Don’t let the image above fool you; since giving birth 5 weeks ago I spend about 90% of the time in tracksuit pants, one of three of my long-sleeve grandpa shirts (the ones with buttons down the middle that end about mid-torso) and those nursing singlets with the built-in bras. Being mother of a newborn is far from glamorous, and when it comes down to breastfeeding, everything you wear is about comfort and practicality. But every now and then I actually shower and get dressed so I can be seen in public. That, of course, requires clothing that lets me breastfeed easily in public too.
Nursing clothes aren’t exactly cheap though – a purpose-built nursing top can set you back at least $50 and plenty are just down right daggy. The trick is making the most of sales and also looking for items that are multi-purpose.
This light-weight, blue and white striped 3/4 button-up shirt, which I was gifted from Rockmans, is a perfect example. It’s versatile; unbuttoned with skinny jeans and sneakers makes a casual top to wear to the park; buttoned up and paired with tailored black pants, heels and a silver necklace (match those buttons) makes a great work outfit; or thrown over a swim suit and denim cut-offs makes it good for a trip to the beach. It’s breathable fabric makes it perfect for the coming warmer months and the button-up front makes for easy nursing access. At the moment, there’s a navy version on sale online for $30.
I never shop at Rockmans but went in-store the other week to check out their sale. There are heaps of tops for under $20 that are 100% cotton and perfect for nursing. While I was there I noticed Table Eight has made a comeback recently and has a presence in my local Rockmans store. I used to shop at a Table Eight outlet which was on the way to the office where I had my first full-time job. I bought a perfectly fitting white, cotton short-sleeved button-up that became my Summer work wardrobe staple until it got yellow (I wore it for yeeeaarrs) and I got too fat for it. ? Will be curious to see what the new, revived range is like. You can check it out here. ❤
While I was there I scored this black cardigan – also on sale for $30. Loving it because you can cinch the waist, wear it open or tie it closed AND it has pockets. Pockets! What a win! The front lapels are large and also help with keeping nursing discrete.
I have four loose-fitting cardigans that are my “transitional season” staples: black, navy, grey and beige. All of them have additional fabric in the lapel or tail that I can drape over bub if I want to nurse discretely.
The dress I’m wearing in the pic above is one of my favourites from Ripe Maternity and, although the RRP is $89.95, to me it’s totally worth it. I bought it while pregnant and wore all the time. I can still wear it post-pregnancy, and it’s one of my favourite dresses Unlike nursing tops where you have to pull fabric down (which can get uncomfortable and also look ridiculous if milk leaks everywhere… which happens more often than you think), the fabric lifts at the mid-section which means minimal skin is exposed and it’s just more comfy and simple to nurse in; no buttons to unsnap or things to hook/unhook.
Dresses that you can dress up and down (i.e. goes with sneakers just as well as ballet flats or wedges) are my fave because I can throw it on in two seconds without having to think about what else to wear. Now that I’ve got two kids to juggle and get out the door in the mornings, that’s a big win. (And as you can see in my first two pics, drying or brushing hair doesn’t always happen.) ?
Getting out of my pjs and spending more time out and about has definitely helped boost my morale and confidence with baby this time around. I didn’t have a car when Mr 4 was a newborn and I got pretty stir-crazy during the first few weeks holed up at home. It’s different this time, and I’m enjoying it. I’m more confident, even though I’m busier and probably just as, if not more tired. And while it might seem silly to some, having clothes I feel and look good in really does make a difference to my mood. I just like that I on some days I can be just as happy in my trackies and flip flops as any other outfit in my wardrobe.
Do you have a favourite go-to outfit when you head out of the house with bub? A source of affordable and versatile nursing clothes? Would love for you to share your thoughts below!