Yes my toddler is nearly two and yes I’m still breastfeeding. Yes, I’m a bit over it and no, I’m not sure when we’ll stop (maybe soon?). No, I don’t plan to breastfeed her until she’s eight.
Right, now that’s all out in the open shall we discuss breastfeeding outfits for autumn? One of the weirdest things about stopping breastfeeding will be clothes – I’m sure of it. I’ve got so used to choosing clothes based around boob access that it’ll be a strange thing not to have to take that into consideration anymore, when these puppies are eventually packed away for good.
Here are some of my favourite breastfeeding-friendly pieces around at the moment…
Grey marl rainbow sweat, Nobody’s Child, £18 | Layer top, River Island, £28
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and practicality of a sweat and jeans on the school run. It’s not slobbish, it just makes sense. With a vest underneath (pull the vest down, lift the sweatshirt up = instant tummy and boob cover) and it’s the ideal breastfeeding outfit. It’s the no-thinking, cool and easy breastfeeding outfit. I love this one from ethical and affordable fashion brand Nobody’s Child.
If you’re after something that you can dress up or dress down then this top from River Island is rather pretty. It looks flattering – as in, it’ll skim over any post-birth (I can still use that excuse at two years post-partum, yes?!) tummy wobbles and I love the longer drape at the back. Wear with jeans and trainers for a day time soft play scenario or dress up with a pair of heels for the evening.
Long shirt dress, Zara, £29.99 |Chambray shirt dress, Braintree, £59.90
I’m a sucker for a dress and one of the things I find the hardest about breastfeeding is finding dresses that I can easily whop a boob out in. That’s where the shirt dress comes in. This black shirt dress from Zara is a greath length and, I reckon, would look lovely teamed with a pair of trainers or flat boots. Mind you, it’d look equally good with a pair of heels if you wanted to dress it up. OK, so it’s probably not the warmest of options but that’s what coats are for isn’t it?
I discovered Braintree through the earthy and ethical guru that is Mel Wiggins. Mel’s all about thoughtful fashion choices and, while this dress isn’t the cheapest out there it would be an investment piece that you could wear throughout the seasons for years to come.
Vila eyelet pinafore dress, Asos, £35 | Dungarees, H&M, £29.99
I’m still not over the pinafore dress. It’s SO easy for breastfeeding. I own two denim pinafore dresses and have worn them both throughout winter, spring and summer. Worn with a long sleeved top or shirt underneath in the autumn along with opaque tights, they look good, give good boob access and are a great alternative to jeans. This one from Asos might be a bit on the short side but if you wear with thick enough tights I reckon no one will notice if you do an accidental bum flash next time you bend over to pick up your tot at the park.
Again with the dungarees, I know. I’ll let you into a secret: 18 months in to dungaree gate and I’ve still not bought a pair. I just can’t find a pair that suits me, but I think these ones from H&M could be – COULD be – the ones. Maybe, possibly. I’ll get back to you on that.
Kira Shirt dress, Boden, £139 | Tapered leg floral print trousers, Marks and Spencer, £29.50
At over £100 for a dress the Boden shirt dress above isn’t cheap, but JUST LOOK AT THE COLOURS! It’s an investment piece, if you’ve got the cash. Failing that you could just look at it wistfully while stroking the screen on your computer. Not that I’ve done that myself you understand, ahem.
I don’t know if there’s a breastfeeding mum on the design team at Marks and Spencer this season (!) but SO MANY of their pieces at the moment not only look great, but offer easy boob access too (my particular favourite is the ruffle shirt dress). And these floral trousers? Major heart eyes. I’ve had these in my online shopping cart for over a week and it’s just a matter of time before I take the plunge. I love the tapered, slightly cropped shape (trainer AND heel friendly) and the colour and print is just… OH sod it, I’m going to buy them.
Have you found any lovely breastfeeding-friendly pieces in the shops recently? Share the love so I can add them to my current wish-list!
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I love the eyelet dungaree dress! I love dungaree dresses for breastfeeding and that jumper with the rainbow on is so cute! X
Dungaree dresses are so convenient aren’t they?!
love the rainbow sweatshirt and the denim dress!
That rainbow sweat is so cute isn’t it?!
Absolutely love those trousers! Lovely selection Molly x
Thanks Lottie!
Your opening paragraph made me chuckle, then I thought what a shame that we feel like we have to defend our choices in the way we feed our babies. I would have loved to have got this far with Elsie, so blooming well done you lovely! I remember clothes (and bras!) being the biggest change when I stopped feeding, although I still wear a lot of my maternity bits because they are just so comfy! Anyhoo, loving your picks- the dungarees are just fab and would definitely be my go to this autumn! x
Yes I’m hopeful about the dungarees this season!