FamilyEducation.com
Print this pageE-Mail this pageSign-up for Newsletters
 
What Works - Ideas From Parents
search detailed ]
Help
Infants and Toddlers 

Breastfeeding
ADVERTISEMENT
Important Stuff: Wardrobe!
Contribute Add a Review

Read Reviews Read the 1 Review

The description below was contributed by: mommabear, on May 12, 2000 06:05:59PM

3 Star Technique Rating

Other comments or suggestions:
The baby/mother catalogs and stores will aggressively market "special" clothes for nursing mothers. Few of them are worth the special design features and added cost; some of them look Soooo Nursing Mom--Don't ya want Real Clothes?! Well, you can have them! Generally, 2-piece ensembles enable you and Baby to get down to business with minimal fuss (forget "cut-outs", except possibly for nightgowns). Knits that can survive pulling up and down may serve you better and easier over time than anything that has buttons to diddle with (and they can be ripped if you try the shirt-up maneuver on woven shirts). Form-fitting may be out, but you don't have to buy Big Bertha gear, either. That's not meant as a pot-shot at big women, for I'm not petite, either...catalogs and online retailers are of particular benefit to anyone who has trouble finding Basics off the rack, from undies to outerwear...and sensible but attractive shoes!

If you are small-busted, a stretchy bra with bigger cup size may be adequate, and you can just sort of slip the bra up and then back down on each side. If you want/need special nursing bras, get just a couple at first, because you may find in "test-driving" them that you'd prefer a different kind of closure system for less fumbling. My vote goes with center snap(s), or cups that feature elastic at top of cup vs. snaps/eyelets. Babies are impatient...

Modesty has its place, but discreet and practical can compromise. Your best nursing accessory is a blanket slung over your shoulder, snuggling Baby and covering you. If not for the smacking or burping sounds, no one would know what yer up to! ;-) And if anyone is Bothered, while you are being discreet, it is generally Their Problem, not yours. The laws are getting more supportive, because the population realizes the benefits of nursing.

Generally, avoid solid colored blouses/tops, and anything that is not opaque (non-see-thru)! Nothin' like finding out After you get home from a party or church that your circular pads are clearly outlined and visible, and/or you leaked a bit. Prints are great, because they camouflage so much!!! Disposable pads are not as comfortable as the kind that are washable; have lots! If you don't mind folding them, some moms like to use white men's handkerchiefs, 100% cotton, especially later in the game.

Sorry this is long! But the clothes issue can be really pricey, sometimes unnecessarily.

Email  Email this Description Print  Print this Description


Read Read the 1 review of "Important Stuff: Wardrobe!"

 

good ideas
Article
When Parents Lose a Job: Talking to Kids About Layoffs
Expert Advice
Father's foul language
All Related Links
Send us feedback!
Newsletter sign-up

Editors Choice Award Winners New Addition