Breastfeeding In Public with Nursingwear Is Stylish & Easy!
When I breastfed my babies I always covered up. I’m not as brave or body-positive as my mom friends that don’t care who sees or stares. For the most part I used a muslin blanket or nursing cover (get these discounted or FREE with coupon codes, just sign up for emails!). But which way is the best way to go? Let loose or cover up?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s a right answer. If you’re a breastfeeding mom the important thing is that you’re breastfeeding. ZERO shade to moms who cannot or choose not to breastfeed; we all do the best we can and what works for us and our families. But whether you nurse when and wherever, cover up, or leave the room altogether, nursing wear could be a great option for you. Nursing tops and dresses seriously changed my life as a breastfeeding mom.
Related: Bothered By Breastfeeding In Public? Here’s A Survival Kit
I don’t know how I made it through my first child’s infancy completely unaware that nursingwear was a thing, and I only owned one or two while I was breastfeeding my second. Oh what a difference it made to be able to nurse without pulling my arms out of my sleeves or stretching the neck and hem lines of my shirts until they were permanently out of shape. I was able to breastfeed more quickly, more comfortably, and with ease, plus I didn’t feel exposed without a cover. Nursingwear was a true game changer. Remembering how much I liked my nursing tops, I decided to make a small investment in a nursing wardrobe with my third baby.
Pro: Nursingwear makes breastfeeding easier.
Nursing tops and dresses, with their well-hidden flaps and buttons, made breastfeeding so much easier than it was in my regular clothes. I could nurse anytime, anywhere with minimal exposure (good for a mom like me) and ease of transition (good for any mom). I could easily begin, switch sides, or end nursing with the pull of a flap. It was especially easy when baby decided she’d changed her mind about eating; I could close up shop quickly and go on about my day.
Related: Breastfeeding While Black. Let’s Normalize It.
Pro: Nursingwear is really cute.
Listen, we aren’t talking tents and potato sacks with arm and neck holes, ladies. We’re talking fashionable, functional and practical clothing. Nursing tanks, tees, sweaters and even dresses can be found both online and in stores. There are tons of options to fit any and every style. There are plenty of office-appropriate options for working moms who need to pump!
Con: Nursingwear isn’t cheap.
These pieces aren’t thrifty, but if you’re planning to breastfeed for several months to a year or more you’ll absolutely get your money’s worth. My favorite site is MILK Nursing Wear. They send out discount codes if you sign up for emails, their clothing is high quality, and returns and exchanges are super easy. It’s relatively easy to find sales online that will save you a little cash.
Added bonus: Some maternity clothing doubles as nursingwear!
Get the most for your money by investing in things you can wear during AND after pregnancy. Find pieces that are made to pull double duty. Pregnancy weight doesn’t disappear immediately for most moms, so a little extra room for comfort is greatly appreciated.
Related: Why Breastfeeding One Baby Takes An Entire Village
Normalize Breastfeeding!
We all know that public breastfeeding is a hot topic. While many support public breastfeeding there are apparently also a lot of people out there who don’t. Their babies depend on them to provide nourishment to thrive. Nursing mothers and their children should be able to feel comfortable. I would never tell a nursing mom to cover up. EVER. I’m 100% down with normalizing breastfeeding, covered or not– even if some people don’t like it. Breast feeding moms should be able to nurse wherever they want and whenever they need to. They should also be able to do it however they want, whether that means covered or completely bare. If you’re a nursing or expectant mom, I highly recommend giving nursingwear a try. Whether you’re into covering up or not, nursingwear helps you breastfeed quickly, easily and comfortably without ruining your clothes. Here are a few sites and stores to check out!
Shop Online
Milk Nursingwear
Seraphine
Milk and Baby
Milkstars
Gap
Old Navy
Shop In Stores
Motherhood Maternity
