Why have a special nursing wardrobe?

You've most likely already bought maternity clothing—dresses, shirts, and trousers that adjust to your mother-to-be's changing shape. And you probably can't wait for the moment when you can slip back into your old clothes. So, you ask, why nursing clothes? What a peculiar thought!

My experience as a mom (reinforced by that of my friends) has shown that it’s a good idea, before leaving for the maternity ward, to prepare an ?after-baby? wardrobe. The sad truth is that once you’re back from the hospital, nothing is going to fit. We all dream of being able to put back on our favourite pair of jeans once the baby is born, but the truth is that it doesn't happen that way. Nothing is more depressing than desperately searching through your closet looking for something that fits while baby is crying for the next feeding and your other children are calling for you. And still worse is the way it makes you feel to end up putting back on your maternity trousers, or stealing an oversized tee-shirt from your husband, to be presentable to family and friends who drop by to visit the new baby!

Even if you’re lucky enough to fit into your pre-maternity clothes, they may not be suited for breastfeeding::

 Fitted tops and tee-shirts are difficult to discreetly lift with one hand in order to reach and undo the bra clip for baby to nurse.
 Dresses aren't designed for nursing (unless you more or less undress yourself when nursing), and tightly-fitted ones won't be very flattering with the bit of stomach you’ll still have after giving birth.
 Nightgowns may not have front openings, and their material may be too delicate (watch out for baby ?spit-ups?).
 A breastfeeding mom's body temperature changes rapidly from hot to cold. It’s often a good idea to avoid synthetic fabrics.

What kind of regular clothes can be used for nursing?

Obviously, regular clothes can be used for nursing. A well-chosen top over trousers or a skirt will do. And make sure to invest in good breastfeeding bras.

Regular Tops
The most practical regular tops are blouses that button in the front, worn over a tee-shirt that can be easily pulled up.

A shopping tip: avoid tight-fitting tee-shirts that are too difficult to pull up quickly and discreetly. Better to choose looser-fitting tops. ?Peasant? style tunics are very much in fashion these days, and the gathers at bosom or just below bosom level make them very practical for breastfeeding. Trapeze cuts (not overly exaggerated) and empire cuts work as well. Many of these styles can be found in stores such as Gap.

Choosing a slightly low-cut nursing camisole or sleeveless tee-shirt under a blouse worn either open or closed is practical and works well. For an even more flattering look, try a blouse that’s slightly fitted at the waist.

If you wear light-coloured or slightly-fitted clothes, remember to choose nursing bras that are discreet, made with a smooth fabric. Some nursing bras are covered with embroidery, pretty and appealing in itself, but the result isn't always very becoming when worn under a white tee-shirt, not to mention the added bulk of a nursing pad inside the bra cup.

Trousers and Skirts
Finding a pair of trousers or a skirt that fits when leaving the maternity ward isn’t an easy task. Even if you lose the weight quickly, your waist stays relatively thick, forcing you to choose larger-sized trousers or skirts that accommodate the waist but hang off your hips and thighs, and to make matters worse, tend to be too long.

Knits and Lycra are tempting solutions (at least they fit!), but the idea of squeezing yourself into a pair of leggings isn’t very appealing.

What can you do ?
 Continue wearing your maternity trousers, especially those without the wide maternity waistband. Psychologically it's a bit difficult, but you'll be comfortable!
 Choose skirts instead of trousers. A straight-cut knit fabric (in cotton or thick Lycra) with a drawstring waist will easily adjust to your changing shape. On top wear the camisole/shirt ensemble as described above, or once you’ve lost some of the weight, with a simple tee-shirt. We offer two wonderful knit skirts that can also be worn during pregnancy, as the waist is adjustable to weight gains and losses.
 Wear sports trousers, cargo or Sahara style, that tie and adjust at the waist.
 Choose low-cut trousers that ride on the hips, that way it doesn't matter if your waist is a little thick! You can find this style everywhere today.

Top reasons for wearing clothing specifically designed for nursing

The only difference between nursing clothes and regular clothes is the hidden opening near the breasts, which allows the mother to feed her baby without lifting up her shirt and uncovering her stomach, waist, and back, or pulling down her shirt and uncovering her breast.

There are several types of openings used in designing nursing clothes. For each article of clothing that we sell, we describe the particular type of nursing access.

The greatest advantage is the comfort for mothers who can breastfeed in public without exposing themselves to unwanted stares and/or the elements (your stomach, waist and back stay warm and covered). This is especially appreciated when you find yourself breastfeeding on a park bench, or during a winter stroll! And for those who feel modest about feeding in public places, nursing clothes allow for discreet nursing—with a well thought-out garment, once the baby has latched on, anyone looking will just assume baby has fallen asleep in your arms. There’s no longer the need to throw blankets over baby's head to conceal the fact that baby is nursing!

And with a well-designed nursing opening, you can wear dresses! As everybody knows, dresses are feminine, comfortable, flattering (even with a little extra weight) and just lovely when you want to have an evening out and dress up. But nursing with a regular dress is often impossible.

Circumstances when nursing clothes are a must:

 You’re invited to a wedding or religious ceremony, or a family event or a fine restaurant, and baby is coming with you. A beautiful nursing dress or sweater set is ideal.
 You’re going to visit your colleagues at work with the baby and don’t want to have to undress in the work environment.
 Family and friends are coming to visit just after baby is born and you want to nurse without having to unbutton your nightshirt—a nursing nightgown is the perfect solution!
 You need to feed the baby in a public place—street, boutique, shop, restaurant, etc.—and don't want to hide in the restroom!
 You tend to be cold, all year round!
 You’re modest!
 You’re stylish!