Preparing for a new baby and your breastfeeding journey can feel overwhelming! With all of the different baby products out there, you are probably swimming in internet tabs trying to decide between the right bottles and pump. In all this preparation, we want to make sure you are not forgetting to plan for you and your comfort during your breastfeeding and pumping journey. Have you thought about a pumping bra yet? We have!

Do you really need more than one pumping bra? We think so! Life with kids is messy - you never know when you are going to suddenly need to change your entire outfit. With multiple pumping bras, you are giving yourself the flexibility that motherhood requires. Instead of having to panic because your pumping bra is dirty, you can rest easy knowing you have a backup to your backup.

The specific number of pumping bras you buy will depend on several factors:

1. How often you plan to pump: If you are going to be exclusively pumping, investing in multiple pumping bras is going to be a life saver. From leaking milk to realizing you’ve lived in the same bra for days, there will always be a reason that you need a backup on hand.

2. How often you plan to do laundry: Let’s face it, laundry is one of the necessary evils of life - somehow there is always more! With leaking milk and potential spit-up episodes, you may find yourself needing to change your pumping bra multiple times, especially if you plan to wear it all day.

3. Your budget: Quality pumping bras are an investment in you and your comfort. Remember, you don’t have to stock up on a whole wardrobe’s worth of pumping bras at once. Choose what will suit you and your budget!

With those factors in mind, an ideal number of pumping bras to have would be 3 to 4: one to wear, one in the laundry, and one or two as a backup!

Pumping bras are a type of nursing bra. Standard nursing bras are meant for breastfeeding, where pumping bras are designed for both pumping and nursing. A standard nursing bra will have clasps near the top of the bra cup that unsnap easily, providing access to the nipple without having to remove your bra. A pumping bra provides the same access, while also providing inserts for your pump flange, leaving you to pump hands free!

While there are hacks that can make a standard nursing bra a pumping bra, to get the most efficient and comfortable pumping session, you will need a pumping bra. Pumping bras can be worn all day, just like a nursing bra, so you aren’t stuck switching bras at the beginning and end of every pump session.

While you can pump without a pumping bra, life is so much easier with one! Without a pumping bra, you would have to hold the flange to your breast for the entire pumping session, being sure to keep the flange flesh against your breast. Depending on your day, you would probably have to do one breast at a time to keep one hand free.

Instead of enduring that, a pumping bra allows you to pump hands free. Whether you are using an attached or wireless pump, a pumping bra gives you the freedom to complete other tasks while pumping. Who wants to turn down having a little extra time?

Knowing what size pumping bra to get can be tricky, especially if you are still pregnant! Your body is going to go through so many changes as you begin your breastfeeding journey. A good rule of thumb is to size up one size from your pre-pregnancy size. This should allow you the space to feel comfortable while also being able to use your pumping bra effectively.

Here at Willow, we aim to support moms through their breastfeeding journey - however it may look! From nipple creams to pumping bras, our pumps and accessories are made with moms at the center. Bring us along your journey - we are here to support you! Not sure which pump is right for you?