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Deep Vee

by admin | February 16th, 2010

Deep Vee

Planning your postnatal wardrobe: 10 tips for what to wear post-baby

Between breastfeeding your little one, a broken night’s sleep and frequent nappy changes, it can be difficult to find the time to work out what to wear post-natally which will allow for quick and easy feeding, whilst flattering your new mama figure. The following tips will help...

Whilst your pre-pregnancy jeans and trousers may still be a little way off, resist the temptation to continue wearing your maternity trousers. Baggy oversized trousers will do little for your self-esteem and will add pounds to your appearance. Soft waisted, stretchy or drawstring trousers and skirts will be comfy and avoid giving you post-pregnancy muffin top. Soft loungewear trousers are perfect, smart enough to wear out whilst running round with your baby yet comfy enough to catch up on napping whilst your baby sleeps.
Ensure you have a capsule breastfeeding wardrobe which can be mixed and matched, which then eliminates any fuss in the mornings. Wardrobe staples include nursing camisoles, a good breastfeeding dress and a couple of versatile nursing tops. These can be accessorised with items from your existing wardrobe to mix, match and pretty up your look. Look through your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and see if you have anything which could be used during your post-natal period; floaty tops, cardigans, wrap dresses, loose shirts, wraparound tops are all good.
Patterned and darker coloured breastfeeding tops will hide any spit-up from your baby and leaking milk and will also hide nursing pads. Brilliant for when you are out with your little one.
Using nursing vests as layering pieces extends your post-natal wardrobe options and can also help balance your figure. Some nursing vests feature a body-shaping panel which holds in your tummy, shapes your waist and makes you thinner. Belly Bands can also be used for a similar effect, and are also good at keeping your tummy covered whilst nursing. A selection of tops or bands in staple colours like black, white and grey will give you great basics to build your outfits around. Don’t overlook funky colours though, as a flash of colour under another top is a great way to bring your style up to date.
Draw the eyes upwards with interesting necklines and/or pretty necklaces – directing attention away from new mum tum and towards your new mama glow
Ruching, shirring and draped fabrics which softly disguise any post-natal pounds are a new mum’s best friend. Look for tops with deep vee and scooped necklines which flatter your new mum boobs by showing off your décolletage.
Choose natural fabrics which will work with your body to keep you cool and comfortable. Cottons are great, and fabrics made from naturally occurring fibres such as viscose, bamboo and modal are also a good option.
Black in moderation! Whilst black can be super slimming, resist the temptation to wear it top to toe. Wearing too much black can be draining to the complexion and leave you looking in need of a good night’s sleep, so try midnight blue, plum, wine or chocolate brown as a dark but flattering alternative.
A pop of colour can also lift your mood, so try adding a brightly coloured top, chunky piece of jewellery, scarf or belt to your outfit.
Be kind to yourself and your body, it has been through a lot in creating new life. Remember you have just had a baby and keep in mind the “nine months up, nine months down” mantra. Love your body, be confident and stylish and above all enjoy your days as a new mum!

About the Author

Kirsten Baxter is the Director of UK based online store Bella Mama (http://www.bellamama.co.uk)

Bella Mama is a stylish Breastfeeding clothing boutique offering a fabulous range of nursing clothing and gorgeous accessories for new mums.

25" DEEP VEE A GUENIN MORBIHAN