I recently reached a milestone. I have been breastfeeding for over a year!
Surprisingly, I have not bought many “breastfeeding clothes” (besides a couple nursing bras of course). Actually, I did buy a couple dresses at a local boutique that had a crossover V neck. I had to have some simple dresses that I could nurse in. But other than that I have not bought any new clothes that are specific for breastfeeding. Every time I went window shopping (mostly online, but yes, I did get a few brief escapes by actually venturing out a few times to real stores), I found the breastfeeding-specific clothes unappealing, or way too expensive.
This last year has been a creative learning experience to discover how to breastfeed with the clothes I already owned. I often spent over 20 minutes figuring out what to wear to go out in public. I had to be prepared in case my baby needed to nurse while we were out. I found stretchy strapped camisoles were useful. They were helpful for when I needed to lift my shirt or sweater up so I didn’t feel that my (pudgy, stretch-mark ridden, squishy) postpartum body was also coming out to say hello to everyone.
Finally, an answer to my year-long clothing struggle
I found La Mère Clothing to be a great solution to both of my issues (style and cost) that I had with nursing clothes. The shirts and sweaters they have available for winter are super cute, I have also seen some of their spring line which are very stylish, and they don’t cost a fortune!
I met Marlena, the owner of La Mère Clothing, at a Breastfeeding and Babywearing Fashion Show put on by the Utah County Breastfeeding Coalition and Baby-wearing International of Utah County. She modeled La Mère Clothing, nursing-friendly clothing that she has designed.
La Mère Clothing – Kickstarter video
Marlena is an artist and a mother. After having her baby, she found a need for nursing-friendly clothing that was comfortable and modest (modest in the sense that you aren’t showing skin while nursing). Her clothing has hidden zippers that give your baby easier access to the breast rather than having to lift up a flap or pull your top down. Each zipper opens to a hidden fabric panel so that your breast isn’t immediately exposed when you open the zipper. They also feature a double zipper that can be opened from the bottom or the top.
Benefits
The great thing about La Mère Clothing is that it can be worn at any stage in life. Just because it has zippers for breast access doesn’t mean you can only wear it when you are nursing. The clothing is cute and can be worn as maternity clothing, postpartum, and even after you are done nursing. The Fall/Winter line has sweaters, a sweatshirt, and a tunic that are soft and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
This hoodie reminds me of one of my absolute-most-favorite sweatshirts that I have. I actually have three of them because I love them so much. I would wear them year round if I could. I love that Marlena has spent the time to design stylish and affordable nursing clothing to help nursing moms feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies (pregnant, postpartum, and for however long you wear these cute clothes).
If you or someone you know is pregnant, breastfeeding, or will be sometime in the future, and want so super cute clothes check out La Mère Clothing and support a momma in her small business.