Oh what a joy! Just as information and support regarding breastfeeding has become more easily accessible, so have innovative and fashionable breastfeeding outfits.
Not long ago, breastfeeding outfits consisted merely of nursing bras and tops. The designers' main focus for both bras and tops was to provide additional support for milk-filled breasts, and to permit comfortable breastfeeding without the need to remove them. This was accomplished by flaps or slits that could be easily snapped off or opened to expose the nipple while the mother was still fully covered below the breast area. Designers made sure that they accomplished good functionality and partial comfort, however, they compromised greatly on style. Meanwhile, nursing tops were available in only a few designs with boring colors. They had slits with overlapping fabrics covering the slits and were usually loose on the torso, and were certainly unflattering to wear, making nursing mothers look frumpy and feel pudgy.
It is not a surprise that most women claimed "it was too difficult to nurse for a long period of time." Of course! Just imagine going through nine months of hormonal changes, and growing bigger each week until the end of gestation when the baby finally comes out. It may be fine nursing in the comfort of one's home for a few days or weeks. However, when reality sets in and a woman would have to deal with responsibilities outside of the home, nursing mothers have natural apprehensions of going through another six to twelve months sacrificing their appearance and self-esteem. Although breastfeeding clothes back then were designed to make breastfeeding more manageable when feeding outside of the home, it didn't give women much confidence and the lame fashions made them feel so unattractive. In addition, the fabric composition of these outfits didn't really allow feeding discreetly in public. As a result, most of the mother's breast was exposed, while the public frowned upon it. It was simply easier for most women to shy away from making the long term commitment because of the unflattering and flawed designs available.
Guess what? Times have changed, gone are those nursing outfits that looked like they belong in the 80's! As opposed to outfits that are loose with full frontal overlapping fabrics which made a woman's post-baby body appears worse than ever, designers came up with clothes that are so stylish and fashionable that others can hardly notice that underneath this clothing were lactating breasts! Nursing outfits these days have done a great job in bringing their designs up to speed to blend in with other modern outfits when worn out around town, at work, in clubs, at weddings, and anywhere. They are also made with a mixed composition of the highest quality fabrics such as spandex, cotton, bamboo, and rayon, ensuring that the outfits are sized properly, last longer, are flattering, and fit properly on a nursing mother's body. These fashions are quite innovative when it comes to integrating function and support as well. The modern nursing tops, dresses, sleepwear, and swimwear, feature hidden openings so mothers can easily nurse their baby discreetly and confidently at any time, while looking very stylish before and after a feeding.
Even breastfeeding bras, which have always been an essential part of the post pregnancy wardrobe, have evolved and they are also available in so many varieties. They have become very innovative when it comes to functionality and support. Breastfeeding mothers can now find the proper bras for sport activities, a casual summer day, a black tie affair, or a sexy date night with the hubby (or their significant other)!
We give thanks to the burgeoning breastfeeding group of mothers who started the buzz about the need for more comfortable, functional, and fashionable breastfeeding outfits. Their efforts have led to the development of beautiful nursing wear in many styles, colors, sizes and varieties. There is no reason, in this day and age, that a woman shouldn't look fashionable, chic, and sexy while engaging in her maternal responsibilities. Anything that makes a new mother look good and feel good about herself, will serve to enhance the maternal-infant bonding experience which, in turn, will benefit the entire family.
