We tested 13 bras from the top brands and assessed them by wearing them day in and day out (even overnight) with a variety of hands-free and portable breast pumps for several months. We evaluated them for their fit, comfort, support, accessibility and breast pump compatibility, material, and their overall aesthetics (because even when you're pumping, you still want to wear a cute bra!). Nursing experts and IBCLCs we spoke to stressed the importance of comfort and support without compression to help you avoid a clogged duct or, worse, nasty case of mastitis. The Medela Easy Expression Bustier gave our tester mixed feelings with its comfortable fit but limited access. Perhaps because of brand synergy, it works much better with a Medela freestyle breast pump and its smaller flanges than with the Spectra S2 Plus breast pump. The zipper closure on the front of the bra makes it easy to put on and take off, and like the other bandeau pumping bras, it works over a nursing bra or no bra at all.

Double pumping is a particularly good option if you need to express frequently, because it allows you to collect more milk – 18% on average 1– than pumping from each breast in turn. Another bonus is the milk collected has a higher energy content than milk obtained by single pumping. 1 If you’re using a Medela double electric breast pump, the Easy Expression Bustier has been specially designed to fit it. Not only does the Pump Strap Pumping and Nursing Bra fit any breast size, but it’s also available in both neutral and vibrant, uplifting color options. The bandeau-style strapless bra has a removable halter strap for extra support while pumping and an adjustable closure that makes it incredibly secure—almost too much so. “The Velcro is so tight that it’s hard to get off,” our tester noted, adding that despite this small issue, she appreciated the customizable fit. The bra fits cup sizes A through K, so you don’t need to worry about your changing breast sizes. Comfortable fit: The breast cup fits over your breast inside the pump funnel. It must fit well for optimal milk drainage as well as comfort. Some pumps come with more than one cup, so you can try different sizes to find the perfect fit.Keep it clean: Clean and sanitised kit is essential for the health of your baby and the preservation of breastmilk. 'Thoroughly cleaning and sterilising the pumps and bottles is your priority,' says Bland. 'Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before you use it for the first time. And don’t forget to wash your hands.' A pumping bra essentially converts an electric breast pump into a hand-free breast pump. In comparison, a hands-free breast pump is much more discreet and sits within your bra. These breast pumps are battery-powered and express and collect milk all in one unit. Stability: The sole purpose of a pumping bra is to allow for hands-free control of breast shields and bottles. The bra should firmly hold the pump equipment without feeling wobbly or slippery. Make sure you can move around, sit, stand up, and lean forward without causing the flanges or bottles to fall. It may feel logical to use a setting which pumps faster, but if you are looking for a stronger suction, this will sound and feel slower. While higher suction works for some women, it’s not universal. For some, higher suction can reduce milk volumes and cause discomfort. It’s important to experiment and find the intensity settings that are right for you.

Testers evaluated 13 pumping bras in the comfort of their homes, at work, and even during light workouts, assessing each on comfort, fit, access, material, and support. We also followed guidance from the American Pregnancy Association. Moreover, we spoke with Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method, to determine what to look for in pumping bras. Comfort and material: There can sometimes be nothing worse than an uncomfortable bra. Nobody wants a bra that will dig in and that you are constantly having to adjust to a more comfortable position, especially when you are pumping. The material of your bra will be a major factor on the comfort scale, as you will want to make sure your choice won't irritate the sensitive skin around your chest. You will want to look for a bra that has elasticity so that it stays put while also offering support. While the bra feels like a comfortable sports bra—and fits like one, too—our tester said it might be too tight for some people, especially those in the early stages of nursing or pumping. If you’re in those early stages, we recommend sizing up. Adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure allow users to find a proper fit. Storage: Are you pumping your milk and planning to freeze or store it for later use? If so, choose a pump with storage containers or factor in the cost of buying these. If you intend to feed your baby within days, go for a pump that lets you express milk directly into a clean, sterilised bottle until you're ready to use it. The best breast pumps 2023Experience the freedom and ease of our Hands-Free Pump and Nursing Bra, making your pumping journey a breeze. Say goodbye to cumbersome pumping bras and hello to a whole new level of convenience and comfort. Because we believe that every mama deserves a hassle-free pumping experience. Keep in mind, if your baby was born prematurely or has other health concerns, your baby’s healthcare provider may have more recommendations for keeping your pump clean and sanitary. Nipple Care Items

Advances in parenting tech have been transformative for many parents. ‘Hands-free pumping means you can see to your baby without being tethered to the couch for hours on end,’ adds Bland. ‘So you can leave the house, work, walk, shop or meet friends. It frees you up to continue expressing that incredible breast milk which is providing your baby with all the nutrients they need in their first six months of life without anyone else even knowing.' What are the benefits of using a breast pump? It's not important to have a breast pump. If you're not finding it comfortable or you're having any issues, you can talk to your midwife, health visitor, GP or other healthcare worker who will advise you on the other options and routes you and your baby could use.Our Mother&Baby awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mum reviewers to test the latest products on the market.

It is easy to put on and take off thanks to its one-piece strapless design with a front zip and integrated top hook. You can hire breastfeeding pumps from hospitals and maternity units, too. These are electric pumps that are super-efficient at expressing a high volume of milk in a short period of time. What is the difference between an open and closed system pump? Finding the best breast pump for you can be difficult; unlike most baby products, you cannot go and try one out for hygiene reasons. So, our mum testers have tried all of the pumps in this article. We have also included the best pumps, as voted by real-life mums. What are the different types of breast pump? An easy-to-use nursing clasp and pull-down design makes for convenient nursing access, while pulling down a front fabric overlap reveals discreet slits for pump flanges. According to our tester, she used the Elvie Catch and Elvie Curve milk catchers with the HATCH Essential and experienced no fumbling or problems. Although you can hand express breastmilk, most mums who express often use a breast pump to collect the milk. It can help increase your milk supply too, and means your partner can share the feeding. Just bear in mind that it’s advised you don’t offer your newborn a bottle before they're six weeks old.Try self massage: Struggling to get the milk flowing? Give yourself a rub. 'Several minutes of gentle breast massage primes the breasts to produce and let-down that precious milk.'