I'm very pleased to share a guest post today from Ann, a nursing (and working) mama of two - an almost five year old who nursed till age 3, and a currently nursing 20-month old. She blogs about sewing, fashion and thrifty shopping.
You may remember Ann's prior posts: How to become a nursing fashionista, and The essential summer packing list for nursing fashionistas.
This time Ann has put together some great ideas on how to navigate the tricky fashion terrain after having a baby - a time the fashion world terms "transitional" but most of us view as "Help, what can I wear?!?" Read on for her solutions.
You've just had that cute bundle of joy! And then you went back into your closet. Depression set in. In between that tired-of-maternity-wear and can't-fit-in-to-pre-pregnancy lies a no-woman's land of fashion purgatory. Knowing how a few pieces can work extra hard can transition you to your new shape.
First, it is helpful to evaluate where you are - immediately postpartum, your breasts will be quite a bit larger than they were before. I joyfully went from a B to a DD! Of course, we also look five or six months pregnant as well. And you're probably carrying your new babe in a sling or carrier and nursing all the time. So, don't go nuts buying a whole new wardrobe, but I recommend a couple of go-to outfits for spring and summer:
For the chillier days of spring ahead, pair an empire waist nursing hoodie with a drape cardigan in a bright color (Bright colors help camouflage tired appearances), your favorite jeans (and yep, it's ok if they are pregnancy jeans. You may also feel much better going to a thrift store and buying larger size jeans inexpensively). Small stud earrings are baby-safe. Grab your stylish diaper bag and off you go!
As the days warm, invest in one nursing cami, two short sleeve nursing tops (or one sleeveless, one short sleeve) with empire or crossover access. Hauling the tail of a tee up through a tight sling is hard, and it's near impossible in a soft wrap like a Moby. The empire or crossover top openings are very easy to use while carrying baby and they keep your tummy covered.
On the bottom, invest in a few skirts - elastic waists or yoga fold over waists are helpful right now. You will continue to lose in the belly area as you recover from pregnancy those first few months. Skirts look more polished than shorts. A knit cardigan goes well over this if it's still chilly.
Pair this nursing tee and skirt combo with some accessories. At this time in your baby's life, you don't have to worry too much about jewelry being in the reach of grabby hands, so feel free to wear a statement necklace or earrings. Soon, your baby will want to yank on anything you're wearing, so you'll have to switch to some sturdy necklaces. Be careful though, some 'costume jewelry' you may wear regularly could contain even small amounts of substances (lead, cadmium) that are harmful to your baby. There are a number of manufacturers of 'teething' or baby-safe jewelry, and Tanya developed her own nursing necklace using items from a craft store.
Scarves (especially floaty chiffon or gauzy cotton) are wonderful for nursing mothers. It can be draped across your cleavage during nursing for extra cover during nursing. They're stylish, inexpensive (but splurge if you feel you want to - it's an accessory that will never go out of style) and there are a million tutorials floating around on Pinterest for how to tie them in a bunch of different ways.
A great diaper bag is worth the investment. You’ll carry this every day for at least two or three years. Get one you love, that works for your child (or children) and splurge a little for durability, style and features.
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