If you are reading this article, there's a good chance you're either pregnant and expecting the arrival of your new baby, OR you've recently welcomed your sweet little one (in which case this may be a 3 am "while the baby is feeding" read.) Either way, congrats to you mama!

As all new moms realize, there is an abundance of information out there about just about everything pertaining to babies and motherhood. This, of course, includes the world of nursing and pumping bras. We'll try to simplify things a bit for you, and give a straightforward look at which bras are best for pumping moms. 

What's the difference between a pumping bra and a nursing bra?

Let's start with nursing bras! Nursing bras are designed to make it easy for a nursing baby to access the breast. Many have clips or sliders that move the pads out of the way, clearing the path for your hungry little one. These bras double easily as maternity bras but can be pretty unhelpful when it comes to pumping.

It's important to mention that not all nursing bras are created equally. There is a wide range when it comes to quality. For example, many nursing bras on the market are made with thin fabric that can be both uncomfortable and unsupportive. They also tend to fall apart quickly and will need to be replaced often. 

(A good rule of thumb...cheap to buy = cheaply made.) 

Let's talk pumping bras! Pumping bras can be classified in two main categories: 

1. Pumping-only bras:  a bra mainly used for pumping and not something to be worn all day as a traditional bra. These bras tend to be uncomfortable and are unlikely to give you the "just right" fit you're looking for.

They also can only be worn during pumping sessions. As you can probably imagine, it can feel pretty inconvenient (not to mention annoying) if you need to change in and out of your bra to pump multiple times a day. 

2: Pumping and nursing combination bras: bras that can be used for both pumping and nursing. These bras come with better sizing options and styling for all day wear. The best part is, you can wear the same bra, whether pumping or nursing. 

Investing in a good pumping and nursing combination bra is my recommendation for all pumping mamas. This even applies to exclusive pumping moms, as these combo bras are significantly more comfortable for all day wear than bras designed only for pumping. 

Do I Need A Pumping Bra?

Well, it depends on your breastfeeding situation. As I mentioned above, some bras are designed specifically for nursing, and while they could work for pumping, they certainly wouldn't be hands-free or convenient. If you are planning to primarily nurse your baby at the breast and will only be pumping occasionally (I'm talking once or twice a week at most) you can probably get by without a true pumping bra. 

However, if you think you'll be pumping with any sort of regularity, you will definitely want to invest in a good pumping bra. Trust me, it will make your life with your new baby so much easier. 

Best Bras for Pumping Moms

When it comes to choosing the best bra for pumping moms, there are a few key features I'd look for. 

• Hands-free: This is a no-brainer, right? Who wants to sit for 15 (or more) minutes holding silicone flanges to your chest?
  
  
• Easy Access: If you are pumping regularly, you'll want a bra that provides easy access to the breast, making your sessions as simple, efficient, and discreet as possible. 
  
  
• Good Fit: A poorly fitted bra is going to impact the output of your pumping sessions. If the bra isn't holding the flanges properly, you simply won't express milk as effectively. 
  
  
• Versatility: Unless you are an exclusively pumping mama, I'd recommend finding a pumping bra that is also nursing friendly. 
  
  

The Riley

The Riley lace pumping bralette is an excellent choice of pumping bra for a few reasons. 

• Length: The bralette style has a wider band than regular bras. This is incredibly helpful for pumping moms because it provides more support for breast pumps in addition to providing more coverage. 
  
  
• Fit: The Riley features adjustable straps and band closure that make it simple for you to get the perfect fit. Additional extenders are available to make the band bigger during pregnancy.
  
  
• Versatility: This bra was designed to accommodate collection cups, wearable pumps, flanges and nursing. The Riley makes sure you can breastfeed whichever method you choose. (and yes, pumping is breastfeeding.) 

The Riley is a beautiful and comfortable everyday bralette that can be styled with many outfits! Truly, this pumping bra is a game changer for pumping moms. 

​Check out The Riley in action here!

The Amelia

When it comes to versatility, nothing tops the Amelia collection! This bra collection comes in a variety of styles, including: 

• Cami
• Tank
• Bralette

Each of these styles are compatible for a nursing mom, and the Amelia truly shines for pumping moms. The Amelia provides comfort and support with both traditional flange-styled pumps (like the Spectra) and wearable pump options (like the Elvie or Momcozy.) 

• Flange Style Pumps: All 3 Amelia styles include a functional, overlapped slit that makes it easy to slide a flange into. The top layer on the cami and tank pulls down for added compression to secure everything into place! The different layers in the Amelia provide the secure fit you need so don’t have to worry about anything slipping or having to hold the flanges while you pump! (Thank goodness!)

• Wearable Pumps: If you prefer to use a wearable pump, the Amelia is still a great choice! This bra has an inside layer that keeps your wearable cups from slipping down. On top of that, you can pull down the top compression layer to add a second layer of support for a secure hold! This is incredibly helpful if you're using larger wearable pumps.

Want to see an example? Click here to see how I use my Amelia for a quick and discreet car pumping session. 

Choosing The Best Pumping Bra for Your Breast Pump 

Having a high-quality bra to go with your pump can make all the difference in your pumping experience. Both of these pumping bras will partner well with any of the major breast pumps on the market today.

However, if you'd like a more in-depth look at our bra recommendations for specific breast pumps, check out the following blog series: 

• The Best Pumping Bra for the BabyBuddha Breast Pump
• The Best Bras to Wear with Pumpables Breast Pump
• The Best Pumping Bra for Spectra Pump
• Best Bra Options for Momcozy Breast Pump