How to pick the best clothes for breastfeeding

Many moms want to get back into their pre-baby wardrobe as soon as possible, but if you’re nursing, those tops, dresses, and bras aren't always functional. Finding the right clothing can be a challenge. You need clothes with easy access to the breast, especially when out in public. Whatever type of clothing you choose, make sure you are comfortable wearing it and it provides the modesty you require when breastfeeding.

5 tips to choose clothes when breastfeeding

As with any shopping, look at different styles and pick what would be most comfortable for you. There are casual and formal clothes, shirts, dresses, bras, and other items.

Search for double duty items. For example, nursing bras, pajamas, and tops can also be worn when you’re pregnant so look for them while you shop for maternity clothes. Breastfeeding in public can be overwhelming in the beginning, but nursing tops  make things easier and less stressful. Clothes have different openings so you are able to breastfeed in a way that is most comfortable for you.

You might find regular tops you can wear, but in the early days a discreet nursing shirt or tank might be more comfortable until you get your routine down.

Check the size guides. Nursing clothes are made looser to accommodate moms who have just given birth.

Ask other moms what clothes they prefer. There might be some items that worked really well, or went horribly wrong. Speaking of other moms, Joanna Goddard shared a few things on her blog she found useful when nursing her son. It makes a world of difference to wear the right clothes when breastfeeding. Nursing moms have enough to think about, and the last think they want to do is wrestle with a bra or shirt and feel overexposed, uncomfortable, and anxious.

• A full double-layer: The top layer fits up and there are openings in the bottom to breastfeed.
• Buttons in the top layer: You can undo the buttons to reach the hidden layer.
• An empire double-layer: This is similar to the full double-layer, but the top layer is cropped.
• A wrap top: Often they have hidden openings.
• A wrap layer without hidden openings: These don’t provide a panel for extra coverage, but you just have to push it down to breastfeed.
• It’s tough to juggle a regular diaper bag over one shoulder and carry your baby. Instead, she used a simple backpack.
• Goddard found the Ergo to be the most comfortable baby carrier.
• “Ray-Bans somehow miraculously manage to make you feel cool even when you're covered in spit-up,” Goddard says.
• She also recommended nursing wear by Boob. “The Swedish brand makes adorable, uber-flattering T-shirts, tank tops, dresses, and even hoodie sweatshirts with a subtle fold-over flap that you just lift up a little when you want to breastfeed.”
• Slip-on shoes come in handy when you can’t bend over with a baby in your arms to tie anything.
• Nursing bras offer easy-access, convenience, and you don’t have to worry about underwire which can cause painful blocked ducts. Look for comfortable and supportive bras in a soft, breathable fabric. There are a variety of sexy nursing style bras now so you can still wear gorgeous lingerie.
• As a nursing mom, your breasts might leak milk. Along with nursing bras, pads will absorb the milk and prevent leaking which can be awkward if you’re out and don’t have a change of clothes.