For a first-time mother, postpartum shopping is a whole new world waiting to be explored. If done right, maternity shopping could be one of the ways to celebrate this new milestone of life and while it requires a few wardrobe tweaks, it does not mean that you must give up on style for functionality.
With good nutrition, exercise and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, most women can return to their pre-pregnancy weight. A few items can make the postpartum period and breastfeeding more comfortable and easier such as breastfeeding shirts, maternity bras, shawls to cover when feeding in public, a baby sling to carry your baby and breastfeed with ease.
Try including floral prints, statement jewellery pieces, handbags or even colourful scarves to add an element of fun to your wardrobe. Don’t forget to accentuate your favourite features – whether it’s your shoulders, cleavage or your calves. This also helps as a distraction from your post-baby bump.
Most importantly, becoming a mother doesn’t mean that one has to compromise with their individuality or personal sense of style. You must do you, just with few tweaks and adjustments that are beneficial to you and your baby. Here are some wardrobe essentials that can help you build your new post-pregnancy wardrobe and help you sail through your breastfeeding journey effortlessly:
1. Curate your wardrobe: Browse through large retailers, smaller boutiques and vintage shops for an assortment of items. Opt for a mix of flowy dresses, leggings, formal pants and jumpsuits for all occasions. Avoid clothes that are tight or not made with skin-friendly, natural fabrics.
2. Maternity bras: It is often difficult to gauge how much one’s breasts will change throughout the entire maternity and nursing experience as each woman’s body is unique and changes differently. Invest in a bra with five or six rows of hooks and clasps to make room for the expansion and contraction of the breasts. Give priority to supportive straps and supportive back wing because bras with poor closure tend to roll off or shift often.
A great maternity bra can be a true gift. Ideally, you should own three to four bras – one to wear, one to wash, and one (or two) for backup. Opt for organic fabrics, which will be softer than cheap polyesters. You would want to invest in one that will evolve with you. The one-handed easy ‘open and close’ clip makes the breastfeeding process effortless.
3. Nursing pads: Post-pregnancy, newly lactating mothers face a lot of problems related to constant leakage of milk. These nursing pads are the best option to stop leakage and stay carefree.
4. Nursing tanks: Tanks provide great coverage and good support. They can be layered with a variety of clothes. They are versatile and ideal for an active lifestyle during maternity and nursing. Tanks combine a tummy-slimming styling with utility comfort. Generally made from soft, breathable cotton fabric, they feature a wire-free and seam-free design, optimising comfort.
5. Shapewear: Mothers can always count on slimming shapewear for a more streamline figure. These are great for an occasion when you want a quick tuck under your outfit. This multi-way slip for under dresses should be a must on your shopping list or you can opt for a nursing tank instead. Go for shapewear that still allows you to conveniently breastfeed your baby.
6. Feel the fabrics: Comfort is paramount and a new mom should ideally choose premium stretch fabric which doesn’t restrict the body in anyway. This kind of fabric adjusts with your evolving shape and size and provides great support during pregnancy and while nursing.
7. Nursing bibs/covers: A new mom is likely to spend most of her time feeding her baby. Hence, it is fitting to buy nursing bibs for a comfortable feeding process. They not only give proper coverage but also avoid spillage.
8. Comfortable underwear: Choose cotton underwear and make sure you have enough, in case you need to change them often. Preferably pick one size bigger than your need. In case of a c-section, the bigger sized underwear won’t rub against your wounds or hamper the healing process.
9. Maternity pants: While the pants need to be comfortable with an elasticised waistband, pay attention to the fabric. Go for lighter and breathable material such as rayon or spandex. When off to work, look for straight leg pants with front and back pleats for a professional look. You can also go in for cropped pants that are ideal Sunday brunches.
10. Supportive belly bands: It provides comfort and relief in sensitive areas such as lower belly and lower back. The breathable material and extra-stretchy fabric provides the much needed support post-delivery.