I shared an Instagram story yesterday pointing people in the direction of my Shop My Style page because I’d recently updated it with my favourite breastfeeding friendly outfit choices. When I checked my inbox later that evening, it was full of messages from people saying they really struggled to find stylish outfits they could feed in, and that they found my list useful. Its probably my most popular IG story in that it received the most engagement and it wasn’t even all 15 seconds long! Now I’m no fashion blogger and would never pretend to be, but I do like spending money and I’m on first name terms with my ASOS delivery driver so hopefully that gives me some credentials to write the following post… its also my second time feeding a wriggly, arm thrashing baby!
When I began feeding Ettie, I struggled to find stylish outfits that were breastfeeding friendly because I didn’t really know what to wear that would give me quick access to my baps without flashing innocent passers by at every feed. I could never get on with those cover up things and would end up in a right tangled mess if I try to use a muslin, so clothing which allowed me to discretely pop out a nipple was definitely more my thing.
Luckily for me, Ettie was born in summer so I was able to stick on some shorts and a baggy t-shirt and there wasn’t too much faffing. She was small so I could pop her up my shirt at a moments notice and if I was clever enough to wear a V-neck that day, I could even look down through the neck to see that she was latched on properly.
As time went on, my confidence grew and so did my range of outfit choices. At first it was the trusty dungaree. With those, you don’t even need to get undressed, just pop a nip out to the side under whatever top you’re wearing and the front flap of the dungarees will hide your modesty.
Anything with buttons came next as I found you can undo the middle buttons to gain access, leaving most onlookers thinking you are just giving your baby a close squidge…. Remember as babies get older feeding gets a lot more efficient because they know what they are doing and so there’s a lot less arm flinging and having to re-attach the latch. These button down options really opened doors and my wardrobe flourished with everything floaty floral midi dresses to short fitted playsuits. The only thing to bear in mind with fitted options is that your boobs will look like Dolly Parton as the day goes on, and breast pads tend to increase this size unnecessarily!
In the winter months, baggy jumpers were my life safer, same principle as the T-shirts, I just popped Ettie under my jumper and no one really knew I was feeding! I found a double layer works well to keep your back toasty if your jumper rides up a bit, just make sure the second layer has a low neckline which you can easily pull down. You can even wear cold shoulder or off the shoulder jumpers to give your outfit more of an edge.
Finally I found high waisted skirts/ trousers and short tops worked really well as there was less material to lift up to pop your baby on, and the high waist does wonders to hide a mum tum. As time went on I learned to think outside the box. Just because you’re feeding, doesn’t mean you have to feel frumpy. There are lots of options out there, and often the best choices aren’t in the ‘nursing’ section of your favourite retailers. Most of all I’d say don’t be afraid of pattern or colour as they can make the even the plainest outfit feel fabulous…
I’ve popped some of my latest finds down below. It’s pretty jumper heavy as we’re moving into the winter months, but and I’ll continue to add to the list as I move through this second breastfeeding journey.
Please do feel free to pop me a message if you have any questions and I hope you find some ideas below…
Breastfeeding Friendly Outfit Ideas
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I am loving your style hun and it just goes to show that you can be stylish AND breastfeed at the same time because you are clearly rocking it! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely x
Thanks lovely!! See you again next week x
I’m not breastfeeding anymore but I LOVE your style, I think I might have to spend a little money myself! I love the leopard print skirt and jumper combo, I really want to be wearing more skirts this winter but with a four year old and 1 year old I wanted to be comfortable so was looking for some mid-length skirts and dresses, right I wonder what my ASOS delivery drivers name is lol x #coolmumclub
ha ha get to know it, he’ll make you a priority!! I just wear midi skirts with my Vans, perfect for the nursery run and still feels like you’ve made an effort x