Patience ... Alicia .... dresses suitable for nursing?

Christie

Have you (or others who may have noticed) seen good dresses that accommodate nursing babies? After reading Laura's suggestion to wear wool tights with dresses, I am so excited to wear dresses again in the winter, but will need to find a couple that are easy to nurse in and don't have to be exclusively for nursing. I've checked the inexpensive nursing websites (like Gap and Motherhood) and didn't see much of anything. If I can't find anything, I can always wear skirts and tops but there is something so pulled-together about a dress.

15 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from Christie

mumtojessandluke

Active Member

Yep I'm with you!
I'm also a my who is breastfeeding. I've seen some pretty lame attempts at nursing dresses in the stores, all of which I've looked at are stretchy cotton/lycra... and with my lumps and bumps - I've passed on them as some look more like nighties to me. Oh, then there is the prices!
I'd suggest a nursing t-shirt layered under a dress that is able to be unbuttoned then add stockings/leggins and boots for winter. If it is really cold you can always layer a long sleeve top underneath, but there is just too much material that way for me to pull up iygwim. Or a wrap dress. You can always wear a little cardi or jacket over the top too for a little more coverage.
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....pid=772384
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=772395012
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=688054062
http://www.nursingwear.com.au/product.aspx?p=62
Tops and skirts work REALLY well for nursing, so I stuck to that this winter. Been breastfeeding now for almost 3.5 years, so my wardrobe is very nursing friendly now.

15 years ago

Christie

Active Member

I was wondering if a shirt dress would work. Normally, I don't like to fuss with buttons when nursing, but would it look alright with cute layers if those some of the top buttons were left open?

I totally get what you're saying about knit dresses revealing lumps and bumps. I think I'm going to need some structured woven dresses, so shirt dresses probably will be the answer as long as I can work around the buttons and the dress having enough give to pull to the side.

15 years ago

anne

Veteran

I really only wore dresses much when feeding my third baby.

Here is a dress that was quite handy
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....dress4.jpg
(the layering options don't look too good but it was the best pic to see the dress details)

You can just pull aside the side you need.

15 years ago

Christie

Active Member

Anne ... how could I forget that you are a nursing mom too!? I'm so sorry! Thank you for the example.

So did you just pull to the side and then pull up your layered shirt? I do have a wrap dress I will try this with (though I am concerned about lumps and bumps, at least in the first 6 months).

Others I have forgotten ... my apologies ... and if you have ideas regardless of nursing currently or never nursed, please send them along.

15 years ago

crwilson

Veteran

I've found dresses to be the hardest while nursing, unless I want to use the nursing cover. The only thing that I manage to make work are knit wrap dresses, and those aren't great for cooler weather. I can see, though, how a shirt dress might work.

On the other hand, if you're not going to be nursing in public and don't have to worry about the modesty issue, any dress with a scoop or v-neck would work.

15 years ago

anne

Veteran

Cricket - yes that is what I did (except when at home, when I just pulled them both down and to the side.

My baby is 21/2 now and restricted to her morning and evening feeds as of the last few months. During our evening meal she is always asking "can I have my good night mummy milk now?" (not really relevant just wanted to share!)

15 years ago

Patience

Veteran

For wovens, you will need buttons, zipper or a full wrap.
For knits, deep v or scoop. Check out Mother's Boutique online for nursing options.
Wear a camisole
My latest trick for dresses with a seam down the middle front is to get my tailor to add a hidden zipper.

Oh, Anne. (tear in my eye)

15 years ago

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I saw Patience a few weeks ago and she had engineered the most fabulous dress design. That zipper in the front seam is such a great idea. I didn't even notice the dress had a zipper! I swear, Patience, you need to design maternity clothes or write a book on how to adapt clothes off the rack.

15 years ago

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Patience that zipper idea is genius! I agree with Sarah, you really should write a book!

15 years ago

Christie

Active Member

Neat idea, Patience! Would you mind posting a picture of that dress? I'll be on the lookout for a dress with a center seam.

Anne ... so sweet! I know some people have cute code/baby words for nursing, but we always just called it milk too, so my babies, once talking, asked for milk too. I love that!

15 years ago

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