Best Bras for Wearable Pumps
Wearable pumps help take pumping convenience up a notch. I wrote a post all about wearable pumps, stats, facts, and comparisons here.
One thing some women may not realize is that the type of bra needed with these pumps is different than the type of “pumping bra” you may use with typical pump flanges. With wearables, the entire pump and collection chamber sits in your bra, with no tubing attached at all. There are no flanges that protrude out from the chest with bottles hanging down. Therefore, you really don’t need a “hands-free pumping bra” for your wearable breast pump.
SO WHAT DO I NEED?
Full coverage (support) and easy access.
One thing about wearable pumps is that they can get heavy (esp as they fill with milk!). Plus, we have to consider that we have our breasts inside the bra as well as this pump. This means we need something that is comfortable (duh), but also extremely supportive. We also don’t need the “cutouts” that most hands-free pumping bras offer since we don’t have flanges and bottles hanging off the chest.
Typically, women who use wearable pumps prefer a stretchy yet supportive nursing bra (yes, even if they’re not nursing). Most nursing bras come with a clasp down option, which makes placing these pumps on the breast in the bra extremely easy. Some mamas in my community have also stated that they like using larger sports bras when using the wearable pumps, as they know they’ll stay securely on the breast. It’s so important that wearable pumps stay sealed/suctioned well to the breast so we can maximize effectiveness. We also want to ensure that the bra we choose is stretchy, as it needs to accommodate both our breast and a pump.
Design— It is typically best to avoid bras with underwire or too much padding. The underwire may shift the wearable pumps out of place, and also become uncomfortable while holding a filling wearable pump. Having a lot of padding in the bra adds more bulk to an already bulky situation (breast + wearable pump).
Fabric— Breathable is always great, but even more important is stretch/elasticity! This allows for changes in your breast size being accommodated with ebbs and flows in milk supply.
Comfort— adjustable straps are an incredible bonus, flexible bands under the bust are a must!
I rounded up a few of this community’s fave bras for wearable pumps below. I’d love to hear which one you use/prefer and why!
wearable pump bras
My fave: I personally love the Kindred Bravely sublime for my wearables and the Target Auden. Oh, also the Sweat + Milk bras if you’re looking for a supportive sports bra style bra— these are great for wearable pumps! Make sure to read the sizing info for each specific bra, as you may want to size up for some of them!
I love the Auden bra (linked above), but I wanted to share that it does not have much “stretch”. It has an elastic band under, adjustable straps, and the nursing clasps for easy access. It’s pretty full coverage, but some of the others are even more. It still works great for me, but just wanted to share that caveat! I’d say the Kindred Bravely is probably my fave for my wearables.
This post contains affiliate links. This means I make a small commission when you purchase something through my provided link (at no cost to you!). Never expected, but always appreciated!
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