Anyone have advice on a hands free bra for pumping?
I tried the rubber bands and they didn't provide the pressure to keep suction. I didn't try the sports bras because I didn't want uniboob or to have to take off my shirt to put it on. I decided to purchanse the PumpEase band (it had hooks in the front and a very pretty pattern) and I loved at after my first session. I was able to pay bills and move around without losing suction or spilling. Excellect recommendation. Thanks.
Hi -- don't know if anyone suggested this, but you can take an old sports bra and cut little "x"s in it where you nipples are and make one -- lot cheaper than buying them. T.
I used a PumpEase band. You put it over whatever bra you're wearing. It made everything so much easier because my hands were free. I make dinner, blow dry my hair, check my e-mail, eat, etc all while pumping. You can find them at www.pumpease.com
I loved this pumping bra. (pumped for 10 mos with this garmet & would have never made it that long without it!)
http://www.easyexpressionproducts.com/
I tell all my "new mommy" friends about it.
I give them this site to actually order the product from if a retailer isn't nearby.
http://www.selfexpressions.com/eaexbuhafrpu.html
The great thing about the above site it that it also carries replacement pumping parts, like those membranes you're supposed to change out frequently to get the best results from your pump.
With this zip front bustier, I could answer work emails & other desk tasks while I pumped. (I also pumped at work) The hair bands might work well if you keep your arms down at your side or don't move a lot to break the suction. I needed something that held the pump "horns" in place.
Good luck to you!
Hi K. - I found this handy tip that works better and cheaper than those hands free bras!
http://babylovesyourmilk.com/hands-free-breast-pumping.htm
the pics are not super clear, but I think you can figure it out. I have the Medela PIS and I can use this with any nursing bra. HTH!
Jen
You can also cut some holes in an old sports bra to make your own for free!
medela makes a hands free bustier I really liked. Good luck!
I did exactly what Mary F did.
I have heard many of the women from my Le Leche League meeting say to just buy a cheat sports bra and cut little holes in to the bra and slip the pump in! Cheap, easy and it works great!
You do not have to buy a special bra. While wearing a nursing bra fold the cup down. Take 2 hair bands and connect them so that there are now 2 loops. Put one band around the horn and the other loop around the hook at the top of your bra. Place the bottom of the horn in your bra. You are now hands free! Let me know if this is confusing. Good luck!
I also did what Mary did - when needed. Most of the time I didn't even need to do that. I had a Medela PIS and used Lansinoh for every pumping session - that provided a good enough seal/vacuum for me to just go hands free like that - I did not move around much though.
I did buy a handsfree halter at Evergreen Hospital BreastFeeding Center, and while it worked great, it was a pain to take off my nursing bra and put that on each time.
Eventually I figured out a much better solution: I took my Bella Bands (that I wore when I was pregnant) and put them on as a halter top. Then I cut a slit in the front (where the pump would go) then wearing my nursing bra over it. It was a WONDERFUL option. The pump stayed in place and when I was done, I just pulled up the flaps on my nursing bra.
I do what Mary F said with the hair bands. Has worked like a charm and REALLY cheap (free since I already had the hair bands!)
