DIY Free Breast Pumping Bra

Don't buy a breast pumping bra, please.

I tried a couple of different things when I first pumped. I tried just holding the two pieces against me. That's a bummer when you could be doing something else like reading or typing or anything other than holding breast pump horns against you. I tried cutting little holes in a sports bra. This worked but when you're not pumping you have little holes that your nips poke through. I solved this temporarily by using breast pads to cover the holes/absorb leaks but you could still see the nipple-shaped outline of the holes. Awkward.When I was returning to work I looked into bras or accessories they make and sell specifically for working women or other people who want to pump hands-free.

You have full bras like this one:
Sweet neckline! Love the way it creeps up your neck on the sides! I think I have AN shirt that this monster would go under unnoticed. But look how I could pump while doing important office work...in a completely natural photography studio! P.S. That is the most uncomfortable-looking sitting position. Price: $19.

You also have options like this:This goes on over the bra you're already wearing, meaning you don't have to wear the same bra to work every day. Feeling feisty? You can get them in snow leopard! Cost: $35.

I won't even begin to comment on this atrocity:

Oh wait, yes I will. Mostly because I'm not sure if it's your full bra or something you manuever yourself into at pumptime or should only be worn in the Elizabethan era because it probably requires a lace-up back. It also looks very snug (too tight = clogged ducts = mastitis) and you'd probably see those odd holes through a shirt. It's also $40.

Or you can go another route, one that will cost you at minimum nothing and maximum $2.99. This is what I've been doing for the 7 months since I've been back at work and it's something that either no one knows about or everyone knows about.

Materials: Four hair elastics (If you don't have four, go buy a package...hence the $2.99)

For decency's sake I'll wear a shirt under by bra for the demonstration, but only because Michael says that 'slipping a nip' is 'frowned upon.'

I'm purposefully wearing my least supportive nursing bra for demonstrative purposes. If this flimsy one can cut it, any bra can!

1. Unclip your nursing bra. This has also worked for me with regualr bras as long as they aren't super tight.

2. Pull an elastic through itself around the bottom part of the bra.

3. Do the same along the outside part of the bra.

4. Secure the pumping horn to your person using the loops formed by the elastics.

5. Repeat on other breast. Marvel at the resemblance to Madonna.

6. Attach the rest of the pumping bit.

A couple things. You might have to experiment with how stretched-out your elastics need to be to secure them tightly enough to your body. For me, this is a great way to use up the hair ties that are a little too loose for me to use with my hair anymore. Also, depending on how much you're pumping, these might need a little support once the milk starts weighing them down. I usually am a little leaned-forward anyway, reading or watching Best of Liz Lemon clips on my phone, so this isn't a problem for me.

Voila! Now if they only made hair elastics in snow leopard...