Since you’ve starting using your Spectra pump you’ve realized some bras simply don’t work well with your unit. Finding the best pumping bra for Spectra pump can be challenging. I found The Dairy Fairy Rose Handsfree Bra works very well.
Pumping breast milk is not as easy as many mothers would like to believe. Many times, you’re stuck holding two bottles to your breasts, waiting for them to fill up. Using a hands-free pumping bra saves you time and frustrations.
- My Top Picks
- Picking the Best Pumping Bra for Spectra: The What, The Why, and The How
- Best Overall – The Dairy Fairy Rose Handsfree Pumping & Nursing Bra
- Best Support – Hands Free Pumping Bra for Breast Pumps – Adjustable Spandex Pumping Bustier
- Best for Easy Use – Pump Strap Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
- Best to Use on Nursing Bras – BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women Hands-Free Clip and Pump Strapless Nursing Bra Accessory
- Best for Sensitive Skin –Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra/DLITE by Simple Wishes
- FAQHow many pumping bras do I need?
- Conclusion
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – The Dairy Fairy Rose Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra
- Best Support – Hands Free Pumping Bra for Breast Pumps – Adjustable Spandex Bustier
- Best for Easy Use – Pump Strap Hands Free Pumping and Nursing Bra
- Best to Use on Nursing Bra – BRAVADO! DESIGNS Hand Free Pumping Bra
- Best for Sensitive Skin – Simple Wishes DLITE Hands Free Pumping Bra
Picking the Best Pumping Bra for Spectra: The What, The Why, and The How
Pumping bras let you express milk in comfort. They come with different features so it helps to know what they are when picking the right bra. How you use your pumping bra is what makes or breaks a successful experience! Read on to find out more, what types are available on the market and what to look for in a pumping bra. And why some don’t work with Spectra pumps.
What is a Breast Pump Bra?
A breast pump bra has to be one of the best inventions for pumping moms! And they can also be used for nursing your baby. While not the most attractive fashion piece, they serve their purpose well. An opening on each bra cup allows you to unclip and expose your nipples for the pump to be attached. It’s that simple. No more hassling to tug off bra straps or fiddling with difficult hooks. You can pump two bottles at the same time. Or, you can feed your baby on the one breast while pumping on the other. The breast pump bra gives you the freedom to use your hands for other things – finish the email, hold your baby or sip on that much needed cup of tea.
Why Should You Use Spectra-Specific Pumping Bras?
The Spectra pump has a different design to other pumps. In most pumps the flanges come in two pieces. This means you can easily slip the shield of the pump into a pumping bra and attach the connecter and bottle afterwards. With the Spectra pump, the flanges come in one piece and they don’t fit easily into the small holes of most pumping bras. Which is why you may decide to only purchase Spectra-specific pumping bras. But some pumping bras work well with the Spectra pump so don’t give up searching just yet.
How to Pick a Pumping Bra: What Should I Look For?
Certain features make one such bra better than another. Look out for these features when deciding which bra is the best one for you:
- Size of openings: This is important when using the Spectra pump. While all the products reviewed have slits large enough to take the Spectra pump the BRAVADO! DESIGNS Hand Free Pumping Bra slits were smaller. Users complained that the openings of the Hands Free Pumping Bra for Breast Pumps – Adjustable Spandex Bustier are far apart, making it difficult to position the bottles comfortably.
- Fits larger breasts: The Dairy Fairy Rose Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra can take larger breasts but doesn’t hold its shape well. This Hands Free Pumping Bra with Adjustable Spandex Bustier and Pump Strap Hands Free Pumping and Nursing Bra are both good for larger breasts. The BRAVADO! DESIGNS’s and Simple Wishes DLITE Hands Free Pumping Bra are not ideal.
- Support for bottles: The Pump Strap Hands Free Pumping and Nursing Bra was best for supporting heavy, full bottles as are the BRAVADO! DESIGNS’s and Hands Free Pumping Bra with Adjustable Spandex Bustier.
Best Overall – The Dairy Fairy Rose Handsfree Pumping & Nursing Bra
This product works for all major brands of pumps (including Spectra). It’s an all-in-one bra with a one-hand nursing clip and hidden flange opening. Not only is it functional but it’s attractive as far as pumping bras go! There are no zips, Velcro or pulleys exist on this bra. It allows for double handsfree pumping with easy access openings. And, thanks to its lace accent, you’ll feel beautiful wearing one of these.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for mothers looking for a pumping bra to wear during the day or at night time.
Why You Should Consider It
This light and comfortable bra can be worn all day and at night-time. Breast pads can be inserted comfortably for breast leaks. The soft and smooth fabric is gentle on the skin. The extended hook and eye closure are fully adjustable and the bra straps can be worn in 3 styles – wide, narrow or crossed over the back.
Product Information
- Color: White and gray
- Care instructions: Machine washable on cold
- Materials: Spandex and lycra
Pros
- Suitable for large breasts
- Flexible and lightweight fabric
- Shows no lines under dresses and shirts
Cons
- Bottom band curls up
- Shoulder straps can slip off
- Doesn’t hold the shape of large breasts
Best Support – Hands Free Pumping Bra for Breast Pumps – Adjustable Spandex Pumping Bustier
Made with 88% high-count polyester and 12% spandex microfibre knit, this pumping bra is fashionable, fun, and comfortable. Made in Canada, these bras are soft against your skin. The 3-row hook and eye closure make it easy to adjust the size of your bra. The straps are convertible and can be worn in 4 different ways.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for pumping mothers looking for maximum comfort while still feeling beautiful.
Why You Should Consider It
The no-stitch flange openings accommodate all brands of breast pumps. They offer the perfect amount of support. This maximizes the milk output. You can insert the flange easily, with one hand, without taking apart the flange and bottle.
Product Information
- Color: Polka dots in different colors
- Care instructions: Wash by hand or machine in cool water/do not tumble dry/do not iron/no bleach
- Materials: Polyester and spandex
Pros
- Durable and breathable
- Quick-drying
- Excellent stretch and doesn’t sag
Cons
- Openings are far apart making it difficult to place flanges correctly
- May battle to hold full bottles without pulling down
- Hooks can be difficult to use
Best for Easy Use – Pump Strap Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra
This bra can be worn by itself or over a nursing bra. It fits all women sizes and adjusts with a sturdy Velcro closure. The style is not the conventional bra style but rather a strap worn over the breasts. An extra bra strap is included for extra support. The leak-free design adds to the comfort of using this bra. The easy pull-on/pull-off design means fewer hassles when you’re in a rush.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for the nursing mother who’s dealing with weight changes with her postpartum pregnancy body.
Why You Should Consider It
The bra’s natural compression increases tightness which means you can increase the milk flow while maintaining suction. The breast openings are easy to maneuver with one hand and the pump flanges are inserted easily & quickly.
Product Information
- Color: Black
- Care instructions: Machine washable / hang to dry
- Materials: Not specified
Pros
- Fits large breasts comfortably
- Sturdy for heavier bottles
- Easy to use design
Cons
- Velcro is loud when pulling apart (disturbs light sleepers)
- Bottom band can crease under after several wears
- Strong toxic smell when new
Best to Use on Nursing Bras – BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women Hands-Free Clip and Pump Strapless Nursing Bra Accessory
The snug fit of this bra ensures bottles are positioned for optimal suction. The design allows for easy attachment to nursing bras. You can pump on one side and breastfeed on the other side comfortably. This soft, breathable bra is designed to fit securely onto the brand’s nursing bra with 8 clips.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for mothers wearing nursing bras and not wanting to remove them when pumping.
Why You Should Consider It
The design of this bra is engineered for easy insertion of breast shield without having to remove it from the bottle. It’s available in sizes from small to x-large. The elastic enforced figure 8 opening holds the bottles in an upright position without them sagging or leaning over.
Product Information
- Color: Dusted peony
- Care instructions: Machine washable on cold cycle/hang to dry
- Materials: Nylon and spandex
Pros
- Good support
- Easy to put on
- Not bulky at all
- Well-priced
Cons
- Not suitable for larger breasts
- Openings are small making it difficult to insert large flanges
- Optional straps not included
Best for Sensitive Skin –Hands Free Breast Pumping Bra/DLITE by Simple Wishes
As the body changes, this bra can be adjusted up to 10” around the ribcage using a secure Velcro back panel. This means a perfect fit every time you pump. The elastic reinforcement at the top of the bra also adds to a secure fit. It can be worn strapless or with straps which are included for extra support. 1” center panels are available separately if you need help achieving the perfect fit.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for mothers who suffer from skin irritations easily.
Why You Should Consider It
Four overlapping layers of fabric keep this bra secure while maintaining a strong seal for the bottles. Your breasts are covered discreetly at the same time.
Product Information
- Color: Black
- Care instructions: Machine washable/cold/gentle cycle/hang to dry/do not iron
- Materials: 83% cotton and 17% spandex
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Affordable
- Holds bottles comfortably
Cons
- Stretches more than it should so it needs constant adjusting
- No size charts
- Not suitable for large breasts
FAQ
How many pumping bras do I need?
This depends on how often you do your laundry. For convenience’s sake, 2 to 3 pumping bras should be adequate but if you choose to get more nobody stopping you.
Why Medela pumping bras won’t work for a Spectra?
The Medela pumping bra has been designed to take pumps with two parts. The openings of the Medela pumping bra are smaller and make it difficult for the insertion of the Spectra pump. You’ll end up tearing the openings.
Conclusion
Not only did The Dairy Fairy Rose Handsfree Pumping and Nursing Bra have all the features of a good pumping bra but its lacy look will make any nursing mother feel beautiful. Choosing the best pumping bra for Spectra pumps need not be such a challenge. If you had to pick one of the bras in this review, which one would be your best pick?
In case you’re into a postpartum phase in your life, perhaps you might be wondering Always versus Depends for controlling postpartum bleeding?
Last update on 2024-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
