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.

The Pump Strap works with all single and double electric breast pump manufacturers, including Medela, Ameda, Lansinoh, and Spectra. Our tester loved the large slits that made it easy to get Spectra S2 Plus flanges through, though the bra was more challenging with the wireless Elvie breast pump. I used this frequently with my first child when I was pumping at work,” our tester said. “It was easy to put on and [take] off, especially without the straps. You can just pull down your regular bra and wrap this around your waist, zip up, and then pull [up] over your chest.” While our tester rated this bra highly for its comfort and lounge-worthy material, it doesn’t offer much in the support department, which is why we rated a 2.5 for that attribute. But when it comes to sleeping, the more relaxed fit gives your breasts the space to move and shift while you toss and turn between feedings. Testing Notes: “I used underwire nursing bras from other popular brands, and this was far superior (it's also more expensive). The main reason is the fit—my breast fills the cup—no gaps, and no spilling over.”and below: We don't recommend nursing bras with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Tested the Best Nursing Bras You should buy your maternity bra between 4 and 6 months into your pregnancy. When you buy your bra, it should fit on the tightest hook - as your rib cage will decrease in size after the birth of your baby. As your body grows through months 6-9, you can adjust the bra with your changing size. We also offer bra extenders as an option to allow you to increase band sizing options as needed. Support: During pregnancy and while nursing, La Leche League International (LLLI), an organization that provides education and support to breastfeeding mothers worldwide, recommends looking for bras that are well-fitting and supportive but not restricting, as too-tight fabrics could contribute to pain or clogged milk ducts. We chose maternity bras that offer enough support but won’t be overly tight and prioritized styles that deliver sufficient support without using underwire. Wearing underwire bras is a personal choice during pregnancy (some moms-to-be find they hate the feeling, but others appreciate the extra support underwire provides), although La Leche League International recommends avoiding underwire at least during the early months of nursing, at which point you’re more prone to plugged ducts. Because of this, we ensured that each maternity bra on our list is underwire-free.

Love your ideas and insight. And I, too, am a Denver girl, so I feel your pain, longing for spring and summer! I’m over the winter maternity blahs! Our tester said the underwire worked for her and gave her a perky, lifted look that was attractive underneath her clothing. We rated this bra 5 out of 5 for fit and comfort, as our tester noted that her breasts sat comfortably in the cups without creating a gap or bunching. The smooth mesh also covered the underwire to prevent quintessential underwire poking. While she loved wearing this bra underneath blouses and dresses, it is hand-wash only, which is not very convenient for busy parents. B Free Intimate Apparel carries the best quality maternity and nursing bras in Australia. Created in a luxe bamboo blend fabric, our bras ensure complete comfort for all stages of motherhood. We cover sizes from 8B-26H, and carry an array of colours and styles. If you are looking for the best in support, comfort and convenience, the B Free nursing and maternity wire free collection is for you. For more sizing information, you can view our Bra Size Chart. Pumping bras can help you make the most of your time as you feed your baby, freeing up your hands for other tasks as they hold up the pump parts and bottles. The best pumping bras are easy to use, provide excellent support and comfort, and feature universal breast pump compatibility.After R was born, I rarely wore strapless bras. In roughly nine months, I had gone from a 32A to a D cup size. My boobs felt heavy, huge, and frankly, I wasn’t sure what to do with them. I couldn’t stand the feeling of going bra-less, even to bed. So a strapless bra always felt, well… horrible. Not nearly supportive enough. For a discreet nursing and pumping bra, the Auden All-in-One bra takes the cake because the top layer has removable pads that hide the telltale lines of the pump access holes on the inner layer. What’s more, the nylon and spandex fabric feels nice against the skin and holds up well in the washer without sacrificing color quality. With its contoured shoulder straps, the underwire-free nursing and pumping bra is also sturdy and supportive. “The shoulder straps are contoured (but not in a frumpy way) to help distribute the weight and strain of engorged breasts and pumping bottles—that feature sets it apart from other options,” explained our tester, who wore the bra around her home, running errands, and even during a light workout.