Nursing Bra Guide

The Pumping Bra Hack

How to turn your nursing bra into a hands-free pumping bra (without destroying your bra)
The Pumping Bra Hack

In my 4.5 years of breastfeeding and pumping, I've purchased just ONE pumping bra. It never worked out for me. 

It was uncomfortable to wear, and I found it too much of a chore to remove my nursing bra and put on a pumping bra for every session. For the uninitiated, you have to pump or breastfeed every 3 hours around the clock (yes, we mean 24/7, including through the night) - which adds up to at least 7x a day.

Then, I discovered a simple pumping bra hack that allows you to convert your regular nursing bra or nursing tank into a hands-free pumping bra. I haven’t looked back since. 

The pumping bra hack is as easy as it gets—all you need is a nursing bra or nursing tank - the key is that it must come with nursing clips and a supportive inner sling, like our Luxe Nursing Bra, Soft Ribbed Nursing Tank, or Nursing Dress.

Unlike other methods that involve cutting holes into your bra, this one keeps your nursing bras completely intact.

Here's how :)

1. Unclip your nursing bra
2. Pull the inner sling across your breast towards the middle of your chest
3. Place the flange on your nipple and let go of the inner sling (the sling will hold the flange in place from the inside)
4. Wrap the outer fabric around the flange and clip it back on (this will hold the flange in place from the outside) 
5. If needed, tighten the bra straps for a more secure fit :)

We also uploaded a step-by-step video on our IG @ourmbrace:

One caveat: exclusively pumping moms might be better off investing in a good pumping bra.

But if you're a combo feeding mom like myself, I highly recommend trying this hack! 

Products worn in photos above:   The Nursing Dress (size S), Luxe Nursing Bra (size S) + nursing-friendly Daily Ribbed Tank (size XS)

About the author: Claire is a nursing bra specialist, designer and founder of Canadian maternity brand Embrace. She is a mother of two and has spent a total of four years breastfeeding her babies. Understanding firsthand the unique needs (and woes) of breastfeeding mothers, Claire has made it her life's mission to help make mothers' breastfeeding journey a little more comfortable.