One very important part of preparing for your new little one is preparing to breastfeed. By preparing, you can feel much calmer and in control when the time comes, thus making it a more enjoyable and successful experience. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to prepare.

Purchase Clothing You Can Breastfeed In 

In order to make breastfeeding easier, you should consider purchasing some clothing that are easy to breastfeed in. Thankfully, there are so many options now for tanks, tee shirts, and hoodies that are nursing-friendly. These tops have hidden slits in them that allow you to breastfeed your baby without ever having to remove any of your clothes.

These tops are so convenient when you are nursing in a public location, such as a restaurant, the park, church, etc. They can also allow you to start nursing your baby much faster, which can reduce a lot of stress for you when you have a hungry baby who wants to nurse right away. 

If you are baby wearing, these tanks can snap down for easy nursing access and make baby wearing and breastfeeding much more possible.

Sometimes being a new mom, it's harder for some to adjust to nursing in public spaces. The fears and concerns are real, and clothing that offers privacy can certainly relieve the anxiety and nerves for mothers just getting used to it. 

Make preparing for breastfeeding easier by packing your hospital bag with nursing friendly tops like this mom in her Cozy Nursing Hoodie.

Bun's Ribbed nursing tanks are stretchy for wearability during pregnancy and well into postpartum, creating coverage and comfort for nursing in public.

Visit With A Lactation Consultant 

Another great way to prepare for breastfeeding is to meet with a lactation consultant or take a lactation class before you give birth. A lactation consultant is a professional breastfeeding specialist who will let you know what to expect in terms of your milk coming in, pumping, helping your baby get the right latch for the first time, showing you how to hold your baby when nursing, and much more. They can also answer all of your questions and put a lot of your worries at ease.

Set this up at the hospital you give birth in because most of the time, a lactation consultant will come visit.  You can start breastfeeding within the first hour of giving birth and it will be essential for you to garner as much support and expertise as possible to be off to the right start. Discuss that this is part of your birth plan to breastfeed. 

Prior to this, you can attend a group breastfeeding class taught by a lactation consultant or you can choose to have a one-on-one consultation. Taking a lactation class before the baby arrives can boost your confidence and give you the much needed knowledge to prepare you for your nursing journey.  If you so desire, you could meet with the lactation consultant again after you've had your baby for even more help hands-on help with nursing your baby.  Many have mommy meet up lactation support groups that are even free to attend. 

It's just not always that easy and doesn't always come naturally for many.  Reaching out can be very empowering and even relieve potential for PPD. 

Talk With Other Breastfeeding Moms 

Some of the best advice that you can get in terms of preparing to breastfeed is from other moms. You can join a mom group in your local area, or even find one online. You could also do something as simple as calling up some of your friends who breastfeed and discussing with them some of your questions and concerns. 

Ask them what they are eating. What is their schedule. How long did it take them to get the hang of everything. 

The support of other moms can also come in handy when your baby arrives and you begin to actually breastfeed because they will be there to encourage you and help you as you begin your breastfeeding journey with your little one.

Keep in mind, everyone has a different experience. Take everything with a grain of salt and use this opportunity to be selective and gather all kinds of information to make your best judgements for what would work best for you. It's okay if someone has less than positive advice to vent to you, but then move on to the next support person that can offer more useful and encouraging words to you.

Purchase The Appropriate Supplies

There are a few different nursing supplies that you can purchase that make nursing more convenient for you and more enjoyable for you and your baby.

• One thing that you may want to consider purchasing is some soothing cream for your nipples. In fact, start now, well before you give birth!  Every time you moisturize your growing belly, do the same to your nipples.
• Well moisturized skin and nipples will save you heartache from pain and dry, cracked nipples.  Use 100% shea butter, natural oil, or lanolin. These creams are safe for your baby and you can easily spread them on your nipples after your baby is done nursing.
• If you have inverted or flat nipples, you may want to consider purchasing a nipple shield, just in case your baby has a hard time latching on. This can help them to get better suction at first and then you can stop using the shield once they have a good latch.
• A nursing pillow is a great thing for you to buy because it puts your baby at the perfect height for nursing. It also allows your arms to rest because they don't have to hold the baby up.  We would say that this is a mama must have!
• Nursing pads. Your breast will leak, so keep these handy.  Be sure you have a bra or sports bra ready as well.  Something without wires is best, to avoid clogged milk ducts and further complications.
• Call your insurance for your breast pump! Do this a month away from the due date.  Your insurance should provide the pump fully covered, but this can depend on your insurance so make this part of your to do list.
• Don't forget those game changing nursing tank tops and hoodies for ultimate ease, convenience, comfort, and style.

Summary

In order to prepare to breastfeed your baby, it is important that you purchase the appropriate clothes for breast feeding, you visit with a lactation consultant to learn more about the process of breastfeeding and what to expect, that you talk with other moms for first hand experience and advice, and that you purchase the appropriate supplies for nursing.

To learn more tips about preparing to nurse your baby, you can visit us here. 

Looking chic whilst breastfeeding can be a challenge, but there are ways to look good when feeding your little one. Clothes that are stylish and practical are easier to find than you think.

Especially these days, when athleisure and casual is totally the look to have, it's the perfect opportunity to make your mom uniform fit right in the crowd without having to scream "Hey everyone! I'm wearing nursing clothes!".  

Check out our easy tips, seriously, these are easy looks to replicate.  Read on for how to find the best tops for breastfeeding moms.

Buy the Basics

Nursing wear doesn't need ruffles, trims, and a dressy silhouette to disguise nursing function.  Breastfeeding is not the time to dress like you are heading to the nightclub, or a work meeting either. In fact, we aren't as down for "dressier" nursing wear because then you need the hair and makeup to really make it look good. 

It just doesn't and shouldn't be complicated.  It doesn't need to feel like you're "just dealing" with what you have either.  Like you're just forced to wear the same tight cami and zip up because that's all that works for you when you're nursing. 

So first, get a comfortable well fitting nursing bra which is vital for any anekantsquick wardrobe. Like a sports bra or sports bra like nursing bra (go for comfort, comfort, comfort).  Hint: Do get a professional bra specialist fitting so you have the correct size and level of support.

Then, check out nursing shirts, tanks, and hoodies that are completely basic.  Choose black, gray, white, navy, and if it comes in novelty hues then grab a few of those too.  Use cool athletic sneakers, a nice oversized bag, and find easy layering pieces to make these tops work for you and last for many wearings.  Basic is better.  

You're Instagram pics will be very "cool mom mode" once you get down to easy clothing that doesn't have the fuss. 

Layer your Clothes

We've said this a bunch of times.  Layering is the key to looking good when breastfeeding. Let's be real...it's hot and cold and hot and cold being a mom too!  Layers allow flexibility in your outfit to suit your current body temp.  

Check out the nursing tank tops or singlets which have panels and press studs for easy access whilst keeping you covered.

These can be layered with a shirt or cardigan and look chic. The best part if that you can use these tanks for days and just change up the layers.

If you are not quite ready to show your post baby tummy a cardigan or poncho is helpful at covering the bump. Try this cozy up nursing poncho as a cover up.

Go for Comfort

Use fabrics which are soft, supportive, and above all are washable. Tops that are slightly loose work well as breastfeeding clothes, especially if they are front fastening and accessed easily. A top that covers the hip will also cover your tummy.

Don't be afraid to wear tanks either.  Go for these ribbed tanks that have the right amount of thickness to lay really well against the skin and not look all clingy.

The Bun nursing hoodies with a nursing panel are very practical for breastfeeding and if it's a super cold day you can still wear a jacket over it.

Don't wear anything too delicate as you'll need to be able to throw stained tops in the washing machine regularly thanks to those baby burps, but do try to hang dry your tops so the fabric last longer.

This Relax Daily Nursing Hoodie goes from bump to baby and it's soooo comfy! It's loose fit is perfect for postpartum recovery time and staying cozy.

 

Get the Shape Right

Avoid shapeless baggy clothes whilst breastfeeding as they will make you look larger and will not flatter you at all. Tight fitting clothes particularly when combined with belts do not look good either. Breastfeeding mums tend to sweat more so try a flowy top but something designed for style like these side nursing access tops.  

The scoop neck on the wide strap ribbed tank tops and on the low neck swing tank are also flattering as well as practical. It's not tight at the waist, but shows just the right amount of the chest to make this sexy cute.

Empire maxis that slightly drape also look good and flatter at the same time.  Try something like that with really cool shoes, hat, and accessories so you don't look frumpy.

Go for Stripes or Color

Patterned tops are great for nursing moms. Apart from looking good they also hide stains. Alternatively, a striped scarf with a plain top is another chic look for new moms. Pencil striped nursing tanks also add camouflage and don't widen your waistline because the stripes are tiny.  Avoid wearing black all the time and go for some color in your anekantsquick wardrobe. Color lifts the mood and will brighten up an outfit. Check out the color range in these tanks.

There are some beautiful nursing tops out there designed to make you look your best and enable baby to feed contentedly. A happy mama is a happy baby!

Remember to think about if you can use the tops in a variety of ways and looks. If they are movable and easy to wear, care for, and if they go with yoga pants and sneakers so you can run around like the busy mom you are!

Start planning your wardrobe today, and if it helps boost your confidence when nursing in public then the better!