Last week I read an email from a reader named J that really touched my heart…
“Our baby is in the NICU. He’s doing well, but it would be nice if he could stay home and recuperate in the nest. Instead, my husband and I go to the hospital every day. I want to look good, but I don’t know how to dress so I can go out while my body is still healing.I’m not pregnant, but I am.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 pump a lot so I need easy access to my breasts. Do you have any advice? ”
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Mr. J, reading your email brought me to tears. Because I was in the same situation last December. My son, Emiliano, was born 7 weeks early but ended up spending 28 days in the NICU.
Before he arrived, I dreamed that my husband Max, toddler Ella, and I would bring Emiliano home and adjust to our new life as a family of four. In the morning we snuggled next to the roaring fireplace. In the afternoon, I went for a walk with my stroller to feed the goats at a nearby farm. At night, we would sing lullabies in their bedrooms. Instead, we spent the first month in the hospital, sitting in cold plastic chairs while he slept in an isolette, reading chapters from Stuart Little to Emiliano.
During that very uncertain and hectic time, I relied on small things to ground me. I drank Peet’s Coffee caramel lattes and watched TV while singing Christmas carols on the way to the hospital. survivor While pumping milk in the middle of the night, I put on clothes that fit my postpartum body. Below are some pieces that I really liked and some that I wanted more of…
long cardigan. this duster cardigan It was all I wanted to wrap myself in on days when I felt exhausted and sore. After wearing maternity leggings almost every day, they began to sag and fade, but they were long enough to cover my butt.
button up dress. this flannel dress Comfortable, chest access, and sings of fall. It looks like it would be a nice “welcome home” outfit.
Denim overalls. After eight months of living in stretchy pants, my body craved the weight and structure of jeans. I wore it These baggy overalls I kept doing this until I was able to go back to my pre-baby denim clothes.
Soft nursing tank. When we think of nursing tops, we think of boring, utilitarian shirts. this jersey tank It offers great support and comes in six colors. pretty floral pattern or punchy red.
sweater pants. knit pants As comfortable as leggings, but actually want What you see in them.
loose shirt. this extra large rugby It drapes loosely around your waist, giving you plenty of room to pump comfortably (even with a manual or plug-in pump).
Cozy pajamas. You asked for a lek that you could walk around in, but after a long day at the hospital, all I wanted to do was take a shower and put this on. postpartum pajamas. Gently fits your firm chest and swollen stomach, still The fit and feel after 10 months is incredible.
What are your thoughts? What postpartum items do you recommend? J, we send lots of love to you and your sweet baby.
P.S. 10 ways to help new moms go from having one child to having two.
(Stork photo: nicky sebastian. )
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Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
