What Kind of Shirt Do I Wear for Nursing?

Having a new baby brings challenges women often never considered before-hand. What to wear when you are nursing is one of those topics that rarely comes up, post-birth, in any fashion discussion. However, once your baby is born, you realize that while the rest of your body is settling back into the clothes you wore before you got pregnant, your upper body has new needs. New mothers often find their fashion sense challenged, as they try to find functional shirts that still allow them to look good.

Shirts Specifically Made for Breastfeeding

Newly breastfeeding mothers never had it so good! Many retailers, particularly maternity clothing retailers, have identified the need for stylish nursing tops and have created lines of shirts for every taste. These tops are discreet -- even to the discerning eye -- with the functionality of the shirts hidden in fashionable details. For example, empire shirts use the seam to hide the fact that the upper part of the shirt can lift up to reveal two nursing openings. Designers of nursing shirts have sneaked hidden access into a number of shirt designs, often designing shirts that are double-layered with easy-access slits in the bottom layer. Consumers will find a large selection of nursing shirts online; or they can purchase them locally at many maternity chain stores and some specialty shops.

Wear a Loose Stretchy Shirt

For women who just can't justify one more short-term expense, they can probably find something that works in their existing wardrobe. Women who breastfeed primarily in the comfort and privacy of their own home can get-by with a loose stretchy shirt. When nursing, mothers can pull up the shirt to provide access, as long as privacy is not a concern. Mothers using this kind of shirt for nursing often retreat to someplace private while feeding.

Put Your Stretchy Tanks and Low-Cut Shirts to Work

Another way to make your existing wardrobe multifunctional is to wear stretchy tanks and low-cut shirts when breastfeeding. These shirts allow easy access for breastfeeding, just by pulling the neckline down. This option works really well when co-sleeping and feeding at night. While your shirt can get a bit stretched out, selecting items made from naturally stretchy or resilient material usually doesn't pose much of a problem.

Button-up Shirts Provide Easy Access

Women who need to be able to dress professionally while breastfeeding may find a button-up blouse or shirt to be the answer. These shirts can be layered over a nursing cami or tank top, if desired. When breastfeeding, mothers can unbutton to feed and then button back up afterwards. Another benefit of using button-up shirts, is that these also can be borrowed from the existing wardrobe and don't require an additional investment.

Wear Whatever You Want Under a Nursing Cover

Many women find a nursing cover to be convenient. These come in stylish fabrics and are available in all price ranges. They are convenient because women can wear any shirt they want, as long as it provides access to breastfeeding. Mom's can also nurse in public using a nursing cover. A nursing cover can also serve other functions, such as an emergency blanket, sun shade or changing blanket. Nursing covers are compact and can easily be tossed into a diaper bag for easy access when you are out on errands.