Whether you’re a first-time mama or have three kids and are about to have your fourth, breastfeeding can be a pretty tough job. Each baby is different, so it’s tough to know what your latest will be like and how feeding them will go — until it happens. 

Knowing your options and having some materials on hand before your baby arrives is always best — take it from your fellow moms (us). If you already have a little dude or lady in your arms and need some advice on pumping bras, congratulations, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve got you covered, so keep reading.

When it comes to pumping, there are certain items that you absolutely need to make the experience enjoyable and convenient. Your next-door neighbor was so sweet to offer you her used, decades-old pumping bras, but we totally get it if you want something a little newer.

If you are looking for the support that counts, opt for high-quality pumping essentials from your buds at Hatch. 

When pumping, you will need some nipple balm to moisturize before and after your pumping session. 

This item is essential when pumping to ensure your nipples don’t get cracked or swollen from the friction of the pump. No mama is a happy mama when her nipples aren’t feeling great. Before you even pick up that pump, get some quality nipple balm and keep it close by while pumping.

Your nipples are constantly in use during those early months of your baby’s life. Take as many steps as you can to ensure they’re pampered. That’s the best way to stay comfy while pumping and feeding.

With tons of pumps to choose from, you’ll want to do some research to see which one sounds best to you. 

There are different types to consider, and some may be better suited for you based on your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, work nine-to-five at the office 30 minutes from home, or have other little kids you’re constantly having to chase around, grab a wireless, hands-free pump.

If you need a powerful pump that gets the job done in a shorter amount of time, a hospital-grade pump may be more your thing. If you don’t want an electric pump at all, hand pumps might be the way to go.

Whatever route you choose, they all will help you feed your baby — and that’s what’s important, so let’s not sweat the little things. If you want, put together a list of features that are most important to you, and then try to find a pump that fits you.

We know what you’re thinking… milk pads? 

Trust us; when your breast milk is first coming in, and you’re trying to regulate in those first few weeks, you’ll probably be leaking some milk. Don’t worry, though — it sounds a little worse than it is. You just need some quality anti-leakage nursing pads.

These extra-soft and absorbent pads slip right into your bra and give you plenty of protection from milk leaking through your bras and tops. Don’t worry, mama, we got you!

Once you’ve pumped that precious liquid gold, you’re going to need some heavy-duty, sterilized milk storage bags to keep the goods safe and secure.

Buying in bulk is the way to go when it comes to these bags; you’ll be surprised how many you go through, especially in those early months. Starting a freezer stash can be a big help if that’s in your cards. 

Let’s be real: your boobs deserve some TLC.

To start, grab thermal breast packs, which help to soothe infections like mastitis. Heat up these packs and place them on your breasts to help unclog any milk that gets a little stuck. If only we could unstick our mom fog in the same way — sigh. 

Here are the bras that might just change your world when it comes to pumping: 

The Essential Pumping & Nursing Bra will quickly become your new bestie and is truly a game-changer. 

This all-in-one nursing and pumping bra works round the clock to give you a more convenient pumping journey. With a perfect fit for all-day wear, it makes pumping and nursing that much easier for new moms.

This breast pump bra’s ultra-comfortable and stretchy material allows the material to grow with you as your breast size changes. It’s perfectly normal for your bra size to change and you to become a little bustier as this process runs its course, so have no fear!

One of our favorite features of this comfy hands-free pumping bra is the pull-down pump strap. This add-on allows for easy access when nursing or pumping and pairs with a front fabric breast shield overlap that opens to discreet slits for your breast pump heads to fit into while pumping. That means you can pump hands-free (so you can finally catch up on some work or catch up on that Netflix show).

The Seamless Skin to Skin Bra is a simple and comfortable nursing bra perfect for any wireless pump. 

Pump hands-free by slipping the wireless electric breast pump into your bra, then just go about your day like normal. You can easily position your pump flanges thanks to the design of this machine-washable, underwire-free, and modal bra.

This bra is designed to grow with you, so you don’t need to worry about it fitting one day and not the next. If your day-to-day looks like chasing around toddlers, then this option is perfect for you. Plus, it comes in three different colors because pumping moms are still fashionistas. 

The Everyday Nursing Bra is your perfect boob-supporting nursing bra that can be pulled down to pump with ease. It has a pad compartment on the inside of the front that lets you easily change out nursing pads or double up for extra absorbency. 

You can effortlessly unhook the clasp with one hand and use the adjustable straps and extenders to fit your changing size if needed. Talk about helpful features!

With eight gorgeous color options and a racerback design, you can have fun with this hands-free bra and feel like a sexy mother. It’s also a perfect sleep bra (if your baby ever lets you sleep, that is).

Now that you’ve seen the best of the best, how do you choose one? 

The answer, like a regular bra, is don’t choose just one. These are all fantastic pumping bras that will be helpful throughout your breastfeeding journey. Just like your favorite bralettes and sports bras, they’re ultra-comfortable and have everything you’d want in a bra for everyday wear.

Although each bra has its “highlights” and might fit you better based on the route you choose when pumping, they’ll all be hands-down the most comfortable bras you ever own.

These pumping bras are all wireless, so you don’t need to worry about a wire randomly coming undone and poking or pinching you. They are also all made from clean, chemical-free materials, so you can have peace of mind and confidence with each one you wear.

If you are an undies-and-bra-matching type of mama, you can still do that when breastfeeding. Match your pumping and maternity bras with these high-quality pairs of underwear.

You can’t go wrong with any of these styles. Make sure to write a review and let us know how much you love them!

Now you’re ready to find the perfect nursing bras for you! If you need help determining your cup size and overall fit, refer to our sizing chart to determine where you fall between an S and an XXL. 

Whichever bras you choose, whether it’s one of them or all of them, they’ll quickly become essentials that you wouldn’t want to pump without. Enjoy trying these luxurious bras, and happy pumping!

Sources:

Cracked nipples: Causes, treatment, and remedies | Medical News Today 

Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk | Breastfeeding | CDC

Mastitis | Mayo Clinic