What To Wear While Breastfeeding | Mama + Baby

Hannah is now 10.5 months old, and I have been breastfeeding since she was born. This has meant some distinct adjustments to my wardrobe. Where there once was shift dresses and smocks, there is now shirt dresses and wrap tops. I'm not a big fan of specific nursing-wear – I found even though I did buy a few nursing tops and dresses, I didn't wear them because they weren't necessarily my style, and to be honest they're made for taller people! (Not sure why but everything is so long – I think manufacturers assume that to be pregnant and/or breastfeeding you must be a tall person.)

So, I set about finding normal, everyday clothes that would suit breastfeeding, and after a number of months I feel I am qualified to tell you about what worked for me. These options are all for discrete feeding – I'm at the stage now where I'll happily lift my t-shirt and show my stomach in public – but I understand there are days when this is not so appropriate/comfortable/warm.

Thus, today I bring you what to wear while breastfeeding – six on-trend and easily shopped items that will get you through in style. And, as they're not specific nursing items, you might just wear them long after you stop breastfeeding too.

1. The zip top

Pretty self-explanatory but versatile as a cover up over a bikini or togs, worn with jeans dressed up for evening or casually with shorts. I love this one by St Frock AUD$39 or this one that I'm wearing, also from St Frock AUD$39 (gifted)

2. The wrap top

Yay for the wrap top trend! I found a number of wrap tops in high street stores this season that were just perfect for breastfeeding. This one I'm wearing was from a store in Indooroopilly shopping centre, however I've found very similar here for AUD$39 or this one at Ally for AUD$15 or ASOS for AUD$54

3. The shirt dress

Oh, here she goes again about the shirt dresses. Enough already! Ok, ok, but seriously shirt dresses are the bomb-diggity when breastfeeding too. This one I'm wearing is an ASOS sale find from many moons ago but I also like this one from St Frock for AUD$59, this one from Boohoo for AUD$30, this one also for AUD$30 and this one from River Island for AUD$50 (I told you I liked shirt dresses!)

4. The wrap dress

This one is a no-brainer, and usually they're a staple in the maternity wardrobe too. The one I'm wearing was an op-shop find, however I like this one at ASOS for AUD$73 or this one at Boohoo for AUD$30

5. The oversized button-up shirt

I love a good oversized top, and my collection definitely came in handy in the cooler months with jeans and a cardigan or jacket. This one is Temt, however this one is similar at Ally for $19.95, or this acid washed denim one at Boohoo is super cool for AUD$40.

6. The kimono

If you've been a reader for a while you may know I'm slightly addicted to kimonos and capes. It just so happens they're super handy as a cover up for breastfeeding and for keeping your back and stomach warm while lifting up a plain tshirt! This one I'm wearing is St Frock, here for AUD$49 (gifted); I also like this one from Boohoo for AUD$20, or this one at Sportsgirl for AUD$80 or this one at the Iconic also for $80.

Want more tips? Check out this fantastic post What to Wear While Breastfeeding by Styling You.

If you're breastfeeding, or have before, what are your go-to clothing items?