Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

Dear Empress: How can I nurse in normal clothes?


Dear Empress:

How can I make a regular wardrobe acceptable for nursing?  I want to easily breastfeed my baby without completely undressing or buying an entire wardrobe of nursing specific tops that I can only wear for a limited period of time.

Lady Liz

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Dear Milking Mom, 
I can recommend four categories of traditional clothing that will allow cinchy chic access to la leche.
button-down:
the beauty of a button-down lies in its adaptability.  Expose the serving saucers and enshroud the rest.  It need not buttondown to hip, a handful of buttons on a henley is plenty.  Zippers and hook and eyes are just as advantageous, but my favorite alternative is a tie-neck blouse, the button-front’s flirtatious cousin.

criss-cross wrap:
Not only will this option leave your core under the covers, it will also allow you to unveil a single teet at a time.

drapes & cowls
The extra fabric cloaks you and your sweet suckling’s business.

wide neck
The neckline may scoop, dive, or lunge but make sure it stretches.  And possibly pair it with a nursing tank like Bravado’s Essential Nursing Bra Tank.
Topshop, BB Dakota, Anthropologie, Anthropologie

ShopStyle

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Nursing Bra Review: Top Nursing Bra Choices

 
BC (before-children), I wrote a well-informed, yet strictly theoretical post about nursing bras.  Fortunately for my fashion reputation, the theories still apply.  
But this here post is a really-real, experiential review of mine and baby boyfriend’s top selections for a nursing layette.  
Now not so fast my milk maid.  First measure. Preferably after your milk has unpacked its suitcases.  I’ve experienced first hand, the really-real reality of a three cup size increase in the lady eggs. 

This requires an entirely new collection of nests, and if you plan to order online and enjoy the diversity of sizes and styles available to the informed shopper, not to mention the convenience of ordering at home in your postpartum stretchy pants, you must measure.  

If you are shy of self applied measuring tape, go to a well-equipped department store or bra boutique and get a professional to calculate the nest size for you. However, I must warn you, my favorite department store only carried one style of nursing lingerie, and I had to button a pair of trousers and pack a double stroller to capacity to get there.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Maternelle Maternity Bra
Comfort: 10, Flexibility: 10, Support: 6, Prettiness: 7
Fits True to Size
In the first few weeks following your wee milk-a-tarian’s arrival, when your lactation officials are sucked sore, not to mention incessantly shifting, this is the balm I recommend.  It offers an exceptionally soft cup and lace that ascends to a luxurious level of modesty, a strong contrast to the amount of exposure you currently endure.

Bravado Bliss! Women’s Nursing Bra
Comfort: 9, Flexibility: 8, Support: 8, Prettiness:8
Fits True to Size
If I could recommend only one basket in which to place all nursing flowers, this would be it.  Bravado offers a soft cup with the strength of seaming and underwire.  It both calms and camouflages tender teats.

Le Mystere Sexy Mama Underwire
Comfort: 7, Flexibility: 6, Support: 10, Prettiness:10

Once your milk supply has stabilized and pretty become a primary consideration, test drive this Cadillac of the nursing kingdom. Whether you’re concerned with shape under a blouse or seduction sans buttons, both views are lovely.  And right now it is on sale for 50% off at Zulily.

Comfort: 6, Flexibility: 6, Support: 9, Prettiness:8
If you want an affordable effect similar to Le Mystere with only a slightly diminished amount of support and prettiness, I recommend this price sensitive compromise.

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bustier
Functionality: 10, Prettiness:0
While not even tangential to attractive, I adore the function of this nursing aid.  My hands prefer several activities to the banality of nursing pump support.
Pray tell, what succors your sucklings?  Share your wisdom in the comments.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

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