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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

BFing Ladies: What tops are you wearing?

21 replies

BabyValentine · 08/04/2011 14:04

DC2 is 8 weeks, and I am getting sick of wearing baggy old maternity tops.

With DC1 I didn't really BF in public, so I could just lift up. But, I am considerably braver this time and would like to find tops amenable to BFing without baring all.

I'd rather steer clear of the overpriced, mumsy sacks nursing tops. I do have a few 3/4 sleeve tops with buttons down the front, but as well as finding something more stylish, I'm on the lookout for button down vests too.

I have tried a few shirts on, but I'm hoping to lose some of my tiger-striped overhang first Shock

So, ladies, what are you currently wearing? Is it possible to BF and look half decent at the same time? And relatively cheap, too?

OP posts:
alexpolismum · 08/04/2011 14:56

I used a combination of a top and cardigan on a cold day - leave the cardi buttons done up to just below the bust to help keep you warm, pull the top up on the inside to bf. I did the same with a light shirt/ vest top in the summer. It has the advantage of keeping your tummy hidden, too.

EauRouge · 08/04/2011 15:45

All my usual tops with a thin, stretchy vest underneath. Pull one up and one down and you can feed without flashing any flesh. If you wear a top and a vest the same colour then no one will even know you've pulled one up. It also saves money because you only need to spend a few quid on the vests and you can just wear all your old pre-pregnancy tops (bra size permitting!). I bought loads of these and they lasted ages.

ReshapeWhileDamp · 08/04/2011 15:48

I use Bara Glad bf tops - less mumsy than most. And have just discovered the bf tops here, which are pricy but gorgeous. Someone else pointed me at this French site here, which also has very un-mumsy tops.

If you're interested in vests, Emma Jane do a fab bf one in bamboo that you can wear under loose tops - I couldn't do without it at night, as it holds my breastpads on! Grin

Original poster
BabyValentine · 08/04/2011 21:20

I did consider the vest under top thing but I was concerned about being too hot. I do have some stretchy maternity vests though, so I might give that a go.

Thanks for the advice ladies, I shall have a peruse at those websites...

OP posts:
japhrimel · 08/04/2011 21:43

I've got a Boob vest top that I got from an eBay seller. It's fab but I can't get more new on eBay atm and I'm not paying full price!

I've also got a nursing vest top from JoJo that's pretty good.

Vests and a stretchy/loose/button-down top work well too but as it gets warmer I can see I won't want to wear 2 tops most of the time.

redandyellowandpinkandgreen · 08/04/2011 21:56

I always layer two tops and do one up and one down. I have some pretty thin vests that don't make me warm or I wear two contrasting t-shirt type tops.

I find with button tops I am more exposed as you end up showing your whole boob from the top so I tuck a muslin in to my bra strap or wear a scarf and drape it artfully but it might be getting a bit warm for that.

I think you can get breastfeeding bras that have more coverage over the top of the boob, they might be worth looking at.

BananaPie · 08/04/2011 22:46

I like www.manafeelsgood.com

BananaPie · 08/04/2011 22:49

Whoops - www.mamafeelsgood.com

teaandchocolate · 11/04/2011 21:27

Cheap thin vests (got 2 for £7 from M&S) with a loose-ish top/jumper/shirt over the top (mostly pre-pregnancy clothes). Then pull the vest down and top up. Didn't find any proper nursing tops that I liked.

CluckyKate · 13/04/2011 15:37

Ditto on the vests but you can get them for 2 quid each at Primark....they have an amazing number of colours too.

scaryfairy28 · 13/04/2011 20:21

Last year new look sOld vests and tshirts with buttons down the front I'm hoping to stock up on them for when baby arrives if they get them back in.

latrucha · 13/04/2011 20:22

Normal t'shirts.

No shame, me. Blush

sleepdodger · 13/04/2011 20:47

Button vests or shirts so far... But less than 2 weeks in I realse I have less to wear than when 9 mth pg!!

nappydaysagain · 14/04/2011 11:26

I know it sometimes gets a bashing on here, but I've got 2 tunics from White Stuff which I find really easy to BF in as they both have a few buttons down the front (and I wear a pretty vest underneath which I pull up). I can't do links but they are the "eye on you" and "be mine" tunics. They are both reduced too at the moment. I often receive compliments on the tops too and I find the fit quite flattering.

nickelbaalamb · 14/04/2011 11:36

I'm going to have to investigate this further in order to make one, aren't I?

Right, what does it need?
I like the idea of having a bit that unclips like the bars do, but I don't like the idea of having to pull the top under the boob (whether it's exposed after or under another layer), or pull the boob out - saw that on that programme with cherry wotsit the other night, and it didn't look nice, pulling their boobs around like that.

something like a dungaree flap, maybe, but under another layer?

slimyak · 14/04/2011 11:50

I don't have much shame so not too worried about a flash of flesh. however my post baby photos after dd 1 have made me avoid the baggy tops as I still looked pregnant 3 months on due to a terrifying G cup bust. So with dd2, I'm going for nice vest or cami type top (and nursing bra) with cardi/unbuttoned top over the top. I just lift up the vest top but the cardi/top gives side coverage and the baby pretty much covers everything else. That's when I'm not wearing the baby that is...

Reflux rules my life (poor kitten, knackered mummy icon)

Lavitabellissima · 14/04/2011 11:52

I just wear vests from topshop a size bigger so they look loose and I can pull down under my boob, also I prefer breast feeding bra's like this that don't show a big expanse of boob as they have a pretty piece of lace covering you.
Nice Pashmina or scarf covers well too.

Graciescotland · 14/04/2011 12:07

Two tops one up one down :o

When Ds was little it was easier unbutton cardi/shirt and pull vest down but you really need a pashmina or something to cover baby/breast up a bit otherwise you can feel a bit exposed.

BertieBotts · 14/04/2011 13:00

H&M are good in that they tend to have real buttons/poppers on their clothes, and down far enough, rather than false ones. Gap also have an offer on their stretchy tops I think ATM with a vest type one and a half- popper one and a thin cardigan which you can mix and match.

stegasaurus · 14/04/2011 15:35

This is just the thread I was looking for. I am 37 weeks pregnant and planning to breastfeed, but suddenly realised this week that I will have no suitable tops. I have no money because of all the baby things we have had to buy (as well as bills, MOT, car tax all very inconveniently due this month) but need to go shopping. Now at least I have some ideas what I need to buy, but how do I know now what size to get? I can't try the tops on to see how they fit as they obviously won't fit me while I'm 37 weeks pregnant. Do I get pre-pregnancy size and hope for the best as I can still get some pre-pregnancy tops on, or get a size bigger or what?

Cies · 15/04/2011 13:55

I just wear a normal t-shirt, and lift up. Baby covers tummy, and chair covers back and side. Not that I'm that bothered.

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