If you’re anything like me, you were probably super excited to get new maternity bras while you were pregnant. It’s such an exciting time and a sign of changes happening in your body. While I had strong intentions to breastfeed my baby, I didn’t think forward at all and consider how my clothes might need to change to accommodate breastfeeding. Breastfeeding requires easy boob access 24/7. Thinking about your clothes ahead of time can make it easier to breastfeed, especially when in public. You may already have clothes that will suit. Here are some things you might like to consider:
1. Get fitted for a breastfeeding bra
Breastfeeding bras (also called maternity bras, they are the same thing) have clips on the straps that let the cup fold down so you can feed your baby easily. Your breasts will likely change size a lot throughout pregnancy and again after the birth when your milk comes in and when your supply settles down later. So, when is the right time to get new bras? Some fitting specialists suggest getting a slightly larger size than you need during pregnancy so that there’s room to grow after the birth. This can save you buying another new set of bras after the birth, but you will need to make sure that the bigger size is giving you enough breast support to avoid pain or discomfort.
Lots of mums find it helpful to have several bras so that there are spares if they get soaked by leaking milk!
You may have heard that it’s unsafe to wear normal underwire bras while pregnant or breastfeeding. The reasoning for this is that the underwire can put pressure on the breast and cause blocked ducts which can lead to inflammation and infection of the breast (mastitis). There are bras available now that have flexible underwires (flexiwires) in them that move and flex with your changing shape and are less likely to be problematic.
Some mums also like to have a different less structured bra for wearing to bed to support the breasts and keep breast pads in place and avoid waking up in a pool of leaked milk! There are crop style breastfeeding bras available that can be useful for this situation.
3. Think about the types of clothing that will give you easy boob access
You might already have some clothes that will be suitable. Button up tops or dresses (make sure the buttons are real and not just for show before you buy these!), tops or dresses with a zip up front and loose-fitting clothing that can be pulled down/up/aside will make it easier for your baby to get to the breast. There are also breastfeeding singlet tops available that have a similar set up as breastfeeding bras but with tummy coverage.
3. Some hacks that might be helpful
The one up one down trick –
Some mums find it helpful, more comfortable and less revealing to wear a breastfeeding singlet with another top over it. This way you can pull the outer top up and fold the “cup” of the nursing singlet down and feed your baby. This hack is great if you’re feeling self-conscious about breastfeeding in front of people or in public as the outer top can be used to cover most of the breast and the singlet covers up the tummy. This is also a handy trick in winter to avoid exposing your tummy to the cold!
Winter night hacks –
Long sleeve tops that have button up fronts worn over a breastfeeding singlet or soft style breastfeeding bra can help keep your arms and tummy warm on cold winter nights. The one up one down trick works well here too. Some mums even cut a long horizontal slit in a normal t-shirt or singlet at breast level for easy access and wear something with long sleeves over the top to keep warm.
Press Stud Clip hack –
Some mums choose to modify the clothes they already have by cutting the straps and adding press studs so they can be clipped back together. If you search around, you can find press studs in all different colours to suit your clothes (there are heaps on eBay). You will need a special tool to apply the studs to your clothes which you can get from craft stores like Spotlight and Lincraft.
4. Search online for clothing specifically designed for breastfeeding mums
Over the last few years more and more businesses have popped up selling clothes specifically designed for breastfeeding (it’s about time!). There are different styles available with zips over the breast area or layers that can be lifted or pulled aside. Specially designed breastfeeding hoodies are even a thing now!
5. Join the “Can I Breastfeed In It Australia” Facebook group for ideas and suggestions on where to find breastfeeding friendly clothes
Can I Breastfeed In It Australia
I found this group really helpful while I was breastfeeding and trying to find suitable clothes from sports breastfeeding bras to active wear to formal outfits. So much inspiration there!
Do you have more breastfeeding clothing tips, tricks or hacks? Comment below or contact me on Facebook or Instagram so I can add them to the list!
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