Most new mums want to rush back into their pre-pregnancy wardrobe as soon as possible after giving birth, without considering the majority of dresses and tops aren’t ideal for the purpose of nursing newborns.

“The Life of a mother is the life of a child: you’re two blossoms on a single branch” – Karen Maezen Miller

I can’t say anything about others, but personally for a good many months after my twins were born, I absolutely hated being formally dressed.

I couldn’t fit into any of my usual, pre-pregnancy clothes and I was whirling in my pregnancy outfits. And then there’s this whole comfort issue.

Doesn’t matter how grand your baby’s entrance was into this world – they certainly leave their marks!

I spent some time in pajama-pants as well as a nursing bra. And this along with spit-up marks and grubby hair made me feel quite unattractive and out-of-style. So, I opted to experiment by picking some smart as well as comfortable dress combos which, I personally felt were quite amazing!

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Here are some tips to help you decide what the best nursing outfits are for you:

1) Shirt dresses

Shirt dresses are my favourite! These offer comfortable access for breastfeeding and there are usually a lot of fabrics and designs to choose from. Anything in floaty cotton or silk with a touch of stretchy fabric works.

A shirt dress is an ideal all season staple because you can wear it along with tights, a jacket, flat boots as well as huge scarf during winter or just with bare legs during the summer and spring.

2) Kimono or the swing-top

I term these as a post-baby lifesaver. I own a personal collection of sleeveless, button down swing tops which, I pop over stripped tanks and tees. Opt for ultra-soft cotton with a peter-pan neckline or a floral- silk with scoop collar. Wear them with your boyfriend jeans or over fitted skirts and dresses.

These dresses will easily accommodate your varying bust-size and will appear effortlessly awesome for many years to come. Likewise, the Kimono (my favourite one) – though it’s a simple outfit – easily embraces a slice of colour as well as fun. It will work with your body whatever the size or shape.

3) Jeans

An awesome pair of jeans will certainly save you a couple of minutes when dressing in a rush.

These require very little ironing and can be worn straight off the bedroom floor! Opt for a boyfriend style that you can roll up. These look awesome with a belt, ballet flats and a loose striped tee. They can also be matched with some heels and sparkles for the evenings.

4) Scarf                

A bright scarf can save any dull outfit, in addition to the benefit of having something to cover up infant spilled-food, vomit or milk-leakages. I rarely leave home without a scarf covering my neck – which includes woolen layers during winters, large cotton quadrangles during spring as well as autumn and floral silk long-sashes during summer.

5) Shoes

It’s a common belief that your feet are the one part of your body that doesn’t get affected by pregnancy, breastfeeding and birth – which is not true at all!

During my postpartum period my feet spread and they grew to a point where I outgrew most my existing shoes. So you may need to end up purchasing some new shoes! It was a perfect excuse that I offered up to my hubby!

One of the most important things when you are nursing newborns is to be comfortable and feel good about yourself. Just keep in mind all the practical necessities that you’ll require in accordance with your body changes and while you nurse your baby.

I wish you all a happy motherhood!

Do you have any additional tips and tricks to add to this list? Please share in the comments.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

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