What Kind of Bra Do You Need for Pumping?

Hey, mama! Get ready to dive into the world of pumping bras in this comprehensive guide – we've got the lowdown on how they should fit, what to keep an eye out for, and yes, even the pressing question of how many you actually need.

Consider this your go-to source for all things pumping bras, the ultimate roadmap to comfort and convenience during your breastfeeding journey.

Let’s tackle a bit of bra wisdom. You might have noticed that most pumping bras go by the name of nursing bras. Here's the deal: while they're often labeled interchangeably, the key difference lies in functionality. A pumping bra, unlike a traditional nursing bra, is designed with hands-free pumping in mind. It's your trusty companion for those moments when you need to express milk efficiently without holding the flanges in place (think of them as your Willow pump’s best friend). 

Pumping bras offer a supportive embrace, allowing moms to multitask, express milk efficiently, and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the daily hustle. Designed for comfort and efficiency, these bras elevate the pumping experience overall.

We understand that as a mom, you're navigating through a storm of information, and clarity is key. Enter Willow bras – not just practical, but stylish enough to be worn all day, with the added bonus of being pump-friendly. Think lace, flattering shapes, and ultimate comfort. Just because pumping bras are practical and functional doesn’t mean they have to be frumpy! That’s why we’ve designed ours to help you look and feel your best, without sacrificing functionality.

While we’re talking pumping bra features, you’ll ideally want to look for the following when shopping for your wearable breast pump’s companion:

Picture this: a pumping bra that seamlessly transitions from your morning coffee to a pumping session and beyond. Say goodbye to the days of specialized pumping bras; these are your new all-day companions that are comfortable and stylish to wear even when you aren't pumping.

Life as a mom is complex enough – why add wires to the mix? You deserve the support without the discomfort. Bid farewell to wires, and say hello to a serene pumping experience. Comfort is the name of the game.

Ever wondered how to optimize your pump flange hold for the most efficient pumping session? Enter extender clips, which will easily transform your pumping experience. They ensure a snug fit, maximizing your pumping efficiency and giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most.

Let's talk size – a critical aspect of your pumping comfort. Nursing bra size and regular bra size are not cut from the same cloth. Your body has gone through some drastic changes, and your breasts are likely no exception. For the most accurate fit, measure yourself two to three weeks postpartum. And here's a savvy tip if you want to stock up on nursing bras in advance: just go one size up from your pre-pregnancy size. Avoid the hassle of returns with bra clip extenders for that perfect fit. 

To find your perfect fit, start by measuring your underbust. Wrap the tape measure snugly around your bra band, jot down this number, and then add three. If the result is an odd number, round down to the closest even number. If it's already even, leave it unchanged. This is your band size. Next up, measure your bust by holding the tape measure horizontally around the fullest part of your breasts and writing down this number.

To figure out your cup size, calculate the difference between your bust and underbust measurements. Each one-inch difference corresponds to a letter (a one-inch difference is an A cup, a two-inch difference is a B cup, and so on).

It’s time for the tough questions – how many pumping bras are enough? We're not just talking about function here, we're also talking about practicality. A minimum of three is our recommendation: one to wear, one to wash, and one as a trusty backup. Let's break it down.

You’ll always want to have one that you can wear whenever you need it. Whether you’re out and about or at home, if it’s time to pump, you can be assured that you’re already prepared by wearing a pumping bra.

Next up is your laundry day companion. Having a second pumping bra comes in handy when the first one heads for a wash. Keep the rotation smooth, and you'll never find yourself without the essential gear during your pumping routine.

Life's full of surprises, and so is the world of pumping. You might have one in the wash and the one that you’re wearing suddenly gets dirty. You may be asking yourself, “What are the odds of that happening?” Well, buckle up! From baby spit-up to leaking milk and pretty much anything and everything else, you’ll find that your everyday items tend to get dirty pretty easily–often multiple times a day–when you have a new baby. Your backup pumping bra ensures you're always ready for the unexpected.

From choosing the perfect pumping bra to nailing the right size and figuring out how many you need – you're now armed with knowledge. But knowledge alone won't change your pumping experience.

It's time to take action. Shop our line of Willow Pumping Bras today and experience the ultimate blend of comfort and style designed just for you.