Buying clothes for breastfeeding is expensive and sometimes is not necessary. This stage only lasts an average of 6 months to 1 year (if you are patient with breastfeeding), so it will be a bit of a waste of money to invest in a new wardrobe.
Some moms (small to medium chest size and not very busty) can wear normal clothes during breastfeeding. They need to buy a few necessary accessories and can easily go through this period.
If you are on a budget and really don't want to invest in new clothes but only wear them for a few months, how to breastfeed in normal clothes?
How To Breastfeed In Normal Clothes?
Using The "Two-shirt" Method
If you're looking for more coverage while nursing in regular clothes, you can try the "two-shirt" method. This method on how to breastfeed in normal clothes is simple to do and potentially saves money for moms.
This method is effective by wearing a casual shirt outside and a cami underneath.
Pull up your regular shirt and pull down the tank, that is all you need to do. In this way, your belly, back, sides and breasts remain covered, and breastfeeding in public is easier than ever!
Moreover, it is very easy to do and takes no time at all. With the "two-shirt" method, you no longer have to mess around with props like blankets, covers, hooks, or bra hooks.
On the other hand, this must be a very reasonable approach for a mom on a budget. You don't have to buy anything else, what you need is already in your wardrobe. Or even if you don't have them, you can still find them very easily with an appropriate price.
Although there are many highlights, it still has some disadvantages.
First, the "Two-shirt" method can become hot in the summer since you have to wear many layers at the hot temperature. To overcome this, you can choose lighter materials to wear in the hot season instead of thick sweaters.
Besides, it is pretty difficult to lift the bottom of a shirt while baby-wearing (the baby is essentially lying on top of your shirt).
Also, when you pull up the shirt, all the fabric bunches on top of the breast, making it difficult to nurse (especially with heavier fabrics like sweatshirts).
DIY With A T-shirt
The second method we recommend for you is that you make a nursing shirt with your T-shirt. Sounds interesting? Here's how to both save you money and help you feel comfortable breastfeeding.
First, you need to try on the T-shirt that you intend to transform. Then, mark it about two inches below your busts (since you will be cutting a line across the chest, folding it, and stitching except for the bust).
And now, cut along the line just marked, but remember to cut only on the front of the T-shirt. When you've finished it, cut the seam about ¾ inch, then fold the bottom in half and hem it again.
The purpose of doing this is that the top of the shirt will fall to cover up the cut, and you will pull it off whenever you need to breastfeed.
DIY Breastfeeding Check Pocket
To find out how to breastfeed in normal clothes while keeping your clothes nice and stylish, you can try this third method, which will make a creative transformation for your shirts!
How to do this?
First, you will cut two vertical lines on your shirt. Make sure the cut parallel to the breast to facilitate breastfeeding.
Then, make your fake bra pocket sewn on top to cover the cut (this DIY is very diverse, you can sew an extra layer or add a small bag) so that you can unbutton the pocket when you need to breastfeed.
This way is not only easy to do but highly applicable. You can comfortably breastfeed without exposing anything.
Some Breastfeeding Outfit Tips
In addition to the above instructions on how to breastfeed in casual clothes, we will also give you other great tips related to this topic on some indispensable accessories for you while breastfeeding.
Bra
During pregnancy and lactation, women will have breasts that grow larger than normal (also known as lactation). Therefore, in this period, choosing a nursing bra is very important.
Not only does it make breastfeeding more convenient than a normal shirt, but it also prevents sagging due to the stretching of the ligaments when the baby feeds.
Hence, when pregnant and breastfeeding, you should consider choosing the right bra size and under the following criteria:
Milk Absorbent Pads
In this period, there is one more problem that will always make you feel confused if you do not know how to control milk flow.
These activities often result in milk leaking out even after the baby has been fully fed.
That's why you should need breast pads. Breast pads are a great support tool to help you feel more confident and comfortable with the following uses:
With the above uses, you should also pay attention to the following things when choosing to buy milk absorbent pads.
Material test
The material of the breast pad should be made of soft material to create comfort and softness for the user's breasts.
It would be better if you searched for those designed to fit your breasts' size and should not choose pads made of flexible plastic because the moist air inside the breasts will not escape, from which you will feel itching and tightness.
Absorbency of the pad
The absorbency of pads should also be emphasized because they have to suck milk quickly, not let milk back out and help keep breasts dry.
Besides, give preference to products with soft cushions or woven from bamboo. These materials are more absorbent when compared to cotton absorbent pads.
You should not choose a plastic breast pump pad because it is not breathable, so bacteria will easily grow and cause sore nipples. Moreover, the sole made of plastic has very poor absorbency compared to other types
Depending on your financial situation, you can alternate using disposable pads with reusable pads.
Choose anti-spill pads
Usually, when milk comes out, the woven cloth pad will not absorb it completely and often leaves moisture stains on the shirt, which may make an unclean feeling after breastfeeding.
To prevent such a situation from happening, look for pads that are resistant to spills.
The anti-spill pad can also trap moisture inside your breasts and still have space to let air in so you do not feel hot in your chest.
Possibility to improve breast shape
Recently, there are many manufacturers creating pads that improve the shape of the breasts.
If your breasts tend to sag while breastfeeding, this absorbent pad will give you extra confidence. A small note is that when using pads, you should choose outerwear with non-thin materials, so that the pads are not exposed.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a special and unforgettable period of your life, not only because you can create a wonderful bonding with your little one, but you can feel how amazing your body is, when it can produce food and nutrition to feed a little human being.
Because of its importance, you can easily get confused with all the accessories that seem necessary, but they are actually not. One of which is special nursing clothes.
If you are not very busty, and you are on a budget, you can still breastfeed in normal clothes, at home or in public. If you are a DIY person, you can even make yourself a unique set of nursing clothes to save money and make this period even more special. All you need is a few shirts and some pieces of cloth.
So now you know how to breastfeed in normal clothes, roll up your sleeves and give it a try.