We’ve all heard it before. Babies are expensive. While Kaiden’s arrival hasn’t cost us the big bucks just yet, we are now constantly looking for ways to save a dollar or two where we can. I mean, Vishnu started using coupons the other day…that’s something!
This DIY hands free pumping bra is one example of how a new mom can save upwards of $30-40 (per bra). To be honest, I can’t take all the credit for this. During our breastfeeding class at the hospital, one of the moms-to-be shared the genius idea with the group. I tucked it away in the back of my mind for future use. Well, the future is here. And since I’m a pumping mama*, I got to work and created my own bras.
Why go through the hassle one may think. Well, each pumping session lasts anywhere from 15-20 minutes, and if I had to sit there the entire time holding my pump in place, I would go crazy. I like having the freedom to multi-task if necessary. If nothing else, it gives your arms some reprieve after holding a growing baby all day long!
To create your own DIY hands free pumping bra, you need an old/tight sports bra, a pen, scissors, and your pump. Once you have all the necessary ‘ingredients,’ your bra will be ready in no time with the following four steps!
- Put on the sports bra.
- Take just the suction cup piece of the pump and place the narrow tube against your nipple.
- Draw a circle around the outer edge of the tube. Repeat on the other breast.
- Carefully cut an ‘x’ in the middle of each circle. (I wouldn’t recommend cutting out a perfect circle as you want this pump part to fit snugly.)
This kind of goes without saying per #1, but be sure to put your bra on first before trying to put the pump together. Essentially, all you need to do is pull up each side of the bra (one by one), place the suction piece against your breast/nipple, and ensure the narrow part of the tube fits through the holes in the bra. Then attach the bottles, connect everything to the actual pump, and voila…you’ll be a hands free pumping mama in no time like me!
How else do you think I get the time to blog these days?!
*I use the Medela Pump In Style.
P.S. I also plan to share my breastfeeding story at some point.
This works really well. Tried and tested. The only additional advice I would add is get yourself the kind of sports bra that zips in the front .So much easier to get on and off before/ after pumping and even with flange placement .
Oh good idea! I didn’t even know about sports bras with zippers in the front. Ha!
This looks easy to me 🙂 I will do it and back with the result 😉