Last week I read J. A letter from a reader named, that hit close to home…
“Our baby is in the NICU. He is doing well, but I wish we could recover at home in our nest. Instead, my husband and I go to the hospital every day. I want to feel like I’m in underwear, but I don’t know how to dress to be out in the wild while my body recovers. Not pregnant, but pregnant…looking for. There are only so many days in a row that I can wear maternity leggings (which I hate) and big button up shirts (which I love). I also exclusively pump so I need easy access to my breasts. Any advice?”
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I cried when I read your letter, J., because I was in the same situation last December. my son Emilianowas born seven weeks early and spent 28 days in the NICU.
Before she arrived, I dreamed of bringing my husband Max, our baby Ella, and Emiliano and I home and settling into our new life as a foursome. In the mornings we huddled next to the roaring fireplace. In the afternoon we would go for a walk in the stroller to feed the goats on our neighbor’s farm. At night we sang lullabies in their bedroom. Instead, we spent our first month in hospital sitting on cold, plastic chairs, reading chapters from Stuart Little to Emiliano as he slept in his isolation cell.
During that very shaky, hectic time, I relied on the little things to ground me—sipping caramel lattes from Peet’s Coffee, singing Christmas carols on the drive to the hospital, watching. Saved midnight squeeze and dressed in clothes that feel good on my new postpartum body. Below are a few pieces I really loved, plus a few I wish I had…
A long cardigan. This dusty cardigan it’s the only thing I want to cuddle up to on days when I feel weak and sore. It was long enough to cover my butt when my maternity leggings got loose and faded after wearing them almost every day.
Dress with buttons. This flannel dress is comfortable, allows access to the breasts and sings the fall. It would make such a sweet welcome home outfit.
Denim overalls. After eight months of living in stretchy pants, my body was CRAVING the weight and structure of jeans. i’m wearing these baggy overalls religiously until I could fit back into my pre-baby jeans.
Soft nursing tank. When I think of nursing shirts, I imagine boring, business shirts. This Jersey tank provides plenty of support but comes in six colors including a beautiful floral or fist red.
Sweater pants. Knitted pants are as comfortable as leggings, but I really want to to appear among them.
Loose shirt. This too much rugby fits loosely around your waist and has plenty of room to comfortably pump underneath (even with hand and connecting pumps).
Comfortable pajamas. You asked for products that you could wear off, but after a long day at the hospital, all I ever wanted to do was shower and take them off. postpartum pjs. They fit snugly over my swollen breasts and bloated stomach, and they yet fit in and feel incredible 10 months later.
Thoughts: What postpartum pieces would you recommend? J, we send so much love to you and your sweet baby.
PS: 10 ways to help a new mom and: from one child to two.
(Photos by Storq: Nikki Sebastian.)
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