Latch On! Top Five Must-Have Nursingwear Items!

The first time I was pregnant, I eagerly looked forward to wearing my pre-pregnancy clothes again. I was excited to dive into what would seem like a “new” wardrobe!!

Reality check: When I finally lost the baby weight, I realized … most of my tops would NOT work for nursing. I am a turtleneck-boatneck-asymmetrical neck-loving gal… styles NOT very breastfeeding-friendly! How disappointing!

So … while the fashion world hasn’t quite given me everything I wish for in breastfeeding fashion, here’s my top five MUST HAVE nursingwear items:

1. A good nursing bra – one that does not have underwire, fits comfortably, and can unclasp with one hand (you’ll be lucky if you even have one hand free as a new mama!).
2. A fun nursing cover – be stylish and discreet!
3. A belly-to-baby nursing top – most new moms still have a bit of a belly for at least a few weeks post-partum (if you didn’t, we don’t want to hear from you! la-la-la-la-la-I’m-not-listening!). So you’ll want a maternity shirt that can go right from pregnancy into nursing!
4. A basic nursing tank top – not only does every wardrobe need a few good basic pieces, but these are helpful for “converting” regular clothing into nursing clothing. Button down shirts or a cardigan with a nursing tank underneath are perfect layering companions!
5. A dressy nursing top – face it, you’ll want to go out and be pretty at times, and basics aren’t always going to cut it. Get something with a little detailing or fun color to spice up your nursing wardrobe!

And… here’s some great brands I’ve been wearing that perfectly fit these categories!

MOMZELLE – great basic nursing tank top!

You won’t have to leave ALL your formerly-known-as-fashionable clothing behind when you breastfeed. A quality layering top instantly makes regular clothing breastfeeding friendly! The Momzelle Original nursing tank top is a must-have! Super-soft and in an array of colors, you’ll want more than one (I do!). Soft fabric, easy openings for nursing, and a longer fit through the belly/hip, make this top comfortable and modest. Since creating her own nursing top (the Original), designer Christine Poirier has gone on to address common issues in breastfeeding fashions by designing fashionable solutions! Momzelle now features tanks, t-shirts, and even… the nursing turtleneck, something I’ve been looking for! Follow Momzelle on Facebook!

MILK NURSINGWEAR – adds a little dress-up to your nursingwear!

Designed by a mom who knows we want “fresh, modern clothing,” the styles at Milk Nursingwear are ones you’ll wear even when you’re done nursing. When I first tried their oh-so-cute smocked nursing tank top a few years ago, I called it “the cutest shirt I own”! While I still think it is, that tank top has a rival in Milk Nursingwear’s Gathered-loop nursing top! Most of the delightful tops and dresses from Milk Nursingwear are perfect for adding a little “dress-up” into your nursing wardrobe. With subtle detailing like smocking, gathering, and shirring, their clothing makes breastfeeding AND looking good… so, so easy! They’ve even got an ecoMilk sleepwear line made from sustainable bamboo fabric!

What’s your must-haves for breastfeeding fashion?

Each of these brands has become a favorite for me as I’m once again breastfeeding (like a pro!). I’m pleased to announce EACH brand is offering a giveaway prize – creating one awesome package to get a nursing mama outfitted with some fun new fashions! Stay tuned for this giveaway – coming soon!