Comfort Essentials for New Moms: What You Really Need in Your Wardrobe
Welcoming a new bundle of joy into the family is an unforgettable experience. There’s nothing quite like holding a newborn in your arms for the first time. But the pregnancy and birthing experience can also take a physical toll on a mother’s body. Often, new moms get so caught up in ensuring their babies are safe and cared for that they forget to take care of themselves.
As a new mom, adequate mental and physical energy is necessary to love, feed, and interact with your little one. Making your health a priority will allow you to rise to the occasion and be there when your baby needs you. You can start by ensuring your wardrobe is stocked with these comfort-centered essentials every new mom needs.
Comfortable Underwear
During pregnancy, it’s natural to count down the days until you can get back into cute little underwear that makes you feel attractive again. But you probably won’t want to slip into a thong for at least a few weeks after giving birth. Feeling a little sore and uncomfortable for a while is natural, so comfy underwear is a must-have. Buy a few large pairs to tuck a pad inside for postpartum bleeding.
You’ll also want a cozy bra to help your girls breathe. As your breasts fill with milk, they’ll likely feel tender and swollen. The last thing you’ll want to wear is a stiff, restrictive underwire bra. Instead, you’ll need soft, wireless bras to offer adequate support without sacrificing comfort. If breastfeeding, invest in nursing bras that make it more convenient to feed your little one at any time.
Postpartum Belly Wrap
Many new moms are surprised to discover that their bellies still feel inflated after birth. It takes a while for the swelling to go down and your belly to return to normal. In the meantime, purchasing a postpartum belly wrap can boost your comfort and confidence levels. Make sure the wrap you choose is the right size for your needs. You should feel gentle support while wearing it, but you shouldn’t usually have trouble breathing or moving around.
There are many different belly wrap designs out there. Some are easier to put on and adjust than others. Many women love Velcro-secured wraps because they’re a cinch to put on and take off compared to wraps secured with buttons or hooks. No matter what type of wrap you settle for, it will provide comfort and support while helping your stomach slim down faster after birth.
Cozy Pajamas
After pushing a tiny human out of your body, you may not feel like immediately stepping into a tight pair of jeans or a form-hugging blouse. You’ve earned at least a few days of hanging out in something soft and comfortable. That’s why a few pairs of cozy pajamas should be a staple in every new mom’s wardrobe.
Many new moms love the ease of slipping into a soft, flowy nightgown when they’re feeling sore and exhausted. Or you may prefer the enveloping coziness of a full-flannel pajama set. As long as you feel relaxed, comfortable, and pampered, that’s all that matters!
High-Waisted Pants
It’s natural to want to get right back into your pre-pregnancy clothes, but you need to be patient with yourself. It took nine months to grow a baby, and your body won’t recover from that herculean effort overnight. If you try to squeeze into your favorite pair of jeans too soon, you may be alarmed to see your stomach spilling over the top like a busted can of biscuits. Save yourself the agony of such a realization by purchasing some high-waisted pants.
High-waisted pants are excellent at hiding a swollen or jiggly post-birth belly. They also provide posture support, which is crucial after giving birth. For maximum comfort, wear pants with a flexible waistline for the first few weeks or months postpartum.
Nursing-Friendly Shirts
Breastfeeding moms quickly discover that typical shirts are not designed with nursing moms in mind. You may need to tuck your pre-pregnancy shirts into the back of your closet for a few months while you fill your wardrobe with nursing-friendly options.
Tops with cross-front closures, tie-side details, or discreet zippers will make your life much easier as a nursing mama. Fortunately, modern nursing tops tend to be stylish and attractive. You often can’t tell they’re explicitly designed for easy breastfeeding access.
Baby Sling
It gets pretty tiring to carry a baby around all day. Plus, holding your baby in your arms makes it nearly impossible to do anything else. That’s why you need a baby sling to have your baby securely next to your body while freeing up your hands and arms to do other things.
Baby slings are simple devices that wrap around your and your baby’s bodies. They can often be worn in different orientations to ensure your little one’s comfort and safety through various stages of development. They can also be worn directly in front of you or over one hip. Adjusting your baby’s weight frequently can help save your back and make it easier to do various tasks.
When you take good care of yourself, you’ll have more energy and mental capacity to care for your baby. So, invest in these essential wardrobe items without any guilt, Mama. They’ll keep you comfortable while you enjoy the challenges and rewards of motherhood.
