Do You Need a Pumping Bra? A Hands-Free Expressing Guide

Do You Need a Pumping Bra?

If you express milk more than once or twice a day, a pumping bra is worth considering. Holding flanges against your breasts for 15–20 minutes per session gets tiring quickly, especially when you're doing it multiple times daily.

A hands-free pumping bra lets you eat, work, scroll your phone, or simply rest while your pump does its job. For mums returning to work who need to pump during breaks, it's close to essential — you'll want both hands free to eat lunch or catch up on emails.

That said, if you only pump occasionally (once a day or less), you may find that holding the flanges manually works fine. There's no rule that says every breastfeeding mum needs one.

When a pumping bra makes a real difference

• Returning to work: Pumping during breaks means you need hands free for other tasks
• Exclusive pumping: Multiple daily sessions add up — holding flanges for 60+ minutes a day isn't sustainable
• Tandem pumping: Double-pumping (both breasts simultaneously) is nearly impossible without hands-free support
• Night pumping: Less to hold means less chance of dozing off and spilling expressed milk

When you might not need one

• You only pump once a day or less
• You prefer single-side pumping and don't mind holding one flange
• Your pump has a wearable or in-bra design that doesn't need external support

Pumping Bra vs Nursing Bra vs Combination: What's the Difference?

A standard nursing bra has drop-down clips for breastfeeding but can't hold pump flanges in place. A dedicated pumping bra has reinforced openings or slots designed specifically to grip flanges securely.

A combination nursing and pumping bra does both — it has nursing clips for direct feeding and built-in flange openings for expressing. This means one bra covers feeding and pumping without needing to change.

Feature	Nursing Bra	Pumping Bra	Combination (Nursing + Pumping)
Drop-down clips for feeding	✓	✗	✓
Holds pump flanges hands-free	✗	✓	✓
Wearable all day	✓	Sometimes	✓
Works with most breast pumps	N/A	✓	✓
Best for	Direct breastfeeding only	Dedicated pumping sessions	Mums who both feed and pump

The practical takeaway: If you both breastfeed and pump, a combination bra is the most versatile option. You get one bra that handles both jobs without needing to change between feeds and expressing sessions.

How Does Hands-Free Pumping Work?

Hands-free pumping works by securing your breast pump flanges against your breasts using a bra with reinforced openings or a snug elastic band. The bra creates a seal between the flange and your skin, maintaining suction without you needing to hold anything.

Step by step

1. Put on your pumping bra (or combination nursing/pumping bra)
2. Attach your pump flanges through the openings in the bra
3. Press the flanges flat against your breasts and ensure a seal
4. Turn on your pump — the bra holds everything in place
5. Use your free hands for whatever you need

Most hands-free pumping bras work with standard breast pumps from brands like Medela, Spectra, and Philips Avent. Check the flange opening size to make sure it's compatible with your pump.

What to Look for in a Pumping Bra

Not all pumping bras are created equal. Here's what matters most:

Secure flange grip

The openings need to hold your flanges firmly without slipping. If the seal breaks, you lose suction and milk. Look for reinforced or elasticised openings rather than simple slits in fabric.

Comfortable enough to wear all day

If you're choosing a combination nursing and pumping bra, you'll wear it for hours. It should feel as comfortable as your regular nursing bra — soft fabric, no digging, and supportive enough for everyday movement.

Compatible with your pump

Check that the flange openings fit your specific pump's flange size. Most standard flanges are 24mm or 27mm, but sizes vary between brands.

Wire-free design

Wire-free pumping bras reduce the risk of blocked ducts caused by pressure on breast tissue during expressing. Most lactation consultants recommend avoiding underwire while pumping.

Easy nursing access

If you're choosing a combination bra, make sure the nursing clips work smoothly with one hand. You don't want to wrestle with clips while holding your baby.

Cake Maternity Pumpkin: A Nursing and Pumping Bra in One

The Cake Maternity Pumpkin is a combination nursing and pumping bra designed to handle both jobs. It's wire-free, has drop-down nursing clips, and features built-in openings for hands-free pumping with most standard breast pumps.

What we like about it

• Dual purpose: Nurse and pump without changing bras — pull-aside cups for feeding, flange openings for expressing
• Wire-free comfort: Safe for all-day wear without pressure on milk ducts
• Affordable entry point: At $64.90 AUD, it's one of the more accessible combination options in Australia
• Seamless design: Sits smoothly under clothing so you can wear it to work or out of the house

Who it suits best

The Pumpkin works well for mums who pump once or twice a day alongside regular breastfeeding. If you're exclusively pumping 6+ times daily, you might want a dedicated pumping bra with more rigid flange support — but for most combination feeders, the Pumpkin handles both jobs in one bra.

Sizing note

The Pumpkin comes in sizes S–XL rather than traditional cup/band sizing. Check the Mumgerie sizing guide for help finding your size.

Pumping Tips for Australian Mums Returning to Work

• Start pumping 2–3 weeks before you go back to build a freezer stash and get comfortable with your pump
• Know your rights: Under Australian workplace law, employers must provide reasonable facilities for breastfeeding or expressing, including time and a private space
• Pump at the times you'd normally feed to maintain your supply — most mums pump every 3–4 hours during a workday
• Keep pump parts in the fridge between sessions rather than washing each time (wash thoroughly at the end of the day)
• A hands-free pumping bra makes work-pumping practical — you can eat, check emails, or simply rest during your expressing break

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular nursing bra for pumping?

A regular nursing bra isn't designed to hold pump flanges in place, so you'd need to hold them manually. Some mums cut small holes in an old sports bra as a DIY solution, but a purpose-built pumping or combination bra gives a more secure seal and is easier to use long-term.

How many pumping bras do I need?

Most mums find two pumping bras are enough — one to wear and one in the wash. If you pump frequently and want a spare, three gives you a comfortable rotation.

Do pumping bras work with all breast pumps?

Most hands-free pumping bras work with standard flanges from major pump brands (Medela, Spectra, Philips Avent, Lansinoh). Check the flange opening measurements against your specific pump's flange size before buying.

When should I buy a pumping bra?

Buy your pumping bra in the last month of pregnancy or during the first few weeks postpartum, once your milk supply is establishing and you know which pump you'll use. Your postpartum size may differ from your pregnancy size, so buying too early can mean the wrong fit.

Is it safe to pump and nurse in the same bra?

Yes. Combination nursing and pumping bras are designed for exactly this — nursing clips for direct feeding and flange openings for expressing. There's no safety concern with using one bra for both purposes.

Can I sleep in a pumping bra?

A soft combination nursing/pumping bra can be worn overnight, but most dedicated pumping bras with rigid flange openings aren't comfortable enough for sleep. If you need overnight support, consider a separate sleep nursing bra for nighttime.