You just had a baby and now you're breastfeeding. Your body is...well...different than it used to be. Your boobs feel enormous and your tummy is a bit squishy. Shopping for new clothes at this point can be a bit disheartening. But never fear - your body will return to normal eventually! In the mean time, here are a few pointers for choosing a nursing top that will allow you to breastfeed and feel like the sexy mama you are!
Answering the following four questions and understanding which styles compliment your answers will prepare you for your shopping adventure:
1. Do you plan to show some cleavage or wear a more modest top?
2. Do you plan to wear the nursing top at home or out with friends?
3. Do you want and need super quick and easy access (like when you are half-asleep at night), or do you have time to prepare before a feeding?
4. Do you want maximum discretion or can you show a little boob?
Sexiness vs Modesty
If you want a sexy top that shows off your cleavage than you go with a v-neck top such as the Nursing Button Top or the Nursing Pearl Edge Top. If you want a more modest top then go with a higher-cut scoop neck or square neck top such as the Nursing Bubble Top or the Soft Pleat Tunic.
Casual or Fashion
If you want your nursing tops to be used for a casual night at home then pick something that is comfortable and can be easily washed and dried. My choice would be one of the Nursing Henleys such as the Stripe Double Layer Nursing Henley or the Double Layer Henley. Both these styles can be dried in the dryer. If you want a nursing top to go with your friends check out BumbleWee's selection of more fashionable tops. Keep in mind that many of these tops should lie flat to dry and not be put in the dryer.
Quick and Easy Access
If you are buying PJs that will be used during the night you should choose something that has the easiest breast access possible since you don't want to have to fiddle with your top at night. My suggestion would be any top that has an opening type of Pull-Aside or Pull-Under. The Pull-Aside is a top where the v-neck pulls to the side of the breast. The Pull-Under top is one where the neck stretches to be pulled underneath the breast. Check out The Pajanaman for an example of a PJ with pull-aside access.
Maximum Discretion
Do you want maximum discretion while you're feeding, or are you able to show a little boob? If you want maximum discretion be sure to choose a top that has the opening style of Pull-Up or Pull-Aside with Underlayer. The Pull-Up tops lift from the bustline over the breast. This type of opening allows the top of the breast as well as your belly to remain covered for maximum discretion. The Pull-Aside with Underlayer is a top where the neck pulls to the side of the breast, but there is a second layer underneath the pull-aise to keep the top and side of the breast covered. Consider these tops for maximum discretion: The Tipped Bodice Top or the Double Layer Henley.
For more information and styles visit BumbleWee.
