The Best Nursing and Pumping Bras for Breastfeeding Mamas
Hey pregnant and postpartum breastfeeding mamas! I see you out there figuring out this crazy thing called breastfeeding, feeding baby day and night, asking - is she getting enough? Will I ever have my boobs to myself again? Cleaning those pump flanges around the clock… ay!!!
My breastfeeding journey was one of the hardest pieces of postpartum, but also a piece of my story that I hold dear. When I had my first, I had no idea how HARD my nursing journey was going to be. My son had oral ties that made breastfeeding extremely painful (like, more than just that “your nipples need to get used to it” pain), I never knew if he was getting enough because he would spit up 4 times after nearly every 45-minute long feeding, which meant I couldn’t put him down for 30 minutes or so after those middle-of-the-night feedings, only for him to wake up 30 minutes later for his next feed.
WHEW! did I feel like A walking set of boobies for those first few months. (BTW - you can read my full postpartum story here - it was HARD - and it’s a huge reason why I feel so passionate about supporting postpartum moms with pelvic floor issues along with ALLLL the transformational experiences of new motherhood)
With all my poor little nipples were going through, having comfortable nursing attire was a MUST - and investing in a few nice pieces gave me confidence in my superpower of being able to feed my baby any and everywhere (against ALL odds!).
Not only did having nice, super comfy nursing bras give me a little dopamine hit, but did you know that the bras you wear can literally contribute to breastfeeding complications like mastitis and clogged ducts? Wearing a bra that is too tight, the wrong material, or the wrong fit can put you at risk of some of these unpleasantries, and my gosh, breastfeeding is hard enough, is it not?
I’m sharing all my favs here for both nursing AND pumping! Here we go.
BTW - these opinions are all my own, and links are provided to you for easy access. I do not gain any commission from you using these links - they are simply provided to you for your convenience to find the best nursing and pumping bras for you!
The best clip-down maternity and nursing bra
The Everything Bra from Bodily
When I say this bra saved me from postpartum depression, it’s not an understatment. (OK, maybe it is a LITTLE). I remember one of my darkest days postpartum, about two weeks in, in so much pain and horrified what was happening to my body. I took a delicious bath and slipped on these panties and this bra - YES, it is comfy enough to sleep in - and felt like a brand new person.
I love the thoughtfulness behind Bodily’s lactation products - They work with lactation consultants to design materials that are soft on sensitive nipples during those early breastfeeding days (and long nights), and stretchy/intentionally unsupportive enough to help prevent mastitis and clogged ducts.
Its wonderful for maternity as it’s stretchy enough to accommodate your fluctuating breast size. The clips are truly easy to attach/detach one-handed. If you’re looking for clip-down access for nursing, this is the BEST and most comfortable clip-down maternity and nursing bra out there.
The best pull-down maternity and nursing bras without clips
This bra has all the benefits of the Everything Bra, but with pull-down access instead of clips. This maternity and nursing pull-down bra was not available when I was nursing my first baby, but it’s ABSOLUTELY going into rotation for the next baby.
Baobei Body Adore Maternity and Nursing bralette and Checker maternity and Nursing bralette
These bralettes are SO comfy for maternity - they somehow master the art of being stretchy enough to accomodate an expanding ribcage WITHOUT riding up over your breasts. They are the perfect pull-down style bralette, comfy enough for lounging, and sleeping in. Contrary to the Effortless and Everything Bras, it’s a pull-on style which works better if you want to lounge around the house with some high waist pajama pants or leggings and still feel decent.
The best bra to feel cute lounging around in
This was a later-postpartum purchase for me when my nipples had desensitized a bit, my baby was latching more effectively, and my oversupply had regulated. If you use this early postpartum, I highly recommend inserting bamboo breast pads / nipple covers to keep only the softest stuff on your nipples, and also to prevent stains to this fabric.
The pull up or pull down design along with snaps gives this bra some mega versatility while being cute enough to wear on its own (or with an open oversized button down as a second layer)
The Allie Bra can be worn as a bra or crop top - their whole thing is “A bra you can answer the door in,” Which is SO needed when you’ve got visitors delivering meals. My favorite features: Cuteness- there is something to be said about wearing something that makes you feel YOU and makes you comfy and cozy. I have continued wearing mine to sleep in during my current pregnancy, it’s THAT comfortable. Cons: If you’re taller, this will definitely fit more like a bra than a crop top / long-line design as pictured, and the stretchiness, while super comfy, does lend itself to a good bit of riding up.
The best Pumping Bras with clip down access
Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping and Nursing Bra
These are popular for a reason! When I started pumping more often, I really craved a bra I could nurse my baby in in the morning as usual without having to change bras to pump when I went to go see clients. These bras have clip down access for nursing, with a layer with a hole for pump flanges. They also work great with wearable pumps too - I found that nursing bras were too stretchy to hold mine in place to get effective output from my Elvie Stride.
The downsides: I find these bras can feel like a LOT with all the material and extra padding (Pro tip: take the padding out), and I don’t think they are best for the early postpartum weeks. I would stick to one of the soft Bodily Nursing bras and then switch to a pumping bra if I were to pump… which may defeat the purpose of this all-in-one bra for you. That being said, once your supply has regulated, and especially if you are going back to work and pumping a lot, you’ll want at least one of these on hand.
The best pumping and nursing bra/crop for active and swimming
3 in 1 Ribbed Amelia Pumping & Nursing Cami by Davin and Adley
I LIVED in these last summer. I love that it is stretchy enough to pull down for nursing access and also accomodates flanges without feeling too… lumpy and, well, matronly. When you are nursing round the clock and pumping, you start to feel like you’re nothing but a milk maid real quick. Having these crops to pair with some high waisted shorts made me feel a little more like myself, AND was so practical for the summer heat. If you live in a hot climate (like me in New Orleans!) these will be your best friend for your daily walks during baby’s naps.
Once again, I recommend these for later in your nursing journey as the material is not suited as much for those early, super sensitive nipples. If you are going to wear a top like this early on, I recommend only using it for a couple hours at a time.
The best Pumping Bras without clips
The Larken X Bra is another cute crop top style that can be worn for lounging or under your usual clothes is another nursing/pumping hybrid WITHOUT all the crazy clips! I did not have one of these during my first nursing journey, but it has been my go-to pumping bra during my second postpartum. This is a great choice if you want to avoid the pesky clips, have a smoother appearance, and personally for me - to be able to wear it as a top on its own with high waist pants or under a button down… which is kind of my signature postpartum look.
Kindred Bravely Bamboo Hands free Pumping lounge and sleep bra
This one I don’t currently own, BUT I have a similar one from Hatch Maternity that has been discontinued (but you may be able to find on Poshmark, like I did :) If you haven’t figured this out by now, I am a little biased toward bras that don’t have the clips- but that’s just me! If you’re looking for a pumping bra sans clips, this is worth a shot!
Once again, I don’t own this one, but the one downside of this style of bra was that it didn’t lay flat under a more fitted shirt, BUT - it was super duper comfy. If you’re an exclusive pumper, especially if you’re pumping through the night, I’d absolutely give this hands free (and clip-free) pumping bra a try.
There you have it, mama! Those are my absolute favs for nursing and pumping.
BTW - Hi!!! I’m Dr. Jackie Joy, your preconception to postpartum bestie. I am a pelvic floor physical therapist in New Orleans helping mamas navigate fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and all things pelvic floor during every stage of motherhood. I’d love for you to join my Juicy News Email List and follow along on Instagram to get all the juicy info you could possibly need about navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.
If you’re looking for more support on your fertility, pregnancy , or postpartum journey - whether that’s to understand your pelvic floor and how to keep it healthy during this season of new motherhood, fueling your body’s nutrition needs as you grow your family, how to exercise during and post-pregnancy, or preparing and recovering from birth, I’m your girl! Take a look around and reach out to say hello!
So where to next?
You might want to read these blog posts next:
The best exercises to prepare for labor - Everything you need to know about preparing your pelvic floor for labor
The Best Pelvic Floor Exercises for Pregnancy - Busting myths about the pelvic floor during pregnancy and how you can keep pesky issues like leaking and pain at bay
My favorite Postpartum Physical Therapy Exercises - The best place to start when returning to exercise postpartum
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Prenatal Vitamin - The basics of perinatal nutrition and how to choose the right prenatal for your pregnancy journey
