Once you become a mom, you by default become a creative problem-solver. If there’s a way to make life easier, moms will find it— and sometimes we can get a little too creative with a pair of scissors. It’s no surprise that social media and late night google searches have many moms turning to “nursing bra hacks” and cutting holes in old sports bra to make a DIY hands-free pumping bra for their breast pump flanges.

It might seem like a clever pumping hack that with save you a few bucks, but here’s the truth: DIY pumping bras often cause more frustration than freedom. If you’re considering cutting into an existing bra to make it work for pumping, here’s why you might want to think again!

The Hidden Downsides of DIY Pumping Bras

Let’s start with the most important detail - sports bras and traditional nursing bras were never designed to hold breast pumps in place. The fabric and the support are not necessarily correct for your specific breast pump. So when you cut holes into them at the nipple area, the fabric will stretch out, start to unravel and fray, and uncomfortably rub against your skin where you cut. Does it work in a pinch? Sure! The results however, are not so great and will only last you a few pumping sessions. 

Poor Pump Support Causes Lower Milk Output

A quality hands-free pumping bra will keep your breast pump flanges secure in the right position. Unfortunately, DIY bras rarely do. Pumping with your flange in improper positions can cause clogged ducts and mastitis plus nipple damage. If your bra tension is not correct against the breast pump, it can slip out of place, lose suction, or sit unevenly on your breasts. All of these will reduce milk output overall and you will find yourself readjusting the pump constantly your entire session. No mom has time for that!

You’ll Ruin the Bra for Good, There is No Going Back!

Once you cut into a sports bra or nursing bra, there’s no going back.  The fabric is then permanently damaged at the chest area. The structure is compromised, the fit will feel off, and the biggest issue no one talks about – you can’t go around all day wearing a bra with bullseye holes directly at the nipples! A cut bra will be done for good, so make sure if you are going to try those DIY hacks, you won’t regret cutting that bra forever!

Why a Real Hands-Free Pumping Bra Is Worth It

Unlike cutting holes in the DIY bras yourself, true flange slits in an actual pumping bra are always reinforced to prevent fraying issues. Some styles even have overlapped pumping slits so you can wear all day long without feeling your nipple is exposed and popping though slit. If the slit is overlapped, you can open when it’s time to insert flanges and then close after. This is ideal for all day wear. Cutting into a bra you have might feel like a shortcut, but in the long run, a real hands-free pumping bra saves time and reduces stress.

A pumping bra specifically designed to support your breast pump through every session is going to be a worthwhile investment in your breastfeeding journey. Quality hands free pumping bras are designed with durable fabrics that offer the right support and can withstand many years of wear and tear as you insert your breast pump. You can repurpose pumping bras for future breastfeeding journeys or even resell to other moms to recoup some of your costs after you wean. The right fabric and design also means the right support. With a properly fitted hands free pumping bra, moms report their milk output improved. You might be wondering how? Because the pump was properly positioned on the breast, not digging in or tipping away and this makes all the difference in a successful pump session.

From a former pumping mom of 3, I promise you the investment in just a few quality hands free pumping bras is more than worth it, it's a necessity.  You deserve a pumping bra that’s designed to work with your breast pump—not against it. A pumping bra is not an unnecessary expense—it’s an important tool for your pumping journey. If you are ready to make the change to a quality pumping bra, I highly recommend my top favorite combo nursing and pumping bras designed to keep breastfeeding moms comfortable, supported, and hands-free (no scissors required).