Making and using a DIY Hands-Free Pumping Bra 

By Lucy Lowe, IBCLC, June 2025

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Hands-free pumping can make a big difference if you're using a breast pump regularly. It frees up your hands, improves comfort, and gives you the option to multitask or rest. Shop bought hands-free bras can be expensive, so making your own is easy and cheap.This guide covers two methods for creating your own hands-free pumping bra, including what you’ll need, how to use it, and how to care for it.

 

Why Make a DIY Pumping Bra?

A hands-free bra allows you to:

- Keep pump flanges in place without holding them

- Use your hands for other tasks (or nothing at all)

- Maintain better posture during pumping

- Save money

 

What You’ll Need

You don’t need to do any sewing!

Here are two simple ways to make one.

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Method 1: Convert a Sports Bra (No Sewing Needed)

Materials:

- A stretchy sports bra or snug crop top type bra

- Sharp scissors

- A washable marker or piece of chalk

Steps:

1. Put on the sports bra/crop top and mark where your nipples are with the marker or chalk.

2. Take off the bra and cut a small vertical slit (about 2.5 cm) at each mark.

3. Insert your pump flanges through the holes. The fabric should hold them snugly without pressing too hard.

4. (Optional) Reinforce the edges with a few stitches or a small amount of fabric glue if you notice any fraying.

 

Method 2: Use a strapless top

Materials:

- An old 'boob tube' top or strapless top

- Scissors

- (Optional) Needle and thread or fabric glue

 

Steps:

1. Mark nipple placement as above.

2. Cut a vertical slit at each mark.

3. Insert the flanges to check the fit. Reinforce the holes if the fabric starts to stretch or fray.

 

Using Your DIY Bra

- Fit check: The bra should hold the pump parts securely, without being too tight on your breasts.

- During pumping: Make sure the flanges are centred and stay in place. Adjust as needed to avoid discomfort or loss of suction.

 

Extra Tips

Make two or three so you can rotate them during the week.

 

If you use a wearable pump, you may not need to cut slits— a snug top might be adequate.

 

References

 

Exclusive Pumping. How to make a hands-free pumping bra (DIY). Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://exclusivepumping.com/diy-hands-free-pumping-bra/

 

Kelly, M. Breastfeeding and pumping basics. KellyMom. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://kellymom.com/La Leche League International.

 

Expressing your milk. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/expressing-your-milk/NHS. (2023).

 

Expressing breast milk. National Health Service UK. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/expressing-breast-milk/