The Best Nursing + Postpartum Dresses for the Modern Momma
Nursing is awesome - it's free, gives you and baby time to bond, and doesn't require bottles! But on the other, it's annoying to have to change your entire wardrobe (not to mention you just finished outfitting your closet with maternity clothes) to accommodate for meal time. Luckily, retailers are much more conscience of the nursing momma's needs now than they were when Brody was a baby, and there are so many more nursing and nursing friendly options available!
I've rounded up some of my absolute favorite nursing friendly dresses and outfits and the best part is, none of these are ACTUALLY nursing dresses, which means you can keep them in your closet long after baby is past nursing. Another great feature is that many of these are flowy or high-waisted and give you the extra coverage you need without sacrificing style. They also easily transition from season to season, so you'll be able to wear these throughout the year!
Tips for finding the perfect nursing-friendly dress:
If it has buttons, make sure they're working ones! Buttons are a cute detail. On some dresses, they're nothing more than that. Read the product description to make sure that the buttons are for function and not just decoration.
Invest in a fully lined dress. Dresses with lining provide a little more coverage, which can be essential when nursing (hello, leaks!). Lining isn't a necessity, but it's definitely a plus.
Not all wraps are real. Similar to the button issue, some wrap dresses are just an elastic waist with a tie closure. If the dress doesn't actually wrap, make sure that the neck opens wide enough for access!
Leave some room on top. If you thought your boobs would only grow in pregnancy, then think again! Nursing mommas not only will have a larger bust size, but can also sometimes get engorged. When possible, invest in fabrics that can stretch or maybe order up a size if the measurements look small. That way you'll have room for whatever curve balls nursing might send your way!
One:
Anna Glover X H&M Patterned Jumpsuit | H&M | So I know this isn't actually a dress, but it's too cute not to include! The pattern is perfect for spring through fall and is a great alternative to a dress if you want a little more coverage!
Two:
BP. Stripe Ruffle Wrap Dress | Nordstrom | This dress is made of a great, light fabric and the ruffle around the top is so sweet. You can easily dress this up with heels and a statement necklace, or dress it down with flats and a straw bag.
Three:
Eliza J Long Sleeve Floral Wrap Dress | Nordstrom | This dress is so cute! I'd pair it with nude sandals for warmer days and then tights and boots for fall. I also find that high-waisted, control top tights are great for postpartum!
Four:
Cotton Maxi Dress | H&M | Who doesn't love a good maxi dress? This one is perfect for nursing and for those days after delivery when you want full coverage that isn't form fitting.
Five:
Off-the-shoulder Dress | H&M | This dress is the winning combo of cute, comfortable, and easy nursing access. It's also a great, bump-friendly dress! I love the solid black option because you can wear it so many ways, but it also comes in four other color options!
Six:
Gracie Embroidered Peasant Dress | Anthropologie | The light color makes this dress great for summer and the long sleeves make it a perfect piece for fall, too. I could totally see this with gladiator sandals or ankle boots. Bonus points for the buttons going all the way down make it so easy for nursing.
Seven:
Ali & Jay Meet Me at the Pink Wall Stripe Sundress | Nordstrom | What's black, white, and cute all over? You in this adorable bow-detail dress dress, obviously!
Eight:
WAYF The Natasha Floral Wrap Maxi Dress | Nordstrom | I love the delicate details on this dress! The ruffle and flounce sleeve are so feminine without being over the top. It's a great option for a formal event or even newborn photos.
Nine:
Button Down Swing Midi Dress | Amazon | This dress is so flattering, it's definitaly a go-to item for comfort and style. Plus it's available on Amazon Prime, so if you need a dress in a hurry, this is a great option. I have this in my closet and have been wearing it on repeat ALL Summer!
Ten:
Shirt Dress | H&M | A shirt dress always has such an effortless, yet totally put together look. This dress is bump and nursing friendly and would pair great with flats on warmer days and tights and boots for fall!
Eleven:
Flutter-Sleeve Tie-Belt Midi Shirt Dress | Old Navy | I love how airy this dress is while still being a midi. I love it for dressier occasions like an outdoor wedding or baby shower - pair it with a cute straw tote that can double as a diaper bag!
Twelve:
Gal Meets Glam Collection Vanessa Button Front Linen Blend Dress | Nordstrom | This dress comes in two colors, but I think the gold option is so gorgeous. The tie waist gives it such a flattering shape and the length is perfect for anything from date night to work-wear.
What are your go-to styles and stores for nursing-friendly dresses? Anything that you love but didn't see here? Let me know in the comments!
You might also enjoy: The Best Nursing Bras + How to Find the Perfect Fit
