Making a normal dress breastfeeding friendly

[Guineapiggiesmalls]

Hello!

I usually spend my summers in midi dresses but I had a baby in April and am exclusively breastfeeding her. I’ve bought a couple of jumpers from Seraphine which have zips just under (or alongside) the bust which makes feeding really easy. I wonder how easy it would be to alter a couple of my existing frocks with these zips or how much it could cost?

I’ve tried to find some to buy, but most nursing dresses are also designed for pregnancy and I’m fed up of having all the extra material around my waist!

thank you :)

I think it would very much depend on how much excess fabric the original fabric has. You could probably insert one in the side seam without losing the integrity of the dress but you would potentially lose a bit of fabric where you insert the zip. I don’t think it would be that easy outside of an existing seam.

What about wrap dresses or summer dresses that are elasticated or shirred at the bust?

I just wear dresses with a lower neckline, pop the boob out over the top and if I'm in public I just tuck a muslin in the bra strap and drape it over any flesh I want to cover. Simple and easy!

I did this for ds’s baptism.

Took a panelled dress from Phase Eight and cut into the lining underneath. Cuts were diagonal (… and didn’t run).

When I had to travel with dd when she was quite small, I cut into a cheap vest and wore it under a jumper.

Those big aprons that you breastfeed under are also quite handy.

There's a Facebook group called 'can I breastfeed in it' where people post non maternity clothes that are ok for breastfeeding in. It might be worth a look to see what other people have found?

I've converted a few dresses with wrap cross necks but indoing the stitching holding the two sides together and putting a couple of poppers in. Depending on the neckline sometimes wear a crop top underneath (Primark is a good source) to give me something to pull up as I pull a dress down.

For the most part the fabric is likely to be too light for it to look nice with zips.
I had intentions to take maxi dresses, hem for the extra fabric, then make flaps for the top (to cover boob holes). I did actually put nursing clips on stealth tops/dresses. Will also depend what sort of bra as to what will work.

If you post a pic of a dress you have, you might get more practical answers. It won't be expensive, but time consuming and might ruin the dress.

I just buy button up midi / maxi dresses from asos or low cut midi / maxi and wear a crop top so I can pull down the top of the dress and still have the top part of my breast covered.