The Elusive Nursing Wear

Maternity wear has improved quite dramatically over the years. A woman with a pregnant belly can quite easily find stylish clothes as compared to a decade ago. Whether one chooses clothes that are labelled 'maternity', or opts to wear non-maternity clothes that can accommodate a growing belly, there are few excuses for lack of good-looking choices.

Nursing wear on the other hand, has not really caught up in the style department. It is understandable because its design requires more thought and engineering in order to make nursing possible. I have noticed that what works for some women may not work for others because of a variety of reasons - body shape, breasts position, whether milk leakage (from other breast!) happens when nursing takes place, tolerance for exposure, and the nursing preferences of each baby. (I'm amazed how some mothers manage to nurse while walking - with their babies strapped in a carrier!)

With Bun, I hope to fully breastfeed her for at least a year, since her sister's eczema appeared soon after I stopped breastfeeding her at 11 months. As I am her main caregiver and she almost always goes out with me, ONE year is a long time in my (vain) books to be wearing the same few items of clothing! As I do not like traditional nursing wear (ugly plus expensive), I have been on a look out for inexpensive clothes that allow for easy nursing. I choose clothes with front-open access that allow me to nurse decently in public when wearing a nursing bib. This is my preference, as I find poncho-type nursing covers cumbersome.

So far, I've managed to score a few wrapped-front tops and dresses from random neighbourhood stalls and marked-down items at high street shops. This style is my favourite as it is flattering, and provides the easiest one-hand access for nursing. However, some wrapped tops don't provide enough cover, and I get around it (hur hur) by wearing a short tank-type bra that can easily be lifted up. Having pretty lace on it helps.

Another style I look out for is the zip-front. I now know that the length of the zip opening is important. It needs to be long enough - ending at least midway between breasts and waist - for nursing to be comfortable. Thicker zips are easier to manipulate, and preferred.

Finally, clothes with big buttons down the front. This option is a little more fiddly but with practice, I have been able to manage buttons with one hand. Although I haven't found any, I suppose large snap buttons would work well too.

There are other choices for discreet nursing of course. I know of tank-top and cardigan/jacket combinations, or elasticized tube-tops. I have yet to try either because they are not quite my style, but I can imagine how they can work beautifully for others.

What do you wear to nurse in public?