Your Postpartum Wardrobe: When to Buy New Clothes? - Mommy and Love (2024)

So you’ve given birth and it’s time to get back into your regular clothes. But when should you buy new clothes? There’s no easy answer to this question and it depends on your personal circ*mstances. If the scale is not budging and your pre-pregnancy jeans don’t fit anymore, then it good to get a few outfits straight away for you to feel good in! Even if you buy just one outfit, it will make you feel good to have something that fits your new shape, now. If you are breastfeeding, you might want to invest in some lovely breastfeeding tops, the sooner the better.

The first few weeks of your postpartum recovery are hard enough without worrying about what you’re going to wear. You’ve got plenty of other things on your mind, like getting back into shape and caring for your newborn. And let’s face it, shopping isn’t top priority at this point!

When you give birth, it’s not uncommon for your body to experience some major changes. You may be having trouble fitting into old clothes or dealing with new postpartum weight fluctuations that make them baggy in all the wrong places!

You will almost certainly continue to lose weight over the next few months. It also depends on whether or not you plan to exercise or eat healthfully at any point in the future following. I discovered that purchasing new clothes after a couple of months made me feel significantly better. I was able to put on normal clothes (even if they were in larger sizes) for the first time in months, and it made me feel like a normal human being once more. Just make sure you don’t toss away all of your old clothes. I did this after having my first child, and ultimately all of the weight gradually came off over the course of the year after her birth, and I found myself in the position of having to buy new clothes.

With my second child, I was able to use most of the larger clothing I had purchased during my first postpartum period, and initially and after I started eating healthy and exercising, I lost a significant amount of weight and got into good shape, and I’ve maintained that shape for the past six years. To keep myself in shape, I’m only wearing leggings and stretchy pants for the time being. In order to dress for this postpartum phase, I purchased a number of flowing blouses, flannel shirts, and loose sweaters, all of which are items that I wouldn’t mind wearing when I thin down again in the future.

The time can feel like an eternity when you’re struggling between buying new clothing and washing what little maternity wardrobe remains (it’ll come back around). Additionally, there are other considerations such as breastfeeding which should factor into this decision; plus moms might want something special just because they had their babies at home without any complications so consult someone close if possible before diving head first onto retail floors

How to Buy Clothes Postpartum

Everyone talks about life with a new baby after pregnancy, but no one prepares you for life with a completely new body postpartum. I distinctly remember going shopping after having my first child. I was so excited my pregnancy jeans were too big. That excitement quickly turned to embarrassed tears when I had to go back to the rack 3 times for the next size up. I was in complete shock. Here are 4 truths I could have used back then.

Clothes Shopping. The dreaded phrase that puts fear in all post-partum moms. What do you mean I can’t wear yoga pants and maternity clothes with elastic waistbands for the rest of my life?? I knew my body would change after having children, I was fine with that. What I wasn’t fine with is how jeans and other clothes for that matter suddenly made my bottom half appear. Let’s be honest, having children makes your hips widen, thighs fuller, and bottom a little more…plentiful. My bottom half among other things are not in the same place they once were prior to having children. Therefore I do not need a pair of jeans that highlight certain things that have changed since becoming a mom. Yet, I was still wanted to be fashionable and stylish at the same time.

Honestly, it’s pure panic when you go shopping after having a child. You might accidentally find yourself in the dressing room, trapped inside a size large juniors dress that fit perfectly nine months ago. Yes, I did have to facetime my best friend for moral support and ask her to kindly call the store I was in and get someone to help me out of the dress. I also do not want to wear sweatpants to special events, I do not think my friends would invite me out ever.

Please be aware, I am far from a fashionista, just a mom that wants to be stylish while wearing clothes that appreciate my new post-partum body. I wanted to share with you a few things I have discovered on how to avoid the dreaded mommy jeans yet still stay comfortable and fashionable as a mom in things aside from sweatpants (which I would personally prefer to wear all the time.)

What clothes do I need for postpartum?

  • Spanx
  • Skirts
  • Little Black Dress
  • Jeggings
  • Pocket!

Spanx

Your new best friend-You can wear them under jeans, dresses, skirts, and shirts! I would also like to mention you can still breathe in Spanx. We don’t want to hide our new lovely mommy body, this just helps smooth things over and keeps things in place.

Skirts

I have found that when my postpartum body does not like to fit in jeans, skirts that flair away from the body are amazing! Maxi skirts are also my go-to when jeans don’t fit right.

Little Black Dress

I love wearing dresses after having a baby, I don’t want to have to suck anything in or be afraid something is hanging over or hanging out. Plus, this adds a little camouflage to certain areas we aren’t too comfortable with just yet.

It’s about the Pocket

Wear jeans and show off that new, curvy mommy body just be aware of the pockets. Pockets that are too high, too far apart or too wide create long butt. Nobody wants long butt when wearing jeans. You may have to try several different styles and brands until you find the perfect match so be patient and don’t give into the mommy jeans and long butt.

Regardless of what you wear, be it sweatpants, yoga pants, skirts, dresses or even mommy jeans be proud of your new body and be easy on yourself! That body of yours just did an amazing job and I can promise you that your babies do not care what you wear, what size you are or if there is a pair of spanx hiding underneath those clothes. Wear what makes you feel beautiful!

What size should I buy for postpartum?

Honestly, when it comes to postpartum clothing, going up a size is usually the best option. You’ll just be more comfortable and get something on a tight budget so that you don’t feel awful about spending money on something that will only be used for a few months.

At Should I Wear to Flatten My Tummy after Giving Birth?

Immediately following the birth of the child apostpartum wrap or band can be worn to help support your abdominal muscles shortly after giving birth, during the first few weeks after giving birth, when those muscles are at their most vulnerable. They can also provide light compression to assist in the shrinking of your uterus, although this will occur spontaneously in most cases anyhow.
Purchase some spanx to help suck that tummy in afterward.

Your Postpartum Wardrobe: When to Buy New Clothes? - Mommy and Love (2024)

FAQs

What are the mommy essentials after birth? ›

Hygiene and healing postpartum essentials for mom
  • Pain relief medicine. ...
  • Postpartum recovery kit. ...
  • Menstrual pads. ...
  • Comfort and recovery postpartum essentials. ...
  • Breastfeeding supplies. ...
  • Postpartum must-haves for baby. ...
  • Baby thermometer. ...
  • Postpartum family support and care.
Jun 14, 2024

How to rebuild wardrobe postpartum? ›

Your postpartum wardrobe should feature: – Flexible fabrics. Your body is changing every day and you need clothes that can keep up. Seek out pieces with stretch and elasticity and you'll feel more comfortable.

How long do you wear maternity clothes after birth? ›

When choosing the right postpartum clothes, remember that over the next 8 weeks or so, your body will be recovering and adjusting to the significant changes after giving birth. These changes will be incremental so don't expect to be able to get back into your pre-maternity clothes for some time.

What are some postpartum needs after a woman had a baby? ›

Women in the postnatal period need to maintain a balanced diet, just as they did during pregnancy. Iron and folic acid supplementation should also continue for 3 months after birth. Women who are breastfeeding require additional food and should drink sufficient clean water.

What 4 things does mom need during the postnatal period? ›

14 Postpartum Essentials You'll Need for Recovery
  • Postpartum care kit. Bodily Care for Birth Box at Bodily, $89 Jump to Review.
  • Disposable postpartum underwear. ...
  • Nursing bra. ...
  • Sturdy maxi pads. ...
  • Ice packs. ...
  • Witch hazel pads. ...
  • Stool softener. ...
  • Breast pads.

What do new moms actually need? ›

The necessities for breastfeeding/chestfeeding:
  • Nursing pillow.
  • 2 or 3 nursing bras.
  • 2 or 3 boxes reusable nursing pads.
  • Freezer-safe breast/chest milk storage bags or containers.
  • 6 or more burp cloths (receiving blankets and cloth diapers also work)
Aug 22, 2024

How can I make my body tighter after giving birth? ›

Here are some moves that will help you get your body ready for regular exercise.
  1. Walking. You can do some workouts with your baby. ...
  2. Deep Belly Breathing With Abdominal Contraction. ...
  3. Head Lifts, Shoulder Lifts, and Curl-Ups. ...
  4. Kneeling Pelvic Tilt. ...
  5. Kegels. ...
  6. Bonus Workouts for You and Your Baby.
Nov 28, 2023

How long do you wear a postpartum garment? ›

Postpartum Compression Garments

They are especially important if you experience diastasis recti. Postpartum people can typically begin wearing these garments one week after birth and can continue using them until they are about four months postpartum.

How do I start over with a new wardrobe? ›

Rebooting Your Wardrobe: How to Refresh Your Look
  1. STEP 1: CLEANSE AND ORGANISE.
  2. STEP 2: IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE.
  3. STEP 3: INVEST IN KEY PIECES.
  4. STEP 4: ACCESSORIZE.
  5. STEP 5: EXPERIMENT WITH TRENDS.
Feb 13, 2023

What is the 6 week rule after giving birth? ›

Many health care providers recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth to give your body time to heal before you have sex. When you're ready for sex, be careful – you can get pregnant even before your period starts. This is because you may ovulate (release an egg) before you get your period again.

How long does it take for your postpartum belly to go away? ›

You'll likely lose much of that weight over two months after giving birth as your uterus shrinks and your body flushes out the remaining fluids. Nonetheless, your body could take anywhere from six to nine months postpartum—and in some cases, as long as two years—to return to pre-pregnancy weight.

How do I tighten my stomach after having a baby? ›

Core strength exercises, such as Pilates, yoga, and barre, can help tighten and tone muscles in the stomach, which may help improve the appearance of loose skin. Cardio exercise, such as brisk walking, running, cycling, or aerobics, may help with toning muscle. Learn about losing weight after pregnancy here.

What is the 5 5 5 rule after birth? ›

Prepare for the 5-5-5 rule: 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days near the bed. This gives you a solid two weeks of focused intentional rest. It also helps to get your priorities in order when it comes to those eager visitors. They will get to see the baby, but they don't get to make the rules.

How long does it take for the cervix to close after birth? ›

The cervix generally doesn't close fully for around six weeks, so up until that point, there's the risk of introducing bacteria into the uterus and ending up with an infection, Pari Ghodsi, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn based in Los Angeles, tells SELF.

How long are you considered postpartum? ›

There is consensus that the postpartum period begins upon birth of the newborn. The end is less well defined, but is often considered the six to eight weeks after birth because the effects of pregnancy on many systems have largely returned to the prepregnancy state by this time.

What do new mums need after giving birth? ›

Recovery Essentials
  • 1) Pads. This is a part of postpartum that no one likes to talk about, but it's super important! ...
  • 2) Witch Hazel Pads. ...
  • 3) Peri Bottle. ...
  • 4) Sitz Bath. ...
  • 5) Heating Pad Or Ice Packs. ...
  • 6) Pain-Relieving Spray. ...
  • 7) Nursing Pads. ...
  • 8) Breast Pump And Breast Milk Storage Bags.

What does a mother need when giving birth? ›

It's a good idea to wear something loose and comfortable during labor. Your hospital will likely give you a hospital gown to wear during delivery, but you can also bring your own nightgowns, slippers, socks, and nursing bras for after the birth.

What do you need to bring to a new mom after birth? ›

The Best (and Most Useful) Gifts for a New Mom
  • Bring Her a Meal or Snack. New moms are so focused on feeding their new baby that meals for the rest of the household simply aren't top of mind. ...
  • Comfortable Clothes. ...
  • Breastfeeding Support Kit. ...
  • Items for Pampering. ...
  • Gift Cards. ...
  • Words of Kindness.

What is the mom pouch after birth? ›

The Diastasis Recti

During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles responsible for a "six pack" stretch apart (left) to accommodate a growing fetus. After birth, the muscles don't always bounce back, leaving a gap known as the mommy pooch.

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