Photo by: iStock

What to Wear Postpartum

Photo by: iStock



Back home after your baby’s birth, you stand in the closet and feel lost. On one side hang your chic pre-pregnancy clothes, and, on the other, the cute maternity outfits you’ve lived in for the last few months. Which hangers do you pull out?

New mom Kristina Brazeal points out, “As any mom knows, your waist doesn’t immediately pop back to its prenatal size and shape.” In fact, according to Helene Byrne, BeFit-Mom founder, “The average women who gains a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy will find herself 10-15 lbs over her pre-pregnancy weight at 12 weeks postpartum. After delivery, all women have a larger, rounder, and softer belly due to abdominal wall laxity, a wider rib cage, and fuller breasts. So not only do you weigh a bit more, but your body proportions have changed a lot.” Byrne advises, “Don’t fret over the size you need to buy that fits and flatters your body. The size is, in fact, just a number, not a value judgment.”

Brazeal suggests, “When choosing something to wear, comfort is the first thing I look for….I don’t want to be pulling and tugging on my top or dealing with a belt digging into my waistline.” Other experts echo her advice: go for comfort above all else. Liza Maltz, birth and postpartum doula, says, “Dress cool. Postpartum is a sweaty time. Layers are helpful as your body is readjusting.” Brittany Bright, advertising account coordinator and seven-month mom, and Elizabeth Newcamp, mom to a 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and 7-month-old, agree that maxi dresses that are stretchy without being tight are especially appropriate for postpartum dressing. Brazeal and Maltz both suggest yoga pants, as well – “comfy, stretchy, and forgiving,” reports Brazeal.

Amanda West, mother of three children, ranging in age from 18 months to 6 years, also points out that pajama pants, especially the maternity versions, are perfect for hanging around the house.

Other suggestions include choosing fabrics that are easy to wash. New babies are messy – “Spit ups, blow up diapers and baby surprises await moms on the go and white shows all,” Brazeal reminds. With that in mind, Lindsay Narain, designer for VAUGHN, suggests tops in prints and patterns that camouflage stains, as well as a lightweight scarf that can cover new spots that pop up while you’re out and about.

Kim Vopni, from The Fitness Doula, reminds new moms that the first eight weeks postpartum are about mom’s body healing. She recommends postpartum abdominal wraps; the garments are similar to a girdle, and they provide support for recovering core and pelvic muscles.

The experts agree about layering and tops that are easy to lift up or down for nursing. Some women prefer being covered when nursing in public, and Brazeal has practical advice to accommodate that preference without baby getting overheated under a blanket. She suggests, “You can dress smart to avoid having to use a cover but still remain covered (though it may take a little practice at home to get the technique down just right). Wear a nursing tank under a t shirt, a camisole over a tank, or just two tops of any kind layered over one another—one stays down while the top is lifted up for easy access to the breast but with minimal exposure.” Rebecca Agi, international board certified lactation consultant, suggests a loose shirt over a tank top, as well. She also recommends button-front shirts or tops with V-necks or scoop necks.

Narain has some ideas for accessorizing, too. She starts with hair accessories, pointing out that “They’re a really easy way to feel like you have some sort of style, even if you spend 30 seconds on your hair.” Keep some cute clips, a hat, or a chic headband on hand for grab-and-go days. She also recommends chic flats – no rubber flip-flops; not only are those a trip hazard, you just don’t feel as fashion-forward in them. Finally, she insists on a baby bag you fall in love with. She says, “You’re going to be staring at, holding, carrying and cleaning this bag A LOT over the next two years. Better get one you really love!”

So, remember that your postpartum shape is temporary; go for comfort and convenience first. There’s plenty of time for those cute pre-pregnancy skinny jeans or fitted dresses a few weeks from now.



Pam Martin has been writing professionally since the early 1980s, on a wide variety of topics. She brings 20 years of classroom teaching and tutoring experience to the party, including early elementary classes and courses in writing, reading and literature, history, geography and government at middle and high schools. She is also accomplished in crafting and in writing about projects, including her blogs, Roots and Wings From the Village, The Corner Classroom, and Sassy Scribbler, which encompass crafting, cooking, lesson plans, and professional writing advice.

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