These days, most new mothers are encouraged by their peers and health care providers to exclusively breastfeed their newborn babies. Breastfeeding provides a baby with all the nourishment he or she will need, has loads of health benefits, and mom and baby a unique opportunity to bond. Usually a new mom is coached on how to get breastfeeding started while she and baby are still in the hospital. But once you take off that hospital gown and step into the real world, how is baby going to get access to that natural fountain of milk?
At first, most new moms stay largely at home, where modesty is not really a concern when feeding the baby. But eventually, moms all want to step out into the world and many mothers are concerned about breastfeeding in public. Wardrobe choices can contribute greatly to a new nursing mom's comfort and confidence level and even be a factor in deciding if she can be a breastfeeding success.
Nursing Bras Offer Breastfeeding Support
A good bra is the foundation of a nursing wardrobe. Nursing bras come in a variety of styles, from lacy lingerie-inspired numbers to cotton sports bra types. Generally, the bras have a snap that releases the bra cup so that the baby has access to the breast. It is best to try out several styles of nursing bras to figure out which one works best and feels comfortable.
It is generally not recommended that nursing moms choose bras with an underwire, as the wire can put pressure on the milk ducts and interfere with breastfeeding, though there are underwire nursing bras on the market. You should choose a bra that offers support but is not too tight – your breasts will change size throughout the early stages of nursing, so you want plenty of room to grow.
Easy Access Shirts And Blouses
Nursing moms may have to put dress-wearing on hold during their months of breastfeeding, since baby will need frequent access to her breasts. Many new moms find that simple t-shirts are the easiest to wear while nursing – you simply lift up the bottom of the shirt and let the baby stick his or her head underneath. Some women prefer a button-up blouse, unbuttoning the top few buttons and giving the baby access from the top. The t-shirt method tends to offer more modesty.
You can also buy special nursing shirts with layers that can be pulled back to reveal the breast. These tops are readily available at maternity shops or online specialty stores.
Camouflaging Milk Leaks
Access isn't the only issue to consider when choosing a nursing wardrobe – especially in the early days of nursing when a woman's breasts often leak milk. During this time it's wise to choose a shirt with a busy pattern to camouflage the leak. Wearing a cardigan or button-up shirt over top a t-shirt can also provide a good cover-up.
During these leaky times, a new mom will also want to purchase some breast pads to soak up the extra milk. Several brands of disposable breast pads are available in most drug stores and reuseable pads are available in maternity specialty stores. Again, a process of trial and error will tell you which pads are best for you.
Cover-Up if You're not Comfortable
Again, self-consciousness can sabotage a new mom's milkflow, so if you're not comfortable exposing a bit of skin in public, it's wise to invest in a breastfeeding apron or cover-up. These aprons, which tie around the mom's neck and cover her entire torso are available online or in maternity specialty shops. They do tend to be expensive, so crafty moms may want to make one for themselves. Another option is to drape a receiving blanket over the baby and breasts while feeding.
Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for both the mother and the child. Figuring out an appropriate wardrobe can be stressful in the beginning, but if you follow the above tips, clothing choices won't get in the way of naturally nourishing your baby.
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