Chic Breastfeeding Clothing That Will Make Nursing Easier
Though a natural thing, breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally to every mum. Some have great experiences, while others have a hard time during the first few days or weeks until they get used to the entire process. These new beginnings can be hard, so there’s no reason to be hard on yourself if you haven’t figured out things yet.
What’s good to know is that practice makes perfect, so latching on will become the easiest thing for you and your baby with a little practice. Finding the most comfortable position (be it laid-back breastfeeding, crossover hold, football or cradle hold), as well as making sure the baby is elevated to nipple height are very important. In case you need some support with this, it’s good to use a pillow.
Another thing that can make breastfeeding much easier is wearing proper clothes. If you’re wondering what type of clothes to wear while nourishing your little one, you’ll be happy to know that there are tons of brands and online stores that sell breastfeeding clothing. There are various stylish models of tops, dresses and sleepwear designed for optimal comfort and easy access.
Since it’s easy to get sore breasts during this period, or worse, mastitis, choosing the right clothing can be of great help. For that very reason, picking fabrics that are lightweight, breathable and absorb moisture well (such as organic bamboo) is essential. Unlike the rest of your clothes, these items have special hooks and snaps for convenience, and you won’t have to worry they’ll lose their original shape no matter how many times you use or wash them.
Tops
When choosing breastfeeding clothing, nursing bras are an absolute must. To make sure you buy pieces that are both comfortable and functional, your best bet is buying models that can be worn with all kinds of tank tops or ones that can be worn as tops themselves. Also known as nursing camis, these pieces cover your belly when you pull up the top. They’re ideal when you want to hide those parts of your body that were most affected by your pregnancy.
As for T-shirts, models with V-necks are best for breastfeeding as you can easily pull them down. Keep in mind that constantly doing this might damage your T-shirts, which is why it’s best to look for fabrics that can withstand all the stretching, like polyester and lycra. If you’re looking for organic alternatives, bamboo is your best choice.
As for dressier shirts, your best bet is buying button-down models as they provide the easiest access. As a last resort, if you’re one of those mummies who wouldn’t mind an extra layer of privacy and stylishness, invest in breastfeeding covers and wraps. You’ll love the fact that there are versatile ways to wear them, and when out and about or travelling, they can even double as baby blankets!
Dresses
Thoughtfully designed nursing dresses can help new mommies through the steep learning curve and demanding schedule of nourishing their little one around the clock. Front-panel layers and hidden zippers are just some subtle details that can make a world of difference to nursing moms, whether they are at home with their baby or pumping on the go.
Sleepwear
It’s no news that babies need to eat every 2 hours when they come home from the hospital, and many are still waking up to eat even after the first year. And although you might be hoping that your little one will sleep through the night by 6 weeks, it’s very likely that he/she will have other plans. Your best ally during these times will be nursing sleepwear as it will allow you to stay comfortable and feed your baby easily, even in the most sleep-deprived state. So even when you’re exhausted, you can make this task a bit easier with a good set of nursing sleepwear.