Nursing Clothes?

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

First, are they necessary? Like all these fancy tops that pull down or to the side or whatever? Or can I just wear my regular clothes?

Second, if they are necessary, what are the basics and can I buy them now or do I need to wait until after I have the baby and my milk comes in?

As always, I'm forever indebted to the iMSN braintrust...

[Deebs]

I had one nursing top. I think this may depend on your size. I am large chested anyway, but just completely ridiculous when I'm nursing. I did a lot of t-shirts or long sleeved t's and used a nursing cover in public. If you want to try one, I'd maybe get one before you deliver and then see how you like it. You can always order online once you've delivered and don't want to go shopping, right?

[ladymoreta]

I didn't have any nursing shirts. The bras are definitely worth it. I just used a nursing cover and lifted up my shirt. If I thought there might be people around who might accidentally see before I got situated, I would wear a Bella band to cover my stomach.

[SuzySunshine]

I liked the nursing camis because I was very self conscious about my tummy so I could lift my regular shirts without people seeing it.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I have 1 nursing top and 1 nursing tank that I like - and a bunch that I don't Thankfully, they're all from a friend, so I didn't invest any money. The nursing top that I like looks like a layered v-neck T-shirt, but the inside layer is like a super-loose tank that you can just move to the side. I don't like the others because they are way too low-cut and too much stuff going on to be quick. Nothing will draw more attention to you than a screaming infant When I'm out, I usually just wear a T-shirt and sometimes my belly band (when I remember). The belly band is nice to keep the tummy covered. At home, I usually don't wear a shirt

[Pollyanna]

I really liked having nursing clothes. I did not wear them exclusively but had several pieces that made life soooo much easier. One Hot Mama typically has some nice pieces and great dresses which are impossible to wear when you are a nursing mama (http://www.onehotmama.com/Nursing-Cl...F8&class=tier1). Motherwear (not Motherhood) is also a go to store for basics. Milk is a pretty new company and looks like they have some cute styles http://www.milknursingwear.com/. I would order a few pieces to start and see what works for you. Maybe 1 dress, 2 tanks, 2 tops to wear with a dressier pant, and a casual top for jeans. Of course you will want a few nursing bras as well.

[Michele]

I had a variety of options. I have about 10 nursing tops in various sizes and styles. Some were made to keep the belly and back covered...some just the belly....and some were meant to pull the breast to the side. What I most often ended up with was a long cheap tanktop under a regular shirt. I'd pull up the outer shirt and pull down the neck of the cheap tank to expose my breast. I feel like this gives me the most complete skin coverage. The only part of my breast exposed is the nipple area and baby's head covers that part. The Bellaband works the same way to keep the belly covered. For me an added benefit of the full tank top, was that the neckline was usually still tight enough that it helped support my breast so I didn't have to hold it as much.

My sister was a huge fan of the opposite...she would buy deep V-neck shirts to go over a tank top...she'd pull up the tank top bottom and pull the V-neck down/to the side. My mom made her some shorter cami type tops....but then she bought these: http://www.amazon.com/Ontel-CAMIS-CD.../dp/B003MAEV28 and she liked them.

Even in the hot summers of Louisiana I'd do the double shirt method. I never really felt too over-heated by it....but loved it in the winter.

[Thirteen]

I purchased 4 nursing camis from Target, and once my milk came in, it was like, no way are these going to fit.
I also had 2 cheapie nursing bras that sucked.
I dropped some coin on 2 soft cup nursing bras, a sleep bra, and a hybrid from Pea in the Pod and it was worth it. They are still going strong, and still comfortable. I also suggest you go to a maternity lingerie store and get fitted, as it is worth it.
I just wear stretchy t-shirts, or tops that I can lift up/pull down. Target makes great stretchy cotton blend T's for cheap.


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[MrsK]

I wear a nursing tank under a t-shirt or sweater. I like the glamourmoms tanks because the nipple opening is small so it is easier to be discrete. Also, the loose blouses, ponchos, boxy sweaters, and cowel necks that are fashionable now are great for nursing. I resisted them for a long time because I think they add weight to my small frame. But post-partum, a defined waist is not your friend and you will want to hide your belly for a couple months. Also, get a couple pair of leggings/yoga pants. They are comfortble post partum and forgiving of your changing shape. You'll feel better wearing those than you will wearing streched out maternity clothes or trying to squeeze into pants that don't fit yet.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

So it sounds like nursing tanks that you can layer are the way to go and maybe some dresses. These fancy sweaters/long sleeved shirts seem unnecessary.

And consensus on buying before the milk comes in...probably not?

[Pollyanna]

This is an AWESOME nursing tank: http://www.bravadodesigns.com/shop/t...l-nursing-tank . They used to sell and matching top that made it look like a twin-set. Super pretty and practical.

[MrsK]

Don't buy too much. Definitely get the pants I suggested. You'll feel so much better having something that fits you when you are too busy to shop. I don't know if you should bother with dresses either. You probably won't wear them much in the winter. I've been in skirts (no dresses) since my first was born.

[MrsK]

See, everyone is different. I have the tank that Pollyanna posted and I don't like it. It's too low cut and I don't like exposing my whole breast when I open it (even if it's under a T).

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I would wait for the bulk of the purchases, but you'll need some stuff in the meantime FWIW, I really like Target's nursing bras.

[SuzySunshine]

I would also wait for most of it, buy a couple of things to get you through the first few days but know what you want so that you can order the right size when your milk comes in. My sister and I who are the same size pre-baby were COMPLETELY different sizes when breastfeeding.