I found a nursing shirt at my favorite thrift store last week, and for $2.50, I decided it was worth the price. It’s a cute black top with pink trim – I wouldn’t have bought it unless I liked the shirt, and the fact that it’s designed to make breast feeding easier was a bonus. It got me thinking – do I need nursing tops? I doubt I’ll go on a mission to find any, although if I stumble across any other cute ones at my thrift stores, I might get them. It seems that a blanket or nursing poncho makes just about any top into a “nursing top” since I could just cover up with the blanket and pull my shirt up. I suppose the nursing top makes it a little easier, but if I’m out in public, I’m sure I’ll be using the blanket as well. I’m curious about whether other mothers have found nursing-specific clothing to be useful, or just gimmicky. I can see that nursing bras will be a big help, but not so sure about the shirts.
Kelly says
No, you don’t need nursing shirts. I’ve found that any baggy, or loose shirt serves perfectly well. If you really want extra protection than layer a shirt over a tank top, and that will work fine, but in my experience nursing three kids, loose tshirts are just fine. What you do need are good nursing bras- and more than you think you will. I found some great ones at Target for $12.99 each.
Bellen says
I nursed 3 kids (altho it was way back in the 70s/80s and was a family tradition) and I used nursing bras, T-shirts and other easy to pull up tops and blankets. Whether out in public or not, seemed my kids liked the ‘cuddliness’ of the blanket.
scantee says
I’m currently nursing and don’t own any nursing tops. What I really like are the nursing tanks by Glamourmom. They are kind of expensive but I prefer them to bras and they are similarly priced.
The nursing poncho seems particularly unnecessary. As you mention, a blanket works just as well.
Amanda says
Nah, just a loose fitting top and nursing bra work great. I didn’t even bother with a blanket or nursing shawl. Between the shirt and the baby, everything was fully covered.
Carla says
I swear by my Target nursing bras! They are a great price and they have great variety. I’ve been nursing for 9 months now and never owned a nursing top. I do find that deep v-necks are helpful since I can usually feed either over or under. I also find nursing clothing to be overpriced so I don’t bother. Good luck!
Stephanie says
Hi! My husband showed me your blog recently. Keep up the great work.
I do own a few nursing tops and they have been great. Motherwear http://www.motherwear.com has great sales if you want to pick up a few essentials. Especially for nursing in a sling, but I think having a few nursing tanks works well also. You can use your regular tops with the tanks and be pretty well covered up. I think I invested in about 3 nursing bras and 2 tanks. Being on the larger side I had to invest in an expensive bra, but it was well worth it. Considering all the savings we’ve had without needing formula I think it’s been worth it. It’s been 15 mos and counting!
I bought a nursing cover-up but should sell it because I never used it. It was helpful in the very beginning when we both didn’t know what we were doing, but after that it just got in the way. Waste of money.
I do have a boppy (you could really use any pillow) and the funny thing is that my toddler now runs for it and tries to grab it when she wants to nurse. Very cute!
Good luck.
Lisa says
I nursed all three of my no longer little ones. In the first few weeks I found a nursing bra to be handy. But I also found some styles of sports bras to work well. As for special nursing clothes, while I did receive some as gifts for number one, they tended to expose more than just lifting the bottom of my top. Once the baby was well accustomed to breastfeeding I was able to simply lift the bottom of the top latch baby on and cover the baby and tummy skin only with a blanket. This actually drew less attention to the act of nursing than covering myself with a blanket. The blanket seemed to be a big neon sign shouting, “look over HERE (arrow pointing) mom nursing baby.) I never had an issue of showing more than should be shown. Another tactic I pulled was the 2 piece outfit with a jacket. Skirt, bottom and Jacket. Baby’s head could go inside the jacket while mom situated everything. I hope this tips help you.