Weddings, baby weight and breastfeeding... help!

[SpoonfulOfJam]

I have a christening and a wedding coming up and I have no idea what to even look for. Wedding in particular as I don't think trousers and top would work.

I am tall, usually an hour glass shape, size 12-14, but carrying a huge spare tyre plus enough weight all over to make me about a size 16-18 at the moment

. I have a huge chest anyway but am now breastfeeding so have the pleasure of nursing bras which do not offer any shaping or uplift. Baby is still small so relying on boobs during the day so access required. I don't like to expose any flesh, I usually wear a vest underneath and go one up, one down.

And finally I'm on a really tight budget- ideally would be something I could wear again.

Please help me- I'm sure there must be an obvious solution which, in my newborn sleep deprived state, I'm missing.

Oh, also have a toddler so prone to get clambered on, nose wiped on etc

And finally, I do own some Spanx- a whole body suit, which I hope I can still fit into!

[Ilovetorrentialrain]

Hi just as a starter for ten, how this? A wrap dress could work?

What colours, fabrics and skirt lengths do you like?

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Phase+Eight+Kelsie+wrap+dress/231234838,default,pd.html&_$ja=tsid:44970%7Ccid:202499275%7Cagid:10012169875%7Ctid:pla-102028934035%7Ccrid:54596995075%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:1132966925956846577%7Cdvc:t%7Cadp:1o1%7Cmt:

[skiingcat]

I had same issue last year. I went for a skirt and top. I got cheap top from h and m and had a vest underneath. I also took a spare top incase I got spewed on or leaked! I've not worn the skirt again bit I did get it on the sales. Tops I have worn again.

[ProbablyMe]

Possibly look at Hot Milk feeding bras? Much better than bog standard ones and they definitely give better shape. They often have offers on too.

[Youremywifenow]

Feel your pain. Get some adapter clips from eBay (about £3) and adapt a proper underwired bra. I've never found a nursing bra that doesn't look shit, even the hot milk ones don't hold their shape if you have big boobs. The debenhams t-shirt bras work well.

I'm also scouring tkmaxx for lightweight ponchos. They have some nice silky / sparkly ones.
Something like this over something skimming that you can pull down under it.
www.tkmaxx.com/view-all-accessories/blush-lightweight-poncho/invt/19432027

[SpoonfulOfJam]

Torrential that wrap dress is lovely. Unfortunately I think that style would show off my waistline, which I'm really self conscious of. It also doesn't allow for my desired amount if coverup fur bfing.

Bra adapters sound ace! How have I never heard of it before. If I can get that to work, I'm certain I'll feel more confident straightaway.

Loose top/ poncho looks like the best option. I wear skirts to work, usually stretchy pencil skirts. So now I know what to start looking for.

So now to fit in a few dreaded shopping trips- I find they always end badly when I'm looking for something in particular and I'm not looking/ feeling my best.

Thanks for the ideas.

[Diddlydokey]

www.next.co.uk/g876014s2#121008g87

www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Midi-Pencil-Skirt-in-Jersey/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4573327&cid=2639&Rf-200=33&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Navy&totalstyles=41&gridsize=3

www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Pastel-Leopard-Poly-Satin-Scarf/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6298734&cid=4174&Rf1026=6191&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=3&clr=Multi&totalstyles=67&gridsize=3

[leedy]

Anita do underwired nursing bras as well, the difference they made to my shape when I switched to them was AMAZING. Always found Hot Milk gave me monoboob.

Would you consider a dedicated nursing dress? Boob do v good jersey ones that can be dressed up a bit with jewellery etc., and you'd probably get more wear out of it over the summer if you're still feeding. Super easy to feed in.

[coveredinhopeandvaseline]

Lindy Bop Ophelia dress is a great one for big boobs, hiding belly, thighs, arse and you can breastfeed in it.
Plus, it's super cheap and comes in an array of colours.
www.lindybop.co.uk/dresses-c1/ophelia-dresses-c13

Buy a size up though...if you think you are 16-18, go for the 18.

[coveredinhopeandvaseline]

And another one seconding buying an underwired nursing bra...I am 34HH and look ridiculous in a non wire...I converted a couple of bras from debenhams Gorgeous range (that I bought at 70%), using the nursing clips..easy peasy.
The difference lifting the boobs up will make to your shape will ASTOUND you!xx

[katienana]

Seraphine do nursing dresses for about £50 which I am considering for a wedding next month. Jersey material so comfy but I think can be dressed up and down so I can get a bit of use out of it over the summer. Going to wear with a shrug I already have from monsoon. I haven't actually had my baby yet so I know I'll still be a bit wobbly.

[SpoonfulOfJam]

Diddly I'm wandering if you know me. The navy blue top and skirt is exactly my style. I have some nude heels that would work.

Covered the ophelia dresses are gorgeous. But really not my style ( I'm much more a plain Jane)

Before any of that tho, in going to investigate the bra situation. I'm annoyed that between dc1 and 2 I've spent a year so far in these hideous frumpy bras. I need my underwire back!

[coveredinhopeandvaseline]

Honestly though...A well fitting, underwire bra will instantly make you look like you've lost a stone.

[SpoonfulOfJam]

Well I'm going to drive to Worcester next week, where they sell the Anita bras. If that doesn't work out then probably bravissimo and a converter kit from eBay.