3 Reasons Nursing Mamas Need the Lotus Hands-Free Pumping Bra

If you’re preparing for a baby, decision fatigue can quickly set in. There’s no shortage of baby gear on the market, and it can become overwhelming to sort through all of the options.
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Some items are non-negotiable. You’ll absolutely need a car seat, diapers, clothes, etc. Some baby gear is more-or-less optional. I’m looking at you, Wipes Warmer.

But if you’re planning to breastfeed, nursing bras are on my list of non-negotiables. Planning to pump? You might even want to add a few pumping bras to your registry. 

Nursing Bra 101

Nursing bras look like your normal bra (they’ve come a long way in recent years!), but they provide easy access for your baby to nurse. Nursing bras can feature:

1. Clips (unsnap the cup and it flips down)
2. V-shaped design (the fabric is tucked out of the way during nursing sessions)

Some nursing bras feature underwires, while some look more like a sports bra, which are more comfortable for sleeping. 

Stocking Up on Nursing Bras

Wondering how many you need? At a minimum, four is ideal – two for daytime use and two for nighttime. This allows you to have a fresh bra while you launder the others. As your body adjusts to nursing, you may experience milk leaks – which is 100% normal. Nursing pads can help prevent messes, but depending on how long you leak, you may opt to purchase more bras up front.

You may also need different types of nursing bras: fancy ones (because why not?), sleeping ones, one for working out, and one (or two) for pumping. 

A tip on leaks: If you leak a lot, try a Haakaa to collect your letdown during nursing sessions. You can also double up on nursing pads. 

Pumping Bras

 Nursing bras are designed with … well… nursing in mind. While you can pump in a nursing bra, a regular nursing bra won’t hold your flanges for you. A pumping bra will though! Pumping bras are designed to secure the pump flanges in place while using your breast pump. Because the bras hold the flanges, it allows you hands-free time while you pump.

How to Choose a Bra

When shopping for a nursing or pumping bra, it’s tempting to choose what’s cute. However, there are many factors that make a bra awesome.

• Comfort. Chances are, you’ll wear this bra around the clock, even to bed! This means that comfort is essential. If it hurts when you try it on, it’ll definitely be uncomfortable 9 hours later.
• Extra hooks. Did you notice that your cup size can seemingly change overnight? Between nursing sessions, around the clock feeding, and engorgement, it seems like your breasts change size multiple times a day. Some nursing bras feature additional columns of hooks so you can find the perfect fit.
• Padding. Padding can help add a layer of security between you and a wet shirt. Why? Padding and extra linings can help absorb any extra milk in case of leaks. But don’t forget those nursing pads! ,

​3 Reasons Why Pumping Mamas Need a Pumping Bra

Nursing mamas know that nursing bras make your breastfeeding journey oh-so-easy. But if you’re an exclusive pumper (or even if pump more than you nurse), you’ll need a pumping bra.

1. Pumping bras are a working mom’s best friend. If you need to pump on your break at work, a hands-free pumping bra makes your pumping session more efficient.
2. Pumping bras free you from the couch. Pair your pumping bra with a small, portable electric pump and you can move from room to room as your pump does all the work.
3. Pumping bras reduce the risk of spilled milk. Have you ever learned over while pumping and spilled the bottle? Pumping bras hold your flanges in place, which reduces the risk of spilled milk. 

​Our Review of the Lotus Hands-free Pumping Bra

I’ve had my eye on this bra for a while, and I’m pleased to report that the Lotus Hands-Free Pumping bra didn’t disappoint.

With 3 kids and 8 years (and counting) experience of breastfeeding, I have had my fair share of horrible breastfeeding bras – bras that pucker, bras that pinch, bras that dig into my shoulders. The Lotus Hands-Free Pumping bra was not one of those.

When I unboxed the bra, my first reaction was: This is really a nursing bra? That’s because it’s super trendy looking. It looks like it could come out of a yoga catalog, but I digress.

Gear we used:

• I paired the Lotus Hands-Free Pumping bra with this electric Medela pump. The bra did exactly what it promised to do: it held my flanges in place as I roamed about the house, chasing the baby.

Why we love it:

1. While this bra is designed as a hands-free pumping bra, it rocks as a nursing bra too. The pull-aside cup is easy to move and allows baby to nurse easily – without a wad of fabric near her face.
2. The crisscross design supports your chest, so I felt bouncy. In fact, this bra held up for a 2-mile jog.
3. The fit is as described.
4. Comfortable for nighttime use.
5. It’s CUTE!
6. It features Oeko-Tek ®Standard 100 Certified materials  -- a big plus in my book!

​You can find a large selection of nursing bras, pregnancy attire, and more on the Cake Maternity site.
I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a favorite nursing or pumping bra?

Disclaimer:
The Lotus Hand-Free Pumping bra was provided generously by Cake Maternity in exchange for a fair and honest review. We never recommend products that we don’t fully believe in. You can read our full disclosure and disclaimer here.
Additionally, this blog may contain affiliate links, which add no additional cost to you, but support our blog. Thank you!