4 Must-Have Fashion Basics for the Breastfeeding Mom

With the likes of sexy supermom celebs like Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr and Giselle Bundchen rocking it out as proud milk mamas, it’s no wonder breastfeeding has taken on a new light, one that exudes ultra-femininity, empowerment, and even style.

Make breastfeeding fun not just for your baby, but for you, too! Let these breastfeeding fashion basics take you from frumpy to fab.

1.    The nursing bra
This is your foundation for all your breastfeeding-friendly fashions. Choose high-quality, easy-to-care-for bras made from natural fibers that are soft to the skin and can withstand frequent washing, especially those that you will wear on a daily basis. Invest in a few nursing bras in soft jersey, Lycra-cotton or jersey blends, and cotton-spandex fabrics; these are great for fitted or tailored tops and dresses.

a.    Nursing bandeau: This is a must-have if you can’t let go of your tube tops, strapless blouses and spaghetti-strapped stand-bys. Nursing bandeaus are like regular bandeau bras, except that they come with a padded opening that gives you the nursing access you need for discreet breastfeeding. (You can get BlissfulBabes bandeaus from Mama.Baby.Love.)

b.    Standard nursing bra: This is your everyday, any occasion nursing bra, which is made from lightweight, breathable fabric and provides full support. You can wear it under any type of top or dress. The Bravado, in particular, is an award-winning nursing bra worn by many celeb breastfeeding moms such as Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Garner. (Buy Bravado bras locally through Indigo Baby.)

 

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c.    Moda T-shirt bra: The t-shirt bra lets you wear fitted and sporty garments such as tanks, t-shirts and stretch tops. It’s like your standard seamless t-shirt bra, except that each cup provides breastfeeding access. (Moda is exclusively distributed at all Mothercare branches.)

 

2.    A stylish nursing cover
Nursing covers let you breastfeed discreetly whenever, wherever! They can be easily folded and tucked away into your bag, or even worn as part of your ensemble. We’ve got three stylish options that are so fashion-forward, you wouldn’t think they were nursing covers at first glance!

a.    Breastfeeding Boncho (Indigo Baby) The Boncho is a versatile poncho and nursing top hybrid which can be worn fourteen different ways, whether you are breastfeeding or not. It’s made from soft, stretchy cotton fabric and comes in an array of designs.

 

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b.    The Glamouflage (Eden) This luxe wrap is the runway model of breastfeeding covers. It’s not only a nursing cover: It’s a wrap, a poncho, a shrug and an elegant scarf, too! It’s available in two materials: silk or bamboo, and comes in three classy designs: bouquet, butterfly and teal.

 
c.    The Baby Bond Couture (Sunshine Babies Boutique) A hybrid nursing cover and tummy tucker (for that post-pregnancy pooch we all have!), The Baby Bond Couture is worn seamlessly over any nursing top or dress. Its discreet opening lets you nurse your baby anywhere, and its stylish, draped effect lends an effortless chic to any outfit.  

 

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3.    Nursing-friendly tops
Nursing tops have come a long way from just the usual shirt or blouse with nursing flaps. Today’s fashionable staples include multi-way tops in luxurious fabrics to hybrid tops that marry function and style. There are so many choices available, you’ll wish you were a breastfeeding momma! It’s a good idea to have pieces in basic styles, which you can play up with accessories and trendy jewelry.

a.    Corsierre (Blissful babes) This breakthrough 3-in-1 nursing top, cami and corset all-in-one is a proudly Filipino fashion invention, thanks to the ingenuity and nursing know-how of supermom Buding Aquino-Dee, one of the pioneers in fashionable breastfeeding wear through Blissful Babes, and co-founder of L.A.T.C.H. The Corsierre can be worn on its own or as part of an ensemble.

 

b.    The Infinitude Multiwear Wrap (Eden) A multi-wear piece like the Infinitude provides nursing moms with endless possibilities! It can be a cardigan, a halter top, a tunic, a jacket, a nursing poncho, and more! Made from stretchy, lightweight fabric, it fits any body type and shape, whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or not.

 

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c.    Any wrap, drape, flowing or front-opening top. You don’t need to get new nursing tops if they’re not up your alley; there are many breastfeeding-friendly, ready to wear blouses, tops and shirts you can choose from from your favorite brands. Just cover up with a chic nursing cover and you have nothing to worry about!

4.    Nursing-friendly dress
Nursing-friendly dresses have never been more chic! You’ll need at least three to four casual and reliable styles which you can wear on any day (for both work and weekends), and two sleek and sophisticated choices for special events such as weddings, functions and parties.

a.    Casual Dress (Mothers En Vogue) A casual day dress should be part of your breastfeeding staples. Look cool and kept-together in any of Mothers En Vogue’s comfortable pieces, which can be used during pregnancy and throughout your nursing time.

 

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b.    Maxi Dress (Eden) These draping, luxurious dresses can be worn from pregnancy through to your nursing days, and are pure breastfeeding fashion bliss. Suitable for both casual and dressed-up days, the Eden maxi and pocket dress will surely give you that wow factor.

c.    Any wrap dress:  Go for any wrap or strapless dress in a stretchy fabric which you can easily pull aside for easy breastfeeding access. You can get wrap dresses at any boutique or department store.

Photo by dovima_is_devine_II via flickr creative commons