Postpartum Fashion Essentials for After the Baby Is Born

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postpartum fashion essentials
Source: @madewell

“Postpartum” and “fashion” are words you don’t typically see in conjunction. After all, when you’ve just recently brought life into the world, are more sleep-deprived than you ever thought possible, and are expending all your energy on keeping said life alive and thriving, clothing and accessories are probably the furthest thing from your mind. But—and hear me out here—they shouldn’t be. 

I recently gave birth to my second child. While having a baby and enduring the fourth trimester is never an easy task, I’m finding this second time around to be much more manageable and enjoyable. I learned a lot after my first child was born, and on that list of essential lessons was this: Preparing your wardrobe for post-baby can have a large, positive impact on your life. 

I learned that readying my closet for after my baby was born could both make my life easier (let’s just say that dressing for breastfeeding is way more difficult than I ever expected) and also help me feel more confident following the huge physical event that is childbirth (sometimes I still can’t believe what the human body is capable of). To be honest, convenience and confidence have always been priorities for me, but they jumped to the top of the list once I became a mom. 

Whether you’re preparing for the birth of your first child or your fourth, these are the clothing pieces and accessories that I consider to be essential postpartum.

 

Jeans That Boost Your Confidence

After the baby is born, it’s tempting to avoid putting jeans on. But wearing only sweatpants and leggings can do a number on your self-esteem and mood (those post-baby hormones are an especially wild ride). More than likely, your pre-pregnancy jeans won’t fit right away—that’s OK! Treat yourself to some new jeans that make you feel great. While everyone’s postpartum experience is different, my body changed drastically over the six months following my firstborn’s birth, shuffling through four different pant sizes. I recommend sticking to affordable options until you have a better idea what size you’ll be sitting in more permanently. High-waisted jeans can provide extra comfort while your abdominal muscles adjust and regain strength.

post partum jeans
Old Navy

High-Waisted Straight Jeans

sizes 00-30; also come in tall and petite

post partum jeans
Old Navy

High-Waisted Wide Leg Jeans

sizes 00-30; also come in tall and petite

post partum jeans
Target

High-Rise Wide Leg Jean

2 colors available
sizes 00-18; also come in short, long, and plus

 

Pants With Some Give 

Don’t get me wrong—leggings are still a beautiful thing once in a while, especially now that shopping options have expanded and you can nab them in a variety of colors and fabrics. I personally loved leggings with ample compression during the first few weeks of both of my babies’ lives. Beyond leggings, look for pants that offer some elastic in the waist. These will be key as your body changes, keeping you comfortable during those endless feeding and burping sessions and allowing you to add some diversity to your outfits.

Amazon

High-Waisted Tummy Compression Leggings

10 colors available
sizes S-XL

Banana Republic

Cargo Pant

2 colors available
sizes 0-20; also come in petite, short, and long

Spanx

Faux Leather Leggings

sizes XS-3X; also come in tall and petite

Spanx

Faux Suede Leggings

7 colors available
sizes XS-3X; also come in tall and petite

Sanctuary

Cargo Pant

2 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL

Banana Republic Factory

Taper Pant

6 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL

 

Elevated Loungewear 

As any new parent can tell you, taking care of a baby is exhausting. Sometimes you just need some extra comfort in your life. Having some quality loungewear pieces can help you feel more put-together on those groggy days that follow sleepless nights. 

H&M

Waffled Jersey Hooded Jacket

2 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL

H&M

Waffled Jersey Joggers

3 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL

Rylee + Cru

Henley Sweatshirt

sizes XS-XL

Rylee + Cru

Jogger Pant

sizes XS-XL

 

Practical Undergarments 

Regardless of how you delivered, your body has just been through a lot. Don’t fret over trying to squeeze yourself into your sexiest lingerie. Instead, prioritize practicality. If you plan on breastfeeding, be sure to grab plenty of nursing bras. Shaping undergarments can also help you feel neatly compressed at a time when your insides may be feeling like Jell-O.

Spanx

Nursing Bra

3 colors available
sizes XS-XL

Seraphine

Nursing Bralette

2 colors available
sizes S-XL

Nordstrom

Nursing Bra

5 colors available
sizes S-XL

Spanx

Shaping Briefs

8 colors available
sizes XS-3X

Spanx

High-Waisted Shaping Shorts

5 colors available
sizes XS-3X

Aerie

High-Waisted Boybrief

4 colors available
sizes XXS-XXL

 

Nursing-Friendly Tops & Dresses 

When my first child was born, my wardrobe was wildly unprepared for breastfeeding. If you’re planning to breastfeed, do yourself a favor and pick up some basic nursing tops that you can incorporate into a number of outfits. Cardigans and button-ups are also your friends and can be worn well past the end of your breastfeeding journey.

H&M

3-Pack Nursing Tank Tops

3 color packs available
sizes XS-XXL

Madewell

Button-Up Striped Shirt

sizes XXS-XL

Target

Button-Up Sweater Dress

2 colors available
sizes XS-XXL

Rylee + Cru

Checkerboard Cardigan

sizes XS-XL

 

Shoes That Are Easy to Slip On 

I personally love a good lace-up boot, but experience has taught me that the fourth trimester is so not the time for laces. Getting out of the house with a baby is akin to an Olympic sport. When you’re working with limited time (babies eat often) and hefting around your baby (who’s quite possibly strapped into their heavy carseat) as well as their diaper bag, you want to get out of the door as quickly as possible. Flats such as clogs and loafers have served me well in the early baby days. Slip-on boots also make for a practical option.

Free People | Birkenstock

Teddy Shearling Clogs

2 colors available

Madewell

Lugsole Loafer

2 colors available

Target

Chelsea Zip-Up Boots

2 colors available

 

Crossbody Bags

While you can always throw your car keys, wallet, and cell phone into the abyss that is your diaper bag, I’ve found it’s ultimately easier to carry a second bag for my own items, separate from the baby’s. Currently navigating the fourth trimester, I find myself reaching for crossbody bags most often. Unlike shoulder bags and totes (which have a nasty habit of slipping off while lugging my baby in her carseat), crossbodies stay neatly in place. I especially love those that boast a top-handle in addition to a shoulder strap. When you’re carrying the mail, groceries, a baby, and more, having multiple strap options can be a lifesaver as you grab for whatever’s easiest at the moment.

Madewell

Crossbody Bag

4 colors available

Target

Crossbody Bag

5 colors available

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