What Would Kate Wear?
We’re expecting an announcement from Kensington Palace any day now and hope Kate is feeling a little more prepared than this time 2 years ago!
Despite this, I’m pretty sure she’s feeling exactly the same as you when it comes to nursing… a bit nervous about getting her boobs out in public. So, I had a think and come up with my top tips for dressing like Kate would!
The idea is to make yourself comfortable and happy about breastfeeding because it fits into your life, whether you’re the type to wear heels every day or happier in your bare feet.
As always, we’d love to hear your tips for other readers – leave a comment 🙂
Jules’ guide to nursing style
- Choosing a style with a bit of lace can make you feel special and feminine when you’re feeling like a non-stop milk machine. Kate is the Queen (…sorry >.<) of classic femininity & so is our Cupcake flexi-wire nursing bra. With pretty lace and super soft, stretchy microfibre, it’s comfort and luxury in one. There’s also a brief with a sexy lacy back, because who doesn’t love a matching set?
- Whether she’s running to the shops or attending a royal engagement, Kate isn’t afraid of embracing colour. I suggest that you invest in some proper nursing tops (not necessarily wrap-over – choose a style you actually like) in colours you enjoy wearing. Take a look at Ripe’s short sleeve nursing tee, our Cloud 9 nursing top, or ASOS’s double layer nursing t-shirts – these all come in a range of colours and are purse friendly.
Don’t forget to invest in some good breastpads – you don’t want any leaks!
- With her tall, slender frame, Kate looks so beautiful in a dress, so breastfeeding shouldn’t stop you rocking one too! Dresses can make you feel smarter and more put together, so try Babes with Babies’s offering.
- Nursing camisoles are so useful – they cover your new-mum-tum as well as provide easy nursing access. You can try our Seamless nursing cami – it’s got 3 layers so you won’t need to wear a bra underneath. Best of all, the under layer has discrete openings each side so you don’t have to get completely undressed! You could also wear 2 camis on top of each other – this way, your tummy is covered but you can pull the top one down to feed your baby quickly and without fuss.
- As happy as I am that the Claridge’s incident brought acceptance of breastfeeding (or lack thereof) into the spotlight, you may not be the type to brush a confrontation like that off. It can be a good idea to invest in a scarf or shawl to cover both yourself and your baby whilst you’re feeding. For a nursing specific scarf try Snoob but this is also an opportunity to treat yourself – Liberty have a beautiful range.
- Heading off on holiday? Don’t panic about beach or poolside nursing – our chic Nursing Swimsuit is available in slimming black or rich emerald. Strong elastic holds the lift-up panel in place and the super soft UVA &UVB resistant fabric offers protection from the sun. Clever elastic, not ruching, will help to hold in your new-mum-tum, too!
As always, if you want more advice, drop us an email of give us a call on +44 (0)207 940 8250 – if you’re outside the UK we can give you a call back!
Staying warm when nursing
Everyone’s breastfeeding experience will be different but you can be sure you’ll be inundated with well-meaning, helpful advice. Jules’ best bit of advice, however, would be to make yourself as relaxed and comfortable as possible – and try to keep both yourself and baby warm. You’d be surprised how easy this can make feeding your little one.
Feed times vary considerably and, although its nice and warm at the moment, when it’s time to strip off and nurse you can quickly become cold. The market is overflowing with specially designed nursing tops (although we reckon our Cloud 9 nursing t-shirt is the best) and you can also get some great nightwear pieces. ¾ sleeve tops that unbutton for easy sleepy feeds will be your favourites and will help you keep warm.
We know it’s tricky, but it really will help if you keep organised, particularly before you go to bed. Making sure that you have everything nearby means you won’t have to waste time and warmth looking for things before a feed. Nappies, creams, a clean babygrow & muslins kept by your bed can be lifesavers at 2am, as will clean breast pads and a drink and small snack for yourself. You’ll be able to get started with feeding before your baby gets too frustrated and so avoid latching difficulties.
With nappy changes and little leaks often coming hand in hand with feeds, a tip from one of our mums was to put a clean babygrow behind or under you as you feed baby. If they then need a change, their clothes are already warm and snuggly from your body heat, comforting and encouraging them to drift off to sleep once their little tums are full.
Image Credit: http://bit.ly/1yLbI2L