After I brought my son home from the hospital, there were so many things I wasn’t prepared for. I was a first time new mom experiencing pure joy mixed with a flood of emotions and sleepless nights. And really, you can’t truly prepare or predict how having a baby will change you. But, having girlfriends and family to help prepare you for the what-ifs, as well as having your arsenal of baby products and apparel on-the-ready, is obviously a great place to start.
If you choose to breastfeed, as I did, I think it’s also important to do some research beforehand. While the web is a great place and there are so many informative books to choose, I went right to my local online La Leche League. Knowing information can help ease your mind, although again, nothing prepares you like being thrown into the fire… with a hungry newborn! Nursing bras, pads and a great lanolin cream for soreness are no-brainers. I also found that having my favorite nursing tops in multiples was clutch!
I thought I’d spend some time talking about the various nursing top styles that I love, so you can also get an idea of what may work for you. First and foremost, you need to be comfortable while nursing. Choose soft, stretchy styles. Also look for tops that offer some modesty with a clip down feature or a secret panel as a second layer designed right into the top. The nursing tops our team designs here at Destination Maternity are specifically crafted with these special features; they are also cut in flattering silhouettes that are forgiving over your new mom midsection.
Wearing a second layer is also a nice option when you are nursing on the go. I wore a chic knit cardigan over our clip down nursing camisole, making pumping at work easier. I always suggest stocking up on the clip-down camisole in a few colors to have, ready to go. So many of my girlfriends and clients love these because the clips easily unlock with one hand, freeing the other up for baby. If you’ve nursed before, I know you GET IT! Being able to work your wardrobe one-handed is important.
It’s was also so important to me to be able to maintain a chic look while nursing. I mean, looking cute is a must, right? That’s why I love a double drape nursing top or lightweight poncho. Both silhouettes are pretty sophisticated and can be paired with a legging or jean for a completely polished look. Remember, you want your own personal style to shine through. That’s what’s great about each of these pieces. You can incorporate them into your own wardrobe and look like the fabulous new mom that you are! Enjoy your babes -Olivia
1 Nursing Top & Maternity Yoga Pants/ 2 Clip Down Nursing Cami & Striped Maternity Sleep Pant/ 3 Maternity Cardigan, Clip Down Nursing Cami & Maternity Yoga Pants/ 4 Clip Down Maternity Cami/ 5 Nursing Poncho/ 6 Swaddle/ 7 Nursing Bra/ 8 Medela Tender Care Lotion/ 9 Lily Padz Nursing Pads/ 10 Teddy Bear
