I remember when I was pregnant with my first baby, I focused a lot on preparing for the things I would need while breastfeeding. Nursing bras… check! Lounge dress with easy access for nursing… check! But what I didn’t consider was what to wear postpartum that didn’t have to do with breastfeeding.
I found myself purchasing things along the way. Realizing that a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothes no longer fit the same. And that my wardrobe was a lot more about comfort and ease now. Especially since in the early days most of it was covered in some sort of bodily fluid.. whether that be breast milk, spit-up, or diaper blowouts.
I was much more prepared with my second baby for what to wear postpartum. And that’s what I want to share with you today! All of these items are comfortable and practical. And make you feel good about yourself and a bit more put together.
What to Wear Postpartum
I broke this down into a few different sections because not every week of postpartum is the same. And not every postpartum journey is the same. All bodies are different and beautiful, and we will each have our own individual postpartum recovery.
Remember to give yourself grace and give the healing process time! Try not to compare your postpartum journey to anyone else, and focus on your recovery and what makes you feel good. Your new body may feel foreign and unfamiliar, but you just grew the most precious gift of life in your womb, mama! And that’s incredible.
For the Hospital
When I had my first baby, I packed everything and more for my hospital bag. I wanted to be as prepared as possible, and would rather have brought extra than regret not bringing something.
Through all that I brought, there were a few essential items that I kept going back to because they were the most comfortable, and some that I didn’t really use.
1. Hospital Gown
If you want to keep it really simple, you can just wear the gown the hospital provides you. Postpartum can be messy and you don’t have to bring special clothes to the hospital. I do find them a little uncomfortable though, having to keep the back closed with the ties.
If you do decide to bring your own to feel cute and (slightly) more comfortable during labor, these gowns from Kindred Bravely are amazing! I absolutely love the brand for all things from breastfeeding to everyday wear.
Universal Labor & Delivery Gown / Pink Stripe | Universal Labor & Delivery Gown / Mint Floral
2. Nursing Bras
When in the hospital, I prefer to keep it really comfortable with my nursing bras. You’ll want to pick something for easy boob access if you’re planning to breastfeed. But also something that will accommodate your growing breasts as they fill with milk.
Kindred Bravely has a busty option for women who already have larger breasts before breastfeeding. I love their sleep nursing bras and their smooth nursing bra. I wear the sleep bras all the time! They’re soft, comfortable, and fit nursing pads as well if you leak.
There are so many sizes and color options!
You may need to consider going up 1-2 from your normal size as it’s very common to grow at least a cup size when your milk comes in. I recommend starting with a few bras and then adding more to your collection once you see where you will end up on the size chart once your milk regulates.
Organic Cotton Nursing & Sleep Bra / Grey | Ultra Comfort Smooth Classic Nursing Bra / Soft Pink
3. Nursing Tank Tops
I remember trying to breastfeed for the first time was more difficult than I expected. Fumbling with clothes, nursing pillows, and your squishy baby while trying to get a good latch is tough! Wearing a tank top that was compatible with nursing became my go-to for the daytime.
And one of the other things I didn’t expect was the constant sweating I had. Thanks, postpartum hormones! If you’re curious about other postpartum symptoms you may not expect, you can head to my post 18 Surprising Postpartum Body Changes No One Tells You About.
Bamboo Lounge Around Nursing & Maternity Tank / Black | Simply Sublime Maternity & Nursing Tank / Black
4. Disposable Underwear
When in the hospital, I recommend using the mesh underwear they provide you or bringing adult diapers. You’re going to be experiencing a lot of bleeding (even if you have a c-section!) and it can get messy and stain clothing. This way you can just dispose of the underwear after wearing them.
I actually prefer the diapers right after giving birth. In my opinion, they are more comfortable and you don’t have to mess around with also putting in a pad and making sure that stays in place.
Tip: ask your nurses if they can send you home with any extras! And whatever extra is left in your room, you can take home with you (pads, mesh underwear, peri bottle, Tucks pads, etc)!
Click here for Disposable Postpartum Underwear | Click here for Underwear Diapers
5. Robe
I’m personally not a big robe wearer in my day-to-day life, but postpartum they were my best friend! I would just throw on a diaper, nursing bra, and put my robe on (glamorous, I know!).
It was easy to put on when guests were over for visits and also great for breastfeeding.
Gabriella Cozy Robe / Frost | Emmaline Robe / Black
6. Belly Band
A belly band is a postpartum girdle that you put on after the delivery of your baby and wear for the few weeks following. It helps by providing support to your weak core by supporting your organs and muscles and reducing pain.
Some hospitals do provide a postpartum girdle in the postpartum units, but if you’d prefer to purchase a higher-quality one for yourself, I’ve included some recommendations.
Click to buy Belly Bandit Original Belly Wrap | Click to buy Belly Bandit Luxe Belly Wrap
If you have already had your baby and are wondering if you need a belly band, check out my post When is it Too Late to Wear a Postpartum Belly Wrap?
For the First Few Weeks Home
7. Loungewear
I lived in loungewear for the first month and more that I was home with my babies. Basically most of my maternity leave… Taking the effort to put together a cute outfit was the last thing on my mind. So having nice loungewear that made me feel put together and still gave me easy access for nursing was perfect.
I’ve included my favorites below, which also come in many other beautiful color options!
Eleanora Bamboo Maternity & Nursing Lounge Dress / Black | Betsy Ribbed Bamboo Nursing & Maternity Nightgown / Burgundy Plum
Clea Bamboo Classic Short Sleeve Pajama Set / Black | Clea Bamboo Classic Long Sleeve Pajama Set / Black
Any lounge pants or shorts that have a stretchy, forgiving waistband are also perfect. And even better if they’re mid to high waisted. So you can use any sweatpants, yoga pants, or pajama bottoms you may already have on hand!
8. Comfortable Underwear
Once your bleeding starts to slow down, it may still be uncomfortable going back to your pre-pregnancy underwear. Especially if you have a c-section incision.
I like to stick to supportive high-waisted underwear for the first few weeks and then transition to my regular underwear. These underwear are a great option for new moms!
High-Waisted Postpartum Recovery Panties (5-Pack) / Dusty Hues | Grow with Me Maternity & Postpartum Brief / Soft Pink
For Getting Out
9. Flowy Tops
I love to keep my outfits really simple with a basic flowy top and something comfortable on the bottom. If you’re not yet comfortable with your new body, flowy tops can also help disguise your softer midsection.
If you’re trying to go nursing-friendly, you could purchase specific nursing tops or regular V-neck shirts which are really easy to breastfeed in.
Bamboo Nursing & Maternity Tank / Black | Bamboo Nursing & Maternity Long Sleeve T-shirt / Wheat
Bamboo Everyday Nursing & Maternity T-shirt / Oatmeal Stripe | Relaxed Fit Nursing & Maternity Workout Top / Black
Everyday Eyelet Nursing & Maternity T-shirt / White | Organic Cotton Nursing & Maternity Henley Short Sleeve T-shirt / Black
10. Leggings
Leggings are a great option because they are stretchy, and help your midsection feel more supported. If your pre-pregnancy leggings fit, then go for it! There is no need to buy a whole new wardrobe postpartum.
However, there are many legging options on the market tailored to postpartum that provide extra abdominal support and compression.
These compression leggings from Old Navy aren’t postpartum specific but they were my favorite after having my first baby! They are great quality and really affordable – I used them after my second baby too! They really sucked everything in and made me feel so comfortable!
Click to buy BLANQI Highwaist Postpartum Leggings
11. Joggers
I personally love joggers because they feel like wearing sweatpants out of the house, but are more put-together looking! A classic black jogger with a cute top is a perfect outfit for errands or doctor’s appointments.
Bamboo Maternity & Postpartum Joggers / Black | Everyday Lounge Joggers / Long – Black
12. Button Up Tops
Here are a couple of Amazon options that are stylish, make you feel comfortable postpartum, and still breastfeeding-friendly. (Just don’t forget your nursing bra or nursing tank underneath!)
Click to buy Short Sleeve | Click to buy Sleeveless
I have both of these tops and love them! They also come in tons of different colors.
Click to buy Sleeveless Tunic Top | Click to buy Ruffle Sleeve Button Up
Click to buy Color Block Button Up
13. Flowy Dresses
Flowy dresses are a great choice for Spring, Summer, and even the Fall months. Throw on a dress with a cute pair of sandals or booties and you have a perfect outfit for many occasions. They are also great if you have a sensitive incision site from a c-section and don’t want anything rubbing there.
The options I’ve included also provide easy access for breastfeeding.
Click to buy Floral Button Up Dress | Click to buy Button Up Midi Dress
Click to buy Floral Wrap Dress | Click to buy Black Nursing Dress
Reusing Maternity Clothes Postpartum
In the early postpartum days, you can totally reuse your maternity clothes. Your belly will still be quite round until your uterus starts to shrink back down. So your maternity wear may still fit well and be comfortable right after having your baby.
A few maternity items women like to reuse include maternity leggings, maternity bras, sports bra, and any other maternity pants.
I had my babies in the summer (and in Florida!) so I re-wore my maternity jean shorts for the first month or two of my postpartum period.
I hope this post gave you some ideas for what to wear postpartum to stay comfortable and also feel confident in your new body that grew that beautiful baby!
Other Posts You May Like:
- 18 Surprising Postpartum Body Changes No One Tells You About
- The Best Proven Ways to Increase Your Breastfeeding Milk Supply
- 10 Breastfeeding Must Haves for New Moms
- Postpartum Body Odor: Causes and Treatments
- Postpartum Padsicles: Must-Have for Recovery + DIY