6 Nursing Clothes Must-Haves (with DIY hacks!)
Breastfeeding isn’t easy.
If you’re serious about nursing, it’s wise to do everything possible to make the experience easier for you.
Dressing for breastfeeding is no exception. You need easy access to the goods (a.k.a your boobies!)… and fast.
Nursing clothes provide convenient openings and flaps so you can breastfeed on a whim, whenever and wherever!
The following are our favorite nursing clothes ideas, hacks, and tricks to help you breastfeed and pump with discretion and STYLE!
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It’s a GREAT idea to take a simple and affordable breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding is something you need to LEARN to do. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class is on-demand and perfect for new moms.
6 Nursing Clothes Pieces Every Mom Should Own
1. Nursing tops / Nursing shirts
Nursing tops are specifically designed to keep your tummy and torso covered up while you breastfeed.
They come with discreet built-in panels that provide quick and easy access for nursing.
Our Favorite Nursing Tops
The Double Duty Top
(Maternity + Nursing)
STYLE TIPS
Have any button-down in your closet? They’re PERFECT for nursing! Button-down shirts offer an easy way to open your shirt to breastfeed and you can leave the lower buttons fastened to help you stay modest on the bottom.
Off the shoulder shirts are super chic, comfy, and also offer easy access to nursing.
2. A Nursing tANK TOP
A tank top for breastfeeding is going to be your new BFF. They provide the perfect base for layering and can go underneath ANYTHING.
Tank tops make it possible for you to still wear regular shirts without having to expose your belly or breasts too much when you lift it up to breastfeed.
Choose a nursing tank with a low neckline so you can easily move it to the side to nurse.
NURSING TANK D.I.Y HACK
Learn how to easily turn a regular tank into a nursing tank. (no sewing involved!)
3. A NursinG DRESS
Hands down, putting on a dress is the easiest route to effortless style and looking put together!
There are tons of cute nursing dresses to choose from but our absolute favorite is this one because it’s SO flattering on every figure…
OUR FAV NURSING DRESS
STYLE TIP
Patterns and prints mask milk stains better than solid colors.
4. A Nursing BRA
As a breastfeeding mom it’s essential to invest in a good nursing bra.
Normal bras have underwire that puts too much pressure on your breasts which can lead to clogged ducts or mastitis. Nursing bras, however, give you support without added constraint.
They also have specific clips, snaps and hooks that make a section of the bra fold down to provide easy latching without affecting the structure of the bra.
And nursing bras have built-in elastic allowing them to easily adjust to your changing breast size throughout the day. (depending on when you last feed was)
This nursing bra received the best reviews on Amazon on comes in a 4 pack!
And if you’re pumping?
THIS is a total gamechanger.
5. A SLEEPING NURSING BRA
Did you know that prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, peaks between midnight and 6am? This means you’ll probably leak when you’re snoozin’.
That also means wearing a bra at night for breastfeeding is a MUST. (along with nursing pads!)
Nursing bras are super stretchy and comfy. And they’re made without wire, clasps or clips so you don’t have to do any unnecessary unhooking middle of the night. (can I get an Amen?)
6. A NURSING COVER
If you’re not comfortable breastfeeding in public, you’ll want to invest in some type of nursing cover. They allow you to breastfeed (and pump!) while being totally covered.
We partnered up with Udder Covers to bring you a big discount!
Get $50 off a nursing cover using the coupon code: MILKOLOGY1
(over 50 styles available!)
STYLE TIP
If you have a poncho, wrap, or infinity scarf, they can perform double duty as a nursing cover! They can be worn over a regular shirt that you have access to at the top.
3 Nursing Clothes Hacks
The slit trick.
Cut slits in an old T-shirt and wear it underneath an oversized shirt or sweater. This way your belly (and most of your breast) won't be exposed when you pull up the shirt on top to nurse.
The legging trick.
You can wear leggings or pants under a dress so you can lift the full dress up when you need to breastfeed.
The belly band trick.
Good news! That belly band you wore during pregnancy can still be useful! It provides extra tummy coverage when you lift your shirt from the bottom so you’re not totally exposed.
“PRO TIP! Always have a change of clothes (or a vest!) on hand when you go places. As a breastfeeding mom you just never know when you’ll leak through your outfit.”
5 Ways to Save Money On Nursing Clothes
Before you buy things you don’t need, shop your closet for nursing clothes first. (look for shirts that you can easily pull up or down and that are loose or stretchy)
Shop second hand! Some great places to find nursing clothes are thrift stores, consignment stores, craigslist, Offerup, Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, and Kids clothing/consignment stores
Borrow nursing clothes from friends.
Invest in pieces that you can envision yourself wearing even after your baby weans from breastfeeding so you can prolong its life span!
Use a discount code. (see below!)
Ready To Shop For Nursing Clothes?!
Get 15% off EVERYTHING at UNDERCOVER MAMA
Use the coupon code: MILK15 at checkout.
Our 3 Fav Breastfeeding Products
🌛 1. This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s super comfortable and made of the softest material ever. You’ll want to wear it forever to sleep in, even after you’re done breastfeeding.
💪 2. Boost supply and tone up postpartum. Milk Dust is protein powder made just for breastfeeding moms. It nourishes and tones postpartum bodies (and contains milk boosting ingredients too!) Get 10% off Milk Dust using the code MILKOLOGY at checkout
🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.