Love this for pumping-- makes it so much easier to have your hands free. It was also great for holding ice packs on my breasts while I was engorged. A short-lived use, but it made that whole process much, much easier.
It does lose some elasticity but it's still well worth it.
I really wanted to like this, but I just don't. This bra does get the job done though. Based on the picture, I thought it had a lot more structure than just being a stretchy cotton strapless bra. The good: you can be hands free pumping. The bad: while you are hands free, you need to be sitting straight up somewhat hunched over in order for the milk to drain downward into the storage containers, the bra loses it's elasticity very quickly and needs to be washed very frequently in order to tighten it up again, after 3 weeks the hem has already separated from the bra.
That said, I will purchase it again. Next time, I will most likely purchase 3 or so since they don't hold up well and I need this contraption as an exclusive pumper.
Response from giggle:By customerservice, cs, March 26, 2012
We're so sorry to learn that your Medela Bustier has not withstood the wearing and washing that it really should for exclusive nursing/pumping moms. For help making an exchange contact giggle's Customer Service department at 1-800-495-8577 or customerservice@giggle.com.
I was hoping to use this at work...but found by the time you put it on it does not save much time. I really wanted this to be a hands free solution but found in practice it was just a loss of time...dont think id recommend