So what DO mums wear - advice needed for a new mama

[lizardqueenie]

Hello

I think I should clarify- it is not that I think that mums do not wear normal clothes - I have just given birth to my first baby- she is 3 weeks old today. I am lucky that I have shifted my baby weight already and as I was extra padded pre-pregnancy but tried to eat healthly whilst pregnant I have also gone on to loose about another stone.

Had a pretty pooey pregnancy as i was diagnosed with pre-eclapmsia and am just at the point where i am starting to get myself out of the house, meeting friends for coffee etc. However most my pre-pregnancy clothes are too big (particularly jeans) and I just feel untidy & shabby rather than better for loosing the weight. Other pre-pregnancy wardrobe is loads of smart work stuff (suits & shirts). I am going to having a least a year at home with my little girl so would like to know if anyone can reccomend where to start with a new wardrobe really.

Hope this doesnt sound like I cant think for myself but have just gone from only being able to shop in plus size shops to now being hoepfully able to wear things that are a bit more fashionable. I am 29 and I would guess about a size 18 now but hope to go on to loose more.

Thanks v much :)

I was in the same position as you and took myself off to John Lewis for a personal shopping appointment. It doesn't have to be JL, anywhere really will do.

The advantage was that the personal shopper took a look at my new body shape and dressed that, not the size I was before. Altogether I've dropped about 5 dress sizes but in my head shop for bigger than I am. She helped with that by making me try things on. You might want to wait a while before doing that though! Another alternative might be to seek out an independent shop selling the sort of clothes you like. I have one nearby selling White Stuff, Great Plains, Sea Salt and some other brands and whilst I don't like it all, none of it looks out of place at a toddler group.

I work part-time and when I'm not at work I knock around in dresses and tights, skinny jeans, leggings and tunics, denim minis etc.

Congratulations on the new baby!

Thanks llareggub, the personal shopper thing is a really good idea- I guess it gets you out of that rut of buying the same ol things and probably in the wrong size. As I am only 3 weeks post birth I guess that there is the possiblity that things may change even further (I am liking my flatter tummy but lordy its flabby, so lets hope thats one of the things to improve!)

Looked up Sea Salt as I hadnt heard of them before but really nice things, thanks for that

I think my advice would be don't buy too much just yet. You will probably loose more weight as the months go on and you don't want to end up with lots of lovely clothes which are a size too big.
My baby is 18 months now and I've lost weight steadily over that time without doing anything much like diets. Just your body takes time to return to normal.
How about a couple of nice dresses or tunics to go over leggings with boots and a cardi?
Then you have something nice to wear when you're out having coffee with friends or at baby groups.

congratulations on your new baby and losing all that weight! Time to get yourself something you really like, I think...

However, as I'm sitting here with more porridge and, er, snot (sorry) on me than ever before in my life, I recommend that everything you buy is machine washable.

Framey yes thats what I was thinking - saw my family last night who were like OMG you have lost so much weight- even though I saw them last week. Eek!

Leggings - I would still say that I am definately pear shaped and only ventured into the leggings territory when I was pregnant. Can they work for pear shaped gals? also where can you buy some from where they dont go all see through when you bend over??

Kingfix thanks for congrats & the tip - oh yes I have learnt the beauty of having things that are machine washable (and thank goodness my machine has a short cycle for emergencies!)

Other than the shops llareggub suggested can you guys think of anywhere else I could go look?

Thank you :)

If you're breastfeeding, you could well loose more - I was a size 18 going into pregnancy and now wear size 14 jeans for the first time in years. I call it my eat-cake-and-BF diet (although I do appreciate that it's not guaranteed to work like this).

If you're BFing, I'd suggest getting nice camisole / vest tops. I've found these really useful as I can pull them down to feed, while pulling my top up IYSWIM, so helping me not expose myself to the world

I'm not sure if I'm the one to ask about a wardrobe though, now I'm off work I'm very happy living in jeans

Congratulations BTW

Hi, congratulations on shifting the weight so fast! I'm 23 wks pg at the mo, and already worrying about how I'll shift it after my son is born! A word of advice re leggings - they look fab on a pear shape gal, but make sure u wear a top that is long enough to cover to at least mid thigh, ideally something that finishes slightly above the knee. Go for something that skims over your hips, not fitted. There's a range stocked at dorothy perkins, can't remember the name but it's a separate brand and they sell some beautiful woolen tunics that fall beautifully and will look fab with leggings and boots now, then swap the boots for heels when ur goin the pub or somewhere in spring! Xx

Thanks v much guys.

Lowrib not BF unforuntately, with the whole preeclampsia thing I spent a lot of time in hospital post birth and was quite unwell so havent been able to get it established. :(

Like the idea of you eat your cake diet though

RockChick thanks, i do feel a bit of a fraud, i havent really tried to shift it but its kinda gone because i did really try to eat healthly during pregnancy and then was really dissapointed when suddenly the weight/ water packed on. Definately agree with you re leggings & thanks for your advice. The thing is, I wouldnt wear a skirt that was right above the knee, even with opaques so I reckon that should prob be the rule with the leggings!

Went shopping this morning and really do think I need some help, walked around for 2.5 hours and bought nowt! Didnt help that the shops got more and more packed but I just couldnt figure out what to get. Am going to look online tonight instead. Have given myself a budget so will enjoy spending it!

Def hold off a little (or buy a few cheapie bits as you go), DD is 14 wks now and am still steadily losing weight. Am smaller now than I was pre-preg despite my addiction to all things unhealthy when I was pregnant. I'm in the same boat as you so did buy a few nice bits that I could mix and match, but desperately need new jeans. Do still have an amazingly wobbly bit of belly though.

Think practicality, versatility (colours that go etc) easy access for BF if you are, easy to throw on and look good in in the morning. If you see what I mean.

Sorry, ignore BF clothing mention above, must read whole thread before sticking my oar in!