The Best Bras for Pumping and Nursing
Hey mama! I see you figuring out this crazy thing called breastfeeding, feeding baby day and night, asking yourself, “Is she getting enough?” and “Will I ever have my boobs to myself again?” And let’s not forget…cleaning those pump flanges around the clock… ay!!! Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful parts of new motherhood, and as a mama of 2, I am sharing my top recommendations on the best bras for pumping and nursing.
As a mama of two, 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 also never knew if he was getting enough because he would spit up 4 times after nearly every 45-minute-long feeding. This meant that 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! I felt like a walking set of boobies for those first few months of my postpartum journey.
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 anywhere and everywhere (against ALL odds!).
PIN ME ⤵️
The Best Bras for Nursing and Pumping
Not only does having nice, super comfy nursing bras give you 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 of my favorite bras for pumping and nursing below!
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 understatement (okay, maybe it is a little).
I think back to one of my hardest days postpartum - I was in so much pain and horrified by what was happening to my body. I took a delicious bath and slipped on these panties and the Everything Bra from Bodily - YES, it is comfy enough to sleep in - and felt like a brand new person.
Besides this bra being so comfortable, I love the thoughtfulness behind Bodily’s lactation products. They work with lactation consultants to design materials that truly work for postpartum mamas.
What I love about the Everything Bra from Bodily
Soft on sensitive nipples during those early breastfeeding days (and long nights)
Stretchy enough to accommodate your fluctuating breast size
Intentionally unsupportive enough to help prevent mastitis and clogged ducts
Clips are easy to attach and 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
The Effortless Bra by Bodily
The Effortless Bra by Bodily was designed for 24/7 comfort and can be worn from pregnancy through postpartum. has all the benefits of the Everything Bra, but with pull-down access instead of clips.
What I love about the Effortless Bra from Bodily
Ultra-soft, super stretchy fabric
Flattering V-neck
Wears like a real bralette
The pull-down nursing access means you don’t have to fumble with clips
Fabric tested to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100
LoveSteady Maternity & Nursing Bralettes
I highly recommend the LoveSteady Adore and LoveSteady Checker maternity and nursing bralettes!
These pull-down style bralettes are soooo comfy for lounging and sleeping in - they somehow master the art of being stretchy enough to accommodate an expanding ribcage WITHOUT riding up over your breasts.
The Best Bra for Lounging Around in
The Allie Bra by The Little Milk Bar
The Allie Bra 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 on this fabric.
What I love about the Allie Bra by The Little Milk Bar
The pull-up or pull-down design, along with snaps, gives this bra mega versatility
Cute enough to wear on its own (or with an open oversized button-down as a second layer)
Can be worn as a bra or crop top - the company’s whole vibe is “A bra you can answer the door in,” Which is SO needed when you’ve got visitors delivering meals
Comfortable enough to sleep in
I do want to point out the one con to this bra - 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 Bra 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 wanted a bra I could wear to nurse in the morning, without having to change bras to pump when I went to go work with my pelvic floor clients.
What I love about the Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Bra
Clip-down access for nursing
A layer with a hole for pump flanges
Work great with wearable pumps
The downsides: I find these bras can feel like a LOT with all the material and extra padding so I tended to take the padding out!
I personally wouldn’t recommend this bra 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 for Active and Swimming
3 in 1 Ribbed Amelia Pumping & Nursing Cami by Davin and Adley
I LIVED in this 3 in 1 Ribbed Amelia Bra during the summer. I love that it is stretchy enough to pull down for nursing access and also accommodates flanges without feeling too… lumpy and, well…matronly.
When you are nursing around the clock and pumping, you start to feel like you’re nothing but a milkmaid real quick. Having these crop tops 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 Bra Without Clips
Larken X Bra
The Larken X Bra is another cute crop top style that can be worn for lounging around the house, or under your usual clothes. It is another nursing/pumping hybrid WITHOUT all the crazy clips!
I did not have one of these during my first nursing journey, but it was 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.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, mama, finding the best bras for pumping and nursing is about comfort, function, and giving yourself a little grace during one of the most demanding seasons of motherhood.
Whether you're clipping down at 3 a.m. or pumping between meetings at work, the right bra can make this journey feel just a little more manageable.
Give yourself permission to invest in pieces that support you, because you're doing something amazing, and you deserve to feel good while you do it!
Hi! I'm Dr. Jackie Roelofs — 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.
If you're craving 1:1 support during pregnancy or postpartum, fill out a contact form, and I'll reach out to you within 2 business days.
Next on Your Reading List
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
If you want to stay connected, make sure to follow me on Instagram @drjuicyjackie for more expert (and no-TMI) postpartum advice.]
You've got this mama — and your body is so much more capable than you've been told.
