Post Partum Fashion
I am not sure if this can truly be called 'fashion' but 'post partum fashion' has a nice ring to it. Today I wanted to share a few items that I have been enjoying wearing my first week of motherhood. In Liz's guest post she mentioned that it would help me feel more myself if I got ready everyday. Fortunately Mo has been taking a morning feeding which allows me to have 2-3 hours between 8-11am to myself. During this time I take a shower, get dressed for the day, straighten up our room , the nursery and eat something. We are not always leaving the house but it definitely makes me feel prepared for our day. During this time Mike is downstairs working in his office (he works from home) and Mo is nearby snoozing. Last Monday the day before I gave birth I was doing some Christmas shopping and stopped into Nordstrom to get a few pieces that would take me through the last two weeks of this pregnancy but also work well for nursing. As I was shopping I was having contractions, unbeknownst to me, with this being my first pregnancy I just assumed the baby was moving a lot. The contractions were about an hour apart so like I said, I didn't think it was anything just a little discomfort. I love the fact that I was in early labor and shopping at Nordys!
But back to the clothes! These are the items I have had on rotation my first days and week after coming home with baby.
1) A soft cozy button up: I have a few that I have been wearing since coming home from the hospital. When looking for a button up I always want to make sure it is baggy and covers my butt. I find them more flattering that way. I already had some favorites: one from Zara and a chambray from The Gap. But this one I purchased last Monday, in labor, is the Wayf long sleeve plaid blouse. I had been looking for another plaid/flannel shirt to add to my wardrobe and this one was such a nice feminine take on flannel that I had to take it.
2) A long cardigan: I purchased this one on that same Monday on super sale at The Gap (when is there not a super sale at The Gap). I didn't shop at The Gap much prior to my pregnancy but since they have such easy basics and ALWAYS have promotions & discounts I got a good amount of stuff from there during my pregnancy- the price was right and I just tended to buy the silhouettes that worked with the baby bump. This sweater is from their Gap Body line- the Softest Open Front Cardigan and is technically pajamas or lounge wear I guess. It was discounted by 40% when I purchased it. I bought it in the hope of using it as a cover up for pjs and also as something to keep me cozy at the hospital- I stuck to my plan and wore my own clothes instead of the hospital gowns. I felt much better that way. I did wear this cardigan in the hospital after Mo was born to keep myself warm and to cover myself up. It is made of nylon, cotton and wool so its just as soft and premium feeling as any other cardigan, but the fact that I got it at such a great price and that it is not a 'real cardigan' I don't feel as guilty sleeping in it, laying on the couch snuggling my baby under some blankets or dripping breast milk on it.
3) Unitard: I know this one is kinda out there, hear me out. For my halloween costume I purchased a black unitard from American Apparel. I love the fact that it is a one piece- cause how simple is that!?! Until you have to go to the bathroom! I actually wore the unitard the other day to brunch with Mike & Mo. I layered my Zara button up over it and threw on some high tops. I was very happy with the result. The unitard under any shirt or dress allows for nursing easily as you just lift your shirt/dress what have you and pull down the top of the unitard under your boob, unclick your bra and begin nursing. What I like best is that I am pretty much keeping my entire body covered and warm while just exposing my breast.
4) Dresses: I purchased two dresses recently from Nordstrom- one back in November and the other during my Monday trip just hours before Mario was born. The brand is Glamorous and Nordstrom's site describes the style as: A graceful bateau neckline and full-length sleeves style a swingy shift dress inspired by vintage fashion. They actually remind me of baby doll dresses or dresses I wore when I was a little girl. They are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. I have paired them with tights, leggings, boots and flats. Most recently I wore the blue dress on Christmas Eve and the black and white one on New Years Eve. The black and white dress got some action while I was pregnant and definitely has the room to cover a bump. I highly suggest these dresses for pregnant, post partum & nursing madres. They are so easy to wear, you don't have to think about a full outfit (bonus) and very convenient for nursing. Especially with the tights/legging/tank combo I wear that acts as a full body suit so as to not expose all my flesh when nursing.
What about pants you might ask... The pants I have had on rotation this week are still my maternity pants for the most part, with some leggings and elastic waist pants working too. The maternity pants are definitely more baggy and loose, but that is a welcome feature for now. I did re introduce The Gap pair of maternity jeans I complained about in this post a few months back. They are the perfect fit now and I love the cut and wash.
That is what I have got so far! Hope you find it helpful. Please share any post partum faves of your own in the comments or on instagram.
xx Ly