Can't recommend the Simple Wishes pumping bra enough. I just pull up my shirt, unclip or pull down whatever I have on as a bra or undershirt, and zip the bra on. It takes like ten seconds and allows me to get a ton of work done while pumping. It's around $30 and has held up really well for me. They sell the same one at Target (branded as Lansinoh) but it doesn't come with the extra extender thing included like the Amazon one does.
When my SIL had her baby a month after I had mine, she unexpectedly had to start exclusively pumping her first week PP, and I bent over backwards to deliver her one of these bras the day she started. That's how essential it is to me! She bought a second one the next day.
Aside from pumping bras, you could also consider Pumpin' Pals. They allow you to lean back when you're pumping instead of having to awkwardly hunch forward. I haven't tried them myself but I've heard good things.
I would HIGHLY recommend this one: Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump with On-The-Go Tote
The tote looks just like any bag, the pump stays right in the side of the bag all the time, super convenient. Enough room in the bag for extra batteries, the plug, lots of bottles, tops, cleaning supplies etc.
I used this with two kids, and I took it to a law firm constantly where I work and no one ever had any idea it was my pump. It also comes with a little cooler and ice pack for the bottles you pump, which is also discreet and can go right into the fridge.
Here is the link to it at Target, but you can get it anywhere: https://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-with-on-the-go-tote/-/A-10762141?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&am...
I also bought a pumping bra on amazon, which held both of the pumps up to my breasts making the whole thing hands free and able to pump both sides at once. Completely necessary, a lifesaver.
It looked something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Signature-Pumping-XS-Large/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516809760&sr=8-3&keywords=pumping+bra
Simple Wishes L+ Hands Free... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S8MGHU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have tried the one you use. I felt that they hold the flanges awkwardly for me. I love this bra 👆🏼. Not sure if you can wear it all day but it helps to hold up the bottle just right.
🙋 I'm a year out (tomorrow!) and my boobs started about the same size as yours. There was no whipping out that was gonna happen with these ladies. I've really liked these bras from Amazon:
Women's Full Cup Lightly Padded Wirefree Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Bra Size L, 3PCS/Pack(Pink-Black-Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
You can leave the padding in for some more coverage or take it out for more flexibility in pulling the cup down. I've been wearing the same set of 3 since I was pregnant and they're holding up well.
Nursing tanks were also great especially in the beginning. Target has some decent ones, but I didn't love them, they were cut a bit narrow at the top for me. Nobody really wants nursing boob side boob lol.
I also experimented with the one up one down method. Basically you layer a tank under your shirt. Shirt goes up, tank goes down. You can make it a one stop shop with a nursing tank or just use a loose cami that can slide down or even just live under your boobs. This way your stomach is covered. Baby's head will cover most of the exposed boob as well.
My babe was born in June in the south so it was super hot to be wearing two shirts all the time. Most often, I would use a cover or a muslin and just hike my shirt up, unclip my bra and be half naked under the cover.
Spectra and Medela pumps are both pretty reliable. There’s one called Willow that is a wearable pump but otherwise people often buy a hands-free pumping bra separately (this was the best one that I used). Freezer bags are sold separately as well and doesn’t matter which brand, doesn’t have to be the same brand as your pump
I bought them off of Amazon. They were cheap and comfy as my boobs grew bigger and bigger.
I’m two months PP now and I’m starting to get my milk supply back (baby in the NICU, pumping sucks) and I had to buy more bras in a bigger size. I didn’t wanna spend a lot of money on bras yet since my boobs just have not stopped growing.
Here’s the bras I got:
HOFISH 3PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras Bralette S-XXL with Extra Bra Extenders & Clips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_18K466R19X99F131DRAZ
My fav bras right now are nursing bras I bought on Amazon. They are super supportive.
Women's Full Cup Lightly Padded Wirefree Maternity Breastfeeding Nursing Bra Size L, 3PCS/Pack(Pink-Black-Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.Tm1Cb68QXZCX
I’m 11 weeks and just ordered these nursing bras from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CQPPLZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B35QMH8GZYGX4W25KHYR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I tried them on for the first time yesterday, but I haven’t worn them for an extended period of time yet. They are made of a very soft and stretchy material that is comfortable and supportive. The bras also come with extenders so they grow with you. The price is very reasonable too - 3 bras for $30!
I actually mean something like this (link below) which is used for holding the pump flanges in place while you pump.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_BR6BGB4SBK3GYMV196P6
Flanges are typical on the more traditional breast pumps that insurances cover. I personally used a spectra and highly recommend it. I've heard mixed reviews on the willow/elvie and they're unfortunately not often covered by insurance.
I looovvvvvee these nursing bras - I wore them all through pregnancy #1 and nursing for my first and am currently in one now! They are very comfy.
I went through the same thing last week. Ordered these from Amazon and I could literally sleep in them. So comfortable! I haven't figured out a solution for working out but since I am only walking the dog at this point I have been okay without one. I can always squeeze back into a sports bra for necessary if the energy magically comes to me.
From Amazon! Not fancy but it works for me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JG64N8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C15A0JNYZYY08KTT51ZS pumping bra hands free
This is technically a nursing bra, but I highly recommend this for a loose but supportive, super soft sleep bra: Kindred Bravely French Terry Bra
I like my Hofish bras a lot. Before baby I had sworn off underwire bras and these were just as comfy as the ones I had been wearing.
My favorite bras are also the stretchy ones from Target. I think the brand was Medela Basics. I tried ordering a different Medela line from Amazon and it just wasn't the same :(
The closest I have come to that nice stretchy Target bra is this from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPF20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2xfsyb5D5FY3A
Honestly, I don't know my bra size anymore, but I was a D before getting pregnant and the XL works great for me. If you take the silly pads out, this bra is very similar to the Target one.
I bought some awesome nursing bras on Amazon!!! I can't wear regular bras due to back pain but I grew out of my sports bras and my SIL suggested these . They are amazing!
Since you have a small band to large bust ratio I would recommend the kindred bravely bras on amazon. I am usually a 32 d to dd when not pregnant/breastfeeding and I tend to go up to a 36 ddd(e) to f when I am at my largest. If the band is too small to accommodate my bust the bra is useless and essentially a just huge irritation. Kindred Bravely French Terry Racerback Nursing Sleep Bra for Maternity/Breastfeeding (Medium, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCJ9A7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KUjdCb0V6JN1X
So my usual bras started getting uncomfortable in the third trimester (actually they got uncomfortable the second I got pregnant, but whatever). I started wearing these cheap bras from Amazon, which have removable pads and not-great support but at that point I did not care.
I wore the cheap bras until I had to start thinking about returning to work at 5 months pp, at which point I measured myself properly and got a few new expensive supportive nursing bras at Bare Necessities (I did pump at work but I used the Elvie, so a nursing bra was all I needed).
At 16 months pp I still have and wear the cheap bras on weekends--they're also nice for sleep. The lining of the removable pads came off when I accidentally put them in the dryer, which is annoying but they still do their job and now I don't bother separating them in the wash and toss them in the dryer anyway.
Women's Full Cup Lightly Padded... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFNPD7W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I bought this 3 pack from Amazon and I'm a big fan. They are supportive and comfortable. I went back to work four weeks post partum so the removable pare gave me extra protection from leakage.
I loved this thing, which looks stupid but really works, and it doesn't require changing bras.
It's completely normal for breasts to change size and shape during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Some women find that their breasts grow significantly during this time, while others have minimal changes. It can be difficult to predict exactly how your breasts will change, but there are a few options you can consider to ensure that you have a comfortable, supportive bra during this time:
Look for bras with adjustable straps and hooks. These types of bras can be adjusted as your breasts change in size, providing a customizable fit that can grow with you.
Consider purchasing nursing bras. These bras are designed to be easily opened and closed for breastfeeding, and many styles have adjustable straps and hooks for a customizable fit.
Opt for a maternity bra. Maternity bras are designed to provide support and comfort during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and some styles have stretchy fabric or adjustable hooks and straps to allow for growth.
Consider a bra extender. These small, inexpensive devices can be attached to your existing bra to add an extra inch or two to the band size, providing some extra room as your breasts grow.
It's also a good idea to be measured by a professional bra fitter at a specialty lingerie store to ensure that you are wearing the correct size bra. They can help you find a bra that fits well and provides the support you need.
I recommend HOFISH nursing bras. They are very comfortable and great value.
Oh and I will add, you probably will need different size flanges, I needed a size 15, but wait until you’re using it and have an IBCLC measure you.
You also definitely want this pumping bra. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002968T5G
I have cheap ones from Amazon that turned out to be my go to even after buying the $60 Instagram promoted ones. They are thin and light and they hold the pump parts just fine. Not supportive for all day wear but for lounging /sleeping/ pumping is very comfortable.
this one from Amazon is my main one, it took some adjusting of straps to get to that supportive but not squished state
I also have a kindred braverly triple nursing/pumping bra in busty hereIt’s okay. Expensive and is weirdly lumpy for wearing out, but is def good for me for pumping
The chorus of "yes" is already loud! Just to add that I also was full "sports bra or die" for years and years and was skeptical of something with hinges and clasps and pads. I got these from Amazon and they're legit more comfortable than sports bras, great support, and pretty reasonably priced: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CQPPLZA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also am 40DDD. Not completely wire free, but very portable- I used the Ameda Mya pump. It is small enough to put in your pjs pocket and is battery operated once charged so you can walk around with it. The only “wires” would be the tubing from the pump to the flanges.
I used this in combo with a bra recommended by my lactation consultant that you can slide the flanges into (bra has flaps where nipples are) and then I just pumped into two small bottles to put right into the fridge. (Bra on Amazon - Simple Wishes Signature Hands... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00295MQLU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Not perfect but I could easily put a shirt (or not) over the whole operation and walk around and get stuff done. The bra held the flanges securely in place.
Note I would think this is fine for around the house but probably not for trying to go to work and simultaneously pump. Unless you don’t mind some weird looks about the contraption under your shirt. 😅
Good luck! I am due in December and definitely feel more prepared this time around, but still interested to see what other moms have used too!
I like the Kindred Bravely ones because they have a “busty” option and Bravado Seamless Nursing Bra also has a “full cup” version. ASOS has some fuller bust options too which I got on sale. Knowing what I know now tho, I would buy one or 2 cheap bras because I sized up like 3 times since becoming pregnant. Went from E to F to G and H. I even have some I’s. Not as large as you but I ran i to the same issue. I currently wear some cheap Amazon ones to use w my portable pump and I think they’re comfortable and supportive enough. I’ll link them here.
Edit: Forgot to say these are all wireless. The only wired nursing bra I own is from Thirdlove and they only go up to H :/
Also, these are two great inexpensive pumping bras: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07871X4Y4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details and https://www.target.com/p/simple-wishes-hands-free-pumping-bra-adjustable-fit-bra-adjustable-xs-l/-/A-83833107. If you plan to pump a lot I like the ones from Kindred Bravely - but they are more of an investment.
Definitely a double electric breast pump! If you're in the US insurance should cover one! Not sure about other places. Don't get Medela, the newer ones have terrible reviews. I had the pump in style advance, it was only ok.
I'd recommend a Spectra S2 or S1. S1 (turquoise) is rechargable so nice for being a little more portable, but likely will have an upgrade fee. You should be able to ask your Dr. for a prescription.
There are lots of wearable options as well. I haven't used any of them but I'm very interested in the new Onatural slimline one that is coming out very soon. Hoping it gets good reviews!
Amazon also had some options! I bought a Ikare pump and liked it way more than the PISA. It was really affordable! And rechargeable. People also like the baby Buddha.
And I like the lactamed pumping strap that makes pumping handsfree instead of a bra. this one
I use the band style bra and don’t even use the shoulder straps to hold this in place and it works really well. The Velcro on the back helps to adjust it to exactly how tight you need it to be. I just put this on right before I’m going to pump and then take it off afterwards. Works like a charm!
Simple Wishes L+ | Hands-Free... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004S8MGHU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share