get back to the nursing bra-pumping hack:

The difference between a nursing bra and a pumping bra

Nursing and pumping bras serve very different objectives. If you need to comfortably nurse your newborn baby, you should use a nursing bra; if you need to pump breast milk, you should wear a pumping bra. On one, there are features that are lacking on the other.

For instance, a pumping bra features slits in the cup to hold the flanges of the breast pump in place, whereas a nursing bra often has drop-down cups for breastfeeding.

Hack to pump hands-free with a nursing bra

Here are the 4 life saver nursing bra hacks that you can use:

Hack #1: Make use of your side-sling

Kiz Lombard came up with this genius hack. The important thing about this hack is that this trick is to make sure you use a well-fitting nursing bra with side slings that have not stretched out. If your nursing bra side slings have lost their elasticity, avoid this hack.

This won’t work! For this hack, just wear the nursing bra the way you usually wear it. Grab the flange and unclip the top of your nursing bra and pull it down. After that, grab the side of your nursing bra and pull it over your breast towards the inner of your chest.

Place the flange on your breast. Make sure your nipple is aligned perfectly in the center of your flange. Let go of the side and then pull up the top part of your bra to the hook again and clip it in place. Now clip to the other side of your breast.

Pros:

  • This hack is so simple and easy to do
  • It is ideal for new breastfeeding moms
  • You won’t have to modify your nursing bra – so you can continue using it for breastfeeding too.

Cons:

  • When your bottles and flanges are full of extra milk, the grip is insufficient to keep them in place.

Hack #2: Use elastic ponytail holder bands

Catharine Decker came up with this insane hack, which she discovered on the internet. To make a “figure 8,” you essentially loop two elastic bands together. The figure-8 band is secured by putting one end around the flange and the other over the nursing bra clasp. Use your bra cup and shirt to assist in stabilizing the flange and bottle as you place them over your nipple.

Do the same for the other side. When the mother is wearing a nursing shirt, this technique can be fairly discreet. To provide privacy, any standard top may be lowered to fit around the top of the funnels.

Pros:

  • The hack is super cheap
  • This hack can be used even if the nursing bra you have is without front clasps

Cons:

  • The hack is a bit trickier. It needs to be practiced.
  • It doesn’t secure the bottles and flanges as effectively as you would want.

Hack #3: BRAVADO – Designs hands-free nursing bra accessory

With the simple use of this useful add-on, you can magically convert your nursing bra into a pumping bra. It’s hardly surprising that the clip-on won the Mom’s Choice Award because it’s practical, simple, and discreet.

It contains a figure 8 hole that was created expressly to make inserting and removing even non-detachable flanges, like Spectra breast shields. Even better, you can breastfeed on one side while pumping on the other.

Pros:

  • You can use it on any nursing bra or nursing cami as long as it has B clips, even though it’s designed to attach to Bravado nursing bras.
  • This accessory avoids the need for you to purchase a separate pumping bra.
  • Simple to attach and remove.

Cons:

  • The accessory is a bit pricier than other hacks

Hack #4: Lactamed simplicity hands-free bra kit

The elastic hair band hack has a commercial equivalent in the Lactamed Hands-free Bra Kit. It fits everyone and is completely adjustable. It’s just two shoelaces that have been artfully thrown together and can fit in your pocket.

Pros:

  • This kit is inexpensive
  • It fits with any nursing bra or top and is less complicated and more secure than reusing elastic hair bands.

Cons:

  • Less safe than the BRAVADO!
  • There is a steep learning curve to utilize it, and certain nursing bra accessories can’t handle your bottles at the end of a nursing session when they are filled with milk.

All-in-one nursing and pumping bras

In theory, this is not a hack. However, it’s important to note because it prevents the need for a nursing bra hack in the first place. All you have to do to utilize a bra for both breastfeeding and pumping is purchase one. Genius!

Our favorite bra is the Cake Maternity Lotus Pumping Bra since it functions as a sports bra, pumping bra, and nursing bra all in one. The nicest aspect is that you continue to use it even after you stop your breastfeeding journey.

Which breastfeeding and pumping bra is the best for you?

Depending on how and where you want to use your bra, you can choose the finest nursing and pumping bra for you. Consider these qualities in general:

  • The bra should have the ability to pump and nurse at the same time
  • The bra should be wireless to avoid clogged ducts
  • Should have pockets for breast pads as you need them for milk flow leaks
  • It should fit non-detachable flanges like Spectra shields

Final thoughts

We really hope you were able to use this blog post to convert your regular nursing bra into a pumping bra. Try breastfeeding hack option #1, where you hold your pump flanges using adjustable straps and a drop-down cup. The simplest and least expensive hack is this one.

However, if you haven’t purchased a nursing bra, you should absolutely consider purchasing a bra that doubles as a pumping bra. There are several excellent ones available on the market!