A great breast pump is only one part of a happy and successful breastfeeding journey. 

Other factors include:

• Keeping up with hydration and a healthy diet.
• Getting exercise.
• Having a reliable pumping schedule, and, last but not least.
• Having a couple of great pumping bras.

In this article, we’ll be discussing how to find the best pumping bra for you and your needs, from finding a great hands-free pumping bra to a pumping bra that also works as a nursing bra, how many pumping bras you need, and the benefits to hands-free pumping bras versus a regular nursing bra.

While this article focuses on a pumping bra for Spectra breast pumps, you’re bound to glean lots of great information about how to pump hands-free regardless of the type of electric breast pumps you may have.

Pumping bra for Spectra

Before randomly searching for what others may consider the best pumping bras on the market, you must consider your needs.

Nursing bras offer many variations, styles, and types because none of us work with the same breasts or needs.

Like your regular bra, you must determine what type works best. Do you need a Spectra pumping bra to support larger breasts greatly, or are you a high-impact, always-on-the-go mom who feels best in sports bras?

Whether you settle on Spectra pumps and bras, Medela pumping bras and pumps, or even some other brand, knowing what you need to feel at your best is the most important part of the equation.

Once you have figured that out, you can look at individual pumping bras that fit your desired criteria.

Hands-free bra for Spectra

A hands-free pumping bra can give you the support you need while keeping your hands free so that you can still do the things that need to be done or that you’d rather be doing. 

A hands-free pumping bra needs to be comfortable, and it needs to be tight enough so that it doesn’t allow for leaks.

A hands-free pumping bra is great for working and stay-at-home moms. 

Because all moms are working moms, regardless of whether or not they get paid, it’s a full-time job raising kiddos, and for those moms who work outside the home and have to pump on the clock, it’s vital to have good hands-free pumping bra that can be relied upon.

The following are some of the best pumping bra options for women who need a hands-free pumping bra for Spectra.

1. Kindred Bravely Bras

The Kindred Bravely line of hands-free pumping bras offers a great hands-free option for the Spectra pump. The bralette is stretchy and supportive enough for most women, and the EasyClip design makes pumping easier for moms who pump occasionally but also choose to nurse.

It has hook and eye closures, and it comes in a nude color to be worn under nearly any top.

It also has molded cups that help create a snug fit around the Spectra flanges for optimal suction and no wasted breast milk.

2. Truly Hands-Free Pumping Bra

Regarded by many as the best bra for hands-free pumping for new moms who must return to work, this bra has adjustable shoulder straps that help keep a tight suction and hold on to the breast shield.

It also comes with a pump carrier bag that lets you keep all your supplies together and close by when you’re out and about or traveling and need to pump. The sling design makes this hands-free pumping bra a hit with so many women.

3. Momcozy Adjustable Hands-Free Pumping Bra

This may be your best hands-free pumping bra if you prefer nursing bras or hands-free pumping bras that fit various brands and styles of breast pumps.

It fits Spectra’s shields, the flanges for Philips Avent shields, Lansinoh, Medela, and more.

Feeding your baby will be a breeze and makes putting yourself through all the pumping work worth it because of how comfortable and versatile this pumping bra is.

Available in two colors and two styles so that you can be sure to get the right fit for you, it’s soft against the skin, you can wear it all day long, and the price is much lower than many other postpartum options of intimate pieces.

Whether you plan to nurse or pump and use bottles, this is a great option for breastfeeding moms.

4. Pump Strap Hands Free Pumping and Nursing Bra

If you prefer a velcro closure, this hands-free pumping bra is well-loved by many women, as it fits most women, regardless of breast size.

It doesn’t get much simpler than this hands-free pumping bra, either. 

It’s a nylon bra with a velcro closure that you can adjust to fit. It has slits that hold the breast shields so you can go about your business or day without worrying about leaks.

This pumping bra also has a neck strap to keep it secured and offer more support for women with large or especially heavy breasts.

It also comes in five colors for moms looking for something more stylish or fun. (Not everything needs to be nude-colored, you know!)

5. Simple Wishes Signature Hands-Free Pumping Bra

This bra is perfect for nursing and pumping moms and fits several breast shields and flanges brands. 

According to many lactation consultants, from Spectra pumps to Medela pumps, Lansinoh and Philips Avent, this is one of the best hands-free pumping bras on the market.

It zips in the front, ensuring a tight closure, and because it fastens in the front, it makes for easy installation and removal.

How to use a pumping bra with Spectra

A nursing bra or pumping bra should be easy to use and comfortable to wear, and it should check all of the boxes when it comes to what you are looking for, specifically in a bra. 

When it comes to hands-free pumping bras, having a good one can make all the difference in whether your breastfeeding journey is happy and successful.

Even after you’ve chosen and purchased a pumping bra for Spectra, you have to be able to figure out how to use that pumping bra so that you can make the most of the bra, the breast pump, and the overall experience.

The following is a how-to on using a pumping bra for Spectra.

1. Put the hands-free pump bra on securely

You don’t want it to be too loose, and you don’t want it to be too tight.

The breast pumps don’t need a lot of extra room for the flanges to fit through everything. 

Putting the bra on too snugly can cause issues with blood flow, make the flanges uncomfortable against your skin, and make the pumping experience terrible.

Adjust the bra so that you can move around comfortably.

2. Fit the breast shields into the hands-free pumping bra openings

If you got a bra that works with other brands of breast pumps, such as Medela or Philips Avent, then you should notice that the bra has plenty of give to fit the different sizes and thicknesses of flanges of the other breast pump options.

Slowly and carefully put the flanges into the hands-free pumping bra’s openings, and ensure that the shields contain the milk ducts well. You don’t want a messy leak on your hands.

3. Turn your breast pump on and start pumping

Pumping bras and nursing bras are meant to be durable and comfortable. 

Once you’ve got a snug fit, with the shields in place, the bottles in place, and the hoses ready to go, it’s time to start pumping hands-free.

Ensure you monitor the amount of milk you pump to prevent overflow.

4. Clean and sanitize all pump parts

You may not wash your nursing bra or pumping bra for Spectra after each use, but you should clean and sanitize your pump and pump parts afterward.

This will prevent the growth of bacteria and decrease the likelihood that you or your baby can become sick or get an infection from this bacterial growth.

Always sanitize your pump parts and all bottles before using them. This means boiling them in water for five to ten minutes or using a sanitizer for bottles. 

Before putting a bottle or pump parts in the dishwasher, make sure to check to be sure that the items you have are dishwasher safe.

How many pumping bras do I need?

While some women find that one nursing bra or hands-free pumping bra becomes their favorite, having a spare or two is always a good idea.

You should have two to three pumps or nursing bra options if breastfeeding. You will find that there will be times when a pumping session goes perfectly, but removing the bottle causes a spill onto the pumping bra, or your baby spits up all over your nursing bra.

Don’t put yourself in a position where you don’t have a backup or substitute nursing bra or pumping bra if you can help. 

If the bra you like most is expensive and buying multiples is out of your budget, feel free to purchase more budget-friendly spares.

Pumping bra for a Spectra pump

If you have a Spectra pump and need an excellent pumping bra, hopefully, this article has given you a starting point for finding the best pumping bra for your needs and your budget. 

If you have a different breast pump brand, such as Philips Avent, Lansinoh, or Medela, pumping bras that can be used with multiple brands of breast pumps are your better option.

Wearing a nursing bra or pumping bra during your postpartum phase should do more than ensure that babies are fed. You deserve elastic that doesn’t get too tight, comfortable cups, materials that feel good on your skin, and a price that doesn’t break the bank. 

With the suggestions in your article, hopefully, you’ll be able to find the perfect pumping bras for you to wear.