Being a nursing mother changes your life in many ways. Here's how it changed my wardrobe.
1. More Dresses
My body looks best in dresses, but I shied away from them for a long time because I couldn’t figure out how to nurse discreetly while wearing one. I could use a nursing cover, but as my daughter neared one year-old, she did not like her face being covered. I did not start wearing dresses again until our second daughter was around one. At that point, I chose to be happy about my appearance versus worrying about how others felt when they saw me nurse.
When choosing dresses, choose a sensory-sensitive, stretchy and breathable fabric like cotton.
2. Less Bras
I stopped wearing daily bras for multiple reasons. As my body adjusted to the amount of milk my baby needed, my breasts size went from a C cup to an overwhelming E and continued to change after that. Being braless felt way more comfortable, especially with how often newborns nurse. As babies grow, bralettes are a great option, because they are less restrictive than traditional nursing bras, and offer easier access to the breasts.
3. Lots of Wraps
For a significant amount of time, I was a baby wearer (used a piece of cloth to wrap the baby to my body). My wraps became must-haves in my daily outfits, so I got three different colors to fit my different moods on different days. If you're interested in a weekend project, visit your local fabric store to pick out the fabrics you love and wouldn't mind wearing daily for the next few months. While more customizeable and less expensive than store-bought brands, they will take some time to cut and sew.
4. Multi-Layers
Wearing two shirts helped me breastfeed more discreetly. I used the top shirt to cover the breast and the folded down the bottom shirt to expose the breast. That way your breast is not as visible to onlookers.
5. High-Waisted Panties
As a nursing wombman, my body still holds onto fat. High-waisted panties hug my mid-section and make me feel more snug and secure, while carrying the extra weight.
6. Casual Clothes
My first daughter spit up frequently after nursing. I did not want to panic over stained clothes - so wearing cotton, an absorbent and washable fabric, became my preferred style.
7. Reusable Nursing Pads
Wearing reusable nursing pads during the day and night will help with leaking the first couple of weeks. There were days I thought I could skip the pads, and would wake up in a puddle of milk. Whichever brand you choose, I'd recommend ones made with 100% cotton.
8. Mini Backpacks Or Fanny Packs
I traded in my over-the-shoulder purse for a mini backpack. Baby bags have definitely improved over the years (they even have some for dads). But as a minimalist I was able to fit a couple of diapers, wipes and change of clothes in a mini-backpack. Wearing a smaller bag, made it easier to maneuver with the baby and attend to my older kids.
Please know, it's best to stay stationary with a newborn. But during the occasional family outings, I carried the small back pack. As our babies aged and didn't require as many diaper changes, I upgraded to fanny packs. Another small carrier, but this time it's positioned on the front of the body, so it's easier to access.
9. Flip Flops
I've always had trouble finding comfortable footwear for my flat feet. With motherhood, my feet spread so much that even a size "wide" is still uncomfortable. Thank goodness I do not work in an office, because my go-to footwear are my broken-in flip flops that make me feel like I'm barefoot. They are super easy to slip on, even when holding a baby.
10. Ear Phones
My wireless headphones have become a pretty practical part of my wardobe. They allow me to be hands-free and avoid mishaps carrying a phone.
As you transition to a breastfeeding wardrobe, I hope you are able to find clothes, fabrics, and other wearables that you love and make your feel comfortable. Need to schedule a one-on-one? Use code: HEART2HEART.
Until next time...
Love The Journey,
