Planning your perfect breastfeeding wardrobe – choosing breastfeeding clothes

Spending a little time planning your breastfeeding wardrobe will ensure that you don’t have a daily “nothing to wear” crisis! As a new mum there will be plenty of other demands on your time, so ensuring you have a few key pieces in your breastfeeding wardrobe will ease you through your post-partum period.

Begin with the basics
Choosing nursing vests in one or two staple colours will give you a great layering base. White, Black and Grey are classic choices and will allow you to mix and match your outfits flexibly. Look for vests with built-in bra support, these are indispensable in the first few weeks when your milk comes in and your boobs are swollen and tender. Longer length breastfeeding vests also layer well and give you a longer, leaner look whilst ensuring that your post-partum tummy is fully covered.

Casual loungewear
You will spend a lot of time in those early days breastfeeding your baby and generally recovering from the birth. Go easy on yourself and ensure that you have loose-fitting trousers and figure flattering tops to snuggle into during those magical first few weeks. Look for loungewear or nightwear with simple nursing access like easy drop cup access, or wrap access which is easy to move aside when you want to feed. Choose fabrics which are soft and cosy, and stretch easily so you are really comfy. They must also wash easily - a must when dealing with spit up or leaking milk!!

A fabulous breastfeeding Dress
Nursing dresses are wonderful and having one or two in your wardrobe will allow you to pull on something quickly and easily which guarantees that you will look pulled together and stylish with the minimum of effort. Classic black is slimming and can be mixed with different accessories allowing you to change your look by pairing with belts, scarves or jewellery. A good breastfeeding dress is also fabulous for special occasions such as your baby’s christening, weddings or family events letting your feed your little one quickly and easily.

Tops, tops, tops
When you have a baby you will find you spend a lot of time out of the house meeting up with other mums at coffee mornings, baby activity classes, playgroups and doctor’s appointments. A variety of well designed nursing tops will give you confidence to head out of the house knowing you can feed your baby where and when you choose, with the minimum of fuss. Choose different styles that will work flexibly to give you a casual or dressed up look as you choose. Many breastfeeding tops are also designed for wearing during your pregnancy which will give you great value for money.