As a breastfeeding mum, my wardrobe can often feel quite limiting.
When we are out and about, I naturally have to be able to feed my baby and this can dictate what I can and cannot wear. I’ve learnt a thing or two over the years and my “breastfeeding uniform” remains much the same as it did when I was breastfeeding my first baby several years ago.
I tend to stick to comfortable jeans and string tops as a foundation and then team it with whatever jumper/blouse/t-shirt that I choose on any given day. Wearing a string top underneath allows me to discretely access my breasts without feeling as though I have my entire upper body on show. It’s all about whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Work events, occasions and social parties can be a little more complicated though. I am a fan of a dress but I often feel limited as to what styles I can choose because many dresses have a high or rigid neckline which makes breastfeeding virtually impossible unless the dress is removed (which, let’s be honest, just isn’t ideal for anyone). I tend to go for tunic or skater style dresses for this reason.
I was at the launch of the brand new Family Friendly HQ website last week and I couldn’t help but notice parenting blogger (and parental rights activist) Ranae Von Meding’s beautiful dress. She was speaking on the panel about our Family Moments research findings and she had her beautiful baby girl Arya in her arms (this company really are family-friendly, as the name suggests).
Before the panel began Ranae mentioned that she was just going to sit down and give her baby girl a quick feed. I immediately asked how she was going to feed in the dress and that is when she let me in on her breastfeeding fashion secret.
Ranae was wearing her dress BACKWARDS.
I was literally in awe of this absolutely genius hack. This beautiful fitted dress, like many of this style, had a zip down the back. When Ranae wore it backwards the zip now appeared at the front and allowed her to simply zip down and feed her baby girl on the go.
I was incredibly excited about this new hack and immediately put it to the test and completely reassessed my wardrobe. There were at least ten dresses that I had stashed away for a time long from now when I would no longer be breastfeeding.
All of a sudden, these dresses were real options for me. The timing couldn’t have been any better as my 30th birthday was looming.
I ended up wearing a lovely dress, feeling a million dollars and being able to comfortably feed my baby at the same time. I urge you to reassess your own wardrobe and dress options immediately. You are welcome.
Ranae, you are a genius!
