FeedInStyle | Breastfeeding Friendly Fashion

How is it the start of June and I haven’t managed to do a wedding outfit edit yet!!I know special occasions are always a bit of a worry especially if you’re breastfeeding a very young baby so here’s a few options and ideas.I was lucky I didn’t have to attend any formal events when either of my babies were very small but if I had I definitely would have gone for a breastfeeding specific dress.

This dress from Topshop is maternity/nursing which can be quite annoying if it doesn’t hang right once the bump is gone. However the breastfeeding access is discrete and i think this style would be good for the post partum tummy as well as being a lovely and summery.

Another breastfeeding specific dress with discrete access perfect to give you confidence feeding in public.

I love the colour and shape of this Zara dress. Feeding access wouldn’t be discrete but team it with a pretty light scarf to keep covered and feel more comfortable (if you need to).

This Monsoon dress is dreamy and I think it would be perfect for a destination wedding. Button front for feeding access and thick shoulder straps so no bra dilemmas. I’d team it with tan or natural accessories.

Tip: size down!

A great idea for formal occasions is to wear separates so you can do one-up-one-down easily. A statement skirt or trousers teamed with a simple cami and heels can create a great outfit that’s easy to feed in.

Or you can match it up and wear a co-ord like these I found (and had to stop myself from buying) on ASOS!

I’d wear this suit with a brightly coloured cami and heels to make a simple but smart wedding outfit. It’s also good value for money as can be worn easily as every day separates and both items are great wardrobe staples.

Unfortunately the jacket is sold out in this style but I wanted to share it as I think a bright suit makes such a lovely outfit and you can wear any breastfeeding friendly shirt, vest or top you feel comfortable in and still look great.

Jennie x

I was so unprepared for breastfeeding. I bought some bras and vests but until I was in the thick of it I didn’t think about the impact breastfeeding has on what I wear every day. Having breastfed Lennie for a year and now feeding Liam for the last 8 months my wardrobe is pretty well equipped for boob access. Obviously there are some styles which are packed away under the bed, high neck dresses for example, but I try not to feel too limited.This is definitely easier as baby gets older and feeds less during the day, but confidence also plays a big role. A lot of women say they stick to one-up-one-down layers for discrete feeding but this often leads to the same items on repeat and not feeling good.So here are a few items that may help to give a little life to your wardrobe while still feeling confident to feed wherever, whenever....

In the early days especially, nursing bras are essential. Standard clip down bras can often feel a little exposing in a less discrete outfit so the Mumba Bra is a good alternative. It uniquely features a panel above the nipple with sensory patterns for baby’s eyes which is a fab design feature but importantly provides a little more coverage than a lot of other nursing bras.

Nursing vests.

Ok obvious I know but if, like me, you have boobs on the smaler side these H&M vests are the best. They provide just that little bit of support enough to not have to wear a bra which for me is a massive bonus as I hate doing double nursing clips!

I have this nursing slip dress and a nude version and they are so useful. Worn under shirt and wrap dresses, kaftans, or with a shirt or cropped tee over the top. A simple slip dress is useful if you’re nursing or not so this will be in my wardrobe long after I stop feeding.

If you really feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public I think this top The B Shirt is the best product I’ve seen for keeping maximum coverage for discrete feeding.

Bralette’s. It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset that you need to wear a nursing bra when feeding. A lot of nursing bras aren’t very flattering when you want to show a little more skin. Bralette’s with thin straps, a plunging neck line and soft cups that easily pull aside for feeding are a great alternative.

I have the one pictured here from Primark and can definitely recommend but it’s not available online so I’ve linked the M&S version.

If I want to wear a strapless top or coloured top with spaghetti straps but don’t want bra straps to show I wear a bandeau bra. They aren’t supportive and obviously if you’re feeding in a bandeau or bardot style top it’s a whole boob out situation but it works.

Available in Primark.

So these are my tips and favourite products to help you make your wardrobe more feeding friendly. What other tips and tricks would you add?

Jennie x

Holiday season is fast approaching and I’ve got 6 weeks until we jet off to Majorca for our first holiday as a family of 4.

I’ll be 9 months post partum then and the plan is to still be breastfeeding so I’ve been looking for swim wear options suitable for both getting out the boobs and chasing a toddler around while feeling confident with my mum-tum.For me a bikini isn’t an option as I don’t want to worry about falling out while chasing Lennie around! Obviously though if you are feeling confident to wear a bikini they are probably a slightly easier option to wear while breastfeeding.I’ve been looking for breastfeeding friendly swimsuits. To be honest there’s not a great choice as for some reason a lot of zip front swimsuits are cut really high in the leg and my bottom is just not pert enough for that!!!! Here are a few I’ve found......

This H&M one is a beauty with good control for the tummy and easy access for the boobs while still being supportive. It comes in a few different colour ways but lots are sold out so don’t delay!

This isn’t a website I’ve ordered from before so not sure about quality or customer service but it’s a really nice style and great price.

This style from Marks and Spencer’s isn’t really my style but if you have older children and might end up on a water slide or jumping a pool this looks like a good safe option for keeping everything in but still gives boob access.

I really love this colour and style. I think this one will be in my holiday suitcase.

Jennie x

*please note I have not tried all these swimsuits so while they look breastfeeding friendly to me they may not work for everyone.

I have never shopped at Forever 21 because well I’m not 21 anymore! But even if you think a shop might be a bit ‘young’ it’s always about individual items and how you style them anyway.

So I had a little browse, you know while stuck under a sleeping baby and was pleasantly surprised.

Love this simple jumpsuit so practical for the summer.

Got my eye on this for my summer holiday. Perfect cover up for the beach or team it with ripped jeans and a cami.

Love this colour and mustard is definitely in for spring. This shirt is an inexpensive, breastfeeding friendly way of adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe. Wear with high waisted jeans or a black maxi skirt.

Absolutely love the embroidered hems on these dungarees. Now if only I could justify another pair of dungarees!

And now of course for some summer dresses.......

Jennie x

*while all these items look breastfeeding friendly to me I have not tried them and cannot guarantee they will work for everyone.