Dress After Pregnancy

Having a baby is an exciting time in a woman’s life. However, finding the right fashions for the post-pregnancy body may be a challenge. Everyone knows a woman’s body goes through extensive changes during pregnancy, but a woman should also be aware that the body changes after baby. From belly bulges to shoe size surprises, these changes can really hinder a new mom’s fashion sense. Be a fashionable mom by spicing up your post-pregnancy wardrobe.[1]

Steps

Anticipating Your Post-Pregnancy Body Changes

  1. Give yourself some time. The body goes through a number of changes after giving birth. It takes weeks for the uterus to shrink back to its normal pre-baby size.[1] Give your body, especially your abdomen, time to get back to normal before buying a whole new wardrobe.
  2. Prepare to go shoe shopping. A woman’s feet swell during pregnancy, but did you know that you might have permanently larger feet after giving birth? When you’re preparing for your new post-pregnancy wardrobe, do not assume that your shoe size has not changed. Measure your feet to find a cute pair of shoes that fit you perfectly. [2]
  3. Take care of your breasts. Your breasts are going to be swollen and sore immediately after birth. They may even leak or sag during or after breastfeeding. Keep this in mind when shopping for tops or new bras. [3]
  4. Embrace your new body. Examine yourself in a mirror - your overall shape may have changed! [4]. You have just carried one (or more) living being in your body for 9 months and your body has gone through a number of changes. These changes may have completely altered the way your body looks. You may have gone from a pear shape to an apple. You will need to examine yourself to find out your new body shape. [5]

Falling Back on What You Already Own

  1. Rock some cute maternity clothes. The body goes through a number of changes after giving birth. It takes weeks for the uterus to shrink back to its normal pre-baby size. [1] To combat the no-longer-a-baby-bulge, you can rely on some cute maternity clothes to give you a cute look. Flowy tops, especially empire waists, will accentuate your curves but do not draw attention to unflattering bulges. [6]
  2. Wear cardigans. Cardigans are a great staple in any woman’s wardrobe. [7] Add them to your post-pregnancy repertoire to help hide the bulging belly. These chic sweaters may also help to hide sore and leaky breasts the first few weeks after pregnancy.
  3. Look sexy in black. A little black dress, like the cardigan, is a constant in a woman’s wardrobe. For post-pregnancy formal wear, wear something that conceals and intrigues. [8] The perfect little black dress can accentuate your post-pregnancy figure while hiding some unflattering changes.[9]
  4. Smooth yourself with some shapewear. Shapewear can be a great post-pregnancy wardrobe staple as it can smooth and tuck. Shapewear may be the perfect accessory to be able to fit into those pre-pregnancy jeans. [6]

Shopping for New Clothes & Accessories

  1. Wrap yourself in wrap shirts. Wrap shirts can do wonders for a woman’s body. [10] Wrap shirts are great for the post-pregnancy body as they can minimize bulge but still accentuate curves. They are also very functional as they make nursing much easier.
  2. Tuck into tunic sweaters. Tunic sweaters are comfortable as well as fashionable. Their wide necklines can be feminine and show off some skin. This draws attention away from your stomach and hips, which can also be hidden by the length of the sweater.
  3. Be comfortable in some stretchy basics. You want to be comfortable and fashionable. This may be hard to do if your body is still going through some uncomfortable changes. Sometimes, the right answer is to be the most comfortable and fashion will follow. Add some stretch to your wardrobe like some cute yoga pants. [11]
  4. Wear drapey, not shapeless. Regardless of how you think you look after a pregnancy, you are exemplifying one of the greatest gifts that nature provides. Be proud of your body! One way you can do this is to ditch the shapeless clothes and instead wear drapey fabrics and dresses. [12]
  5. Accessorize! You are now a busy mom. You may not have the time to spend picking out the perfect wardrobe. But, you can add some chic accessories to your comfortable outfit to spice up your look. [6]
    • Pair a colorful scarf to a solid sweater.
    • Wear a wide belt on your flowy dress to define your waist and hide your midsection.
    • Wear sparkling earrings and bracelets to bring attention to your ears and hands rather than your belly.

Tips

  • You probably have pre-pregnancy clothes that you really liked or have bought some new clothes that you know will be too big soon. One thing you can do is see the tailor and make your clothes fit you the way they were meant to.
  • You now have a newborn to take care of. You need to make sure you are comfortable in whatever you wear so you can take care of your baby.
  • Get inspired by others around you. Just because you were pregnant does not mean you can’t dress like your favorite celebrity. Read magazines like Vogue, People, and US Weekly to read up on what your favorite celeb moms are wearing.

Sources and Citations