Finding what you want to wear to work after having a baby can make you want to stay in bed.
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Going back to work after having a baby can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life, but looking your best can give you the confidence boost you need to head back to the office. Unfortunately, a lot of your pre-baby clothing likely won’t fit yet, making it hard to put an outfit together. You’re going to need a few new wardrobe staples.
Though they may not stick around for long, invest in these 4 garments to get your best postpartum professional look. From cover-up scarves to nursing dresses, you’ll be glad you have clothes to fit your post-baby body.
Think Easy Access
If you’re nursing, the most important feature of any piece of clothing is accessibility because you’re going to be pumping during the day. First things first, then, stock up on nursing tanks and use them as the foundation of every outfit. Paired with other easy access pieces like wrap tops and dresses, these tanks will make pumping a breeze.
Build Your Foundation
A lot of women feel self-conscious when they first go back to work because they’re carrying remaining baby weight – but in reality, it’s totally normal. Luckily, according to Carmit Archibald, an obstetrician-gynecologist, it’s completely safe to put on some shapewear in the postpartum period. In the past, it was actually common for women to wear a garment known as a postpartum corset or girdle. Though these aren’t as popular anymore, modern shapewear functions in a similar way.
If you are going to wear shapewear for your return to the office, make sure to give it a trial run at home. It should help you feel better about your appearance, but the most important thing is that it’s comfortable, especially if you’ve had a c-section. A high-waisted panty, such as these from Shapermint, can smooth the stomach without being too tight or irritating, especially if you’re pumping.
Some Specialty Wear
Like nursing tanks, there are a lot of garments designed specifically for nursing moms, but do you really want to invest in all that? If you’re going to be sticking this out for the recommended 12 months, then the answer is undeniably yes – go ahead and splurge a little. Items like feeding dresses look fantastic and have a double layer design for when it’s time to pump. It’s really is the little details that make it easier for you to pump at work.
A Showy Scarf
Scarves are always office appropriate, but they’re also a nursing woman’s best friend, so whether you prefer dedicated nursing covers or just plan to make your scarf do double duty, pick designs you love. Many companies now make scarf-style nursing covers that will give you privacy when you’re at the park or visiting friends, but then convert back to a classy infinity scarf. Plus, if your wardrobe is looking a little dull because you don’t have as many options as before baby, a great scarf can liven things up.
Offices have become more accommodating towards nursing mothers in recent years, but that doesn’t mean your body will make it easy. That’s why you should treat it to some special clothes dedicated to the task. Nursing tanks may not feel glamorous at first, but you’ll be glad you have clothes that work as hard as you do.