New mothers have a lot on their plates. Not only do they have a baby to care for, but also often experience an ever-changing body. Many of these mothers have plenty of new clothes to dress their newborns in but little to dress themselves in. While some new moms may opt to continue wearing their maternity clothes, others will look at their pre-pregnancy wardrobe and long for something fresh.
Source: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com
Postpartum women deserve to feel good in what they wear, whether they are staying home to care for their babies or heading back to work in the months that follow. And, while picking out a completely new wardrobe for this time period can seem like an added point on a never-ending to-do list, it doesn’t have to be.
1. Try Undergarments Made for Postpartum
Some women find that using a Leonisa postpartum compression garment soon after giving birth makes them feel more comfortable. The garments gently compress your torso to define your curves during the postpartum period, and they can even help speed up the healing process. Further, with regular use, these undergarments can help manage lower back and pelvic pain and postpartum cramping. If you had a Caesarian section, you could find postpartum undergarments designed specifically for post-surgical wear.
Most postpartum garments are adjustable and will not make you feel as if your stomach is being squeezed. These garments can even feature loops in the back that attach to your bra so that it doesn’t move around while you are wearing it.
Source: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com
2. Create a Wardrobe Formula
You can simplify your postpartum wardrobe by creating outfit formulas: easy-to-remember combinations of clothing pieces. For example, one formula could be leggings and a sweater, while another could be a skirt and a T-shirt.
Once you come up with a few outfit formulas that fit your personal style, write them down, then arrange your wardrobe in a way that makes it easy to create the outfit you want. For example, you can place all of your T-shirts together in a dresser drawer, your sweaters together in a closet, and all of your leggings on a closet shelf.
3. Try Loose-fitting Dresses
Loose or relaxed-fit dresses are often considered unflattering, but this is untrue. In fact, most loose-fitting dresses can be just as flattering as fitted dresses when they hug your body in just the right places. These dresses are also comfortable and perfect for wearing on hot summer days.
For women who choose to breastfeed, look for loose-fitting dresses with buttons or clasps down the front. These options make it easy to breastfeed your newborn without requiring you to completely undress, which is especially helpful when you need to perform multiple feedings each day.
4. Buy Jeans in a Couple of Sizes Up
While mom-style jeans seem to go in and out of style all the time, comfortable jeans are a must for every new mother. Jeans that use stretchy materials, a drawstring waist, and a mid- to high-rise waist work best for postpartum style.
You might want to get jeans a size or two larger than usual to ensure you have space to breathe in them. Investing in inexpensive jeans for your postpartum wardrobe is wise since you may not fit in them for very long. Remember, your body is changing shape constantly during and after pregnancy.
5. Invest in Nursing Tops
Women who breastfeed can get a lot of use from nursing tops and dresses made for postpartum use. These tops usually stretch easily but keep a flattering shape with a tie or hook-and-loop waistline. Traditionally, these tops or dresses would look obvious as nursing garments, but modern pieces are much more discreet.
You can pair a nursing top with comfortable postpartum shapewear if you’d like to feel more secure throughout your day. You may also use a nursing bra to make breastfeeding even easier.
6. Accessorize With Baby-friendly Bags
Diaper bags are essential when you plan on taking your newborn anywhere, and you can allow these bags to be a part of your postpartum style. More than likely, the designers you love for their handbags may offer diaper bags that match. Consider investing in a diaper bag that fits your style, and you may be able to find a purse or clutch for yourself to go along with it.
7. Embrace Your New Look
Source: Nina Buday/Shutterstock.com
Rather than dwell on the changes that pregnancy has put on your body, try to embrace yourself and take pride in your postpartum look. After all, your body has given you a newborn, and that’s certainly something to be proud of.
While you may choose to use postpartum shapewear or compression garments, be sure you wear ones that fit you well for the best results. Never size down with these garments, as this will only cause you discomfort and make the garment less effective.
Above All, Keep It Fun
At the end of the day, creating a postpartum wardrobe does not have to be an added item to your to-do list. Instead, you can look at it as an opportunity to experiment with your style and try something new. By using undergarments engineered for the postpartum body, your clothes will look and feel better. To ensure you remain stylish throughout your postpartum journey, try out every step above and allow yourself to have fun with it!
Leave a Reply