Breastfeeding 1-2-3 » nursing-clothing

Sewing Patterns for Nursing Clothes

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:17:03 +0000

Even a beginning sewer can sew nursing clothes for herself or as a baby shower gift. While special nursing clothes are certainly not necessary (and can be very pricey!), these patterns provide a frugal option for nursing mothers. In addition to the free instructions for breastfeeding projects available here on Breastfeeding 1-2-3, I have compiled a list of sources for sewing patterns for breastfeeding clothes.

Photo by Maira Kouvara

Nursing Clothes Pattern Retailers

Blessed Designs – click on “Nursing Patterns” in the sidebar and you can find patterns for nursing lingerie (nursing sleep bra, nightgown, camisole and tummy cover), a hoodie sweatshirt and jacket, and nursing shirts.

Elizabeth Lee Designs – offers an entire Nursing Classics line with several patterns for nursing tops, nightgowns, swimsuits and coverups, dresses, slips, and jumpers.

Sew Baby – offers a collection of nursing patterns including ones from Blessed Designs, Elizabeth Lee Designs, Kwik Sew, and SewFast Nursing Designs.

Jalie – highlights a few shirt patterns that function as discreet nursing tops.

Kwik Sew – features a pattern for a maternity nursing gown. I have linked directly to the pattern but if you are outside the United States, you might wish to visit the main page to select your country.

Baker Lane Dressmaking and Design — “Catherine’s Choice” is a particularly modest dress that serves as a maternity dress followed by a nursing dress.

Common Sense Patterns – offers another modest women’s shirtwaist nursing dress that includes an option for a shawl to use as an extra nursing cover. (Note that this company is currently up for sale so check availability).

For Help with Your Nursing Pattern Sewing Projects

There is a Nursing Mothers’ Sewing List for e-mail support. Its pattern sources page also lists out-of-print nursing patterns like Butterick #6553 and McCall’s #8254 which sometimes can be found on eBay and the like.

Your Projects

Do you have a nursing pattern you particularly like? Do you have any tips for sewing nursing clothing? Please leave a comment!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Five Money-Saving Alternatives to Traditional Nursing Clothing

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:30:04 +0000

Last week I listed five tips for nursing in public. One of those suggestions was to come up with a combination of clothing that makes you feel most comfortable breastfeeding in public.

5 Alternatives to Regular Nursing Clothing

While it’s great if you can afford nursing clothing (see Where to Find Nursing Clothes) and can find styles that you like, there are other options.

1. Layer a button-down blouse over a tank top. When you lift up (or pull down) the tank top to nurse, the sides of the open blouse will offer coverage.

2. Layer a regular shirt over a loose-necked tank top. To nurse, lift the shirt up, pull the neck of the tank top down to expose the breast, and your belly will remain covered by the tank top. Or instead of pulling down the tank top, you could cut slits in the tank top to provide openings for nursing. These methods are especially helpful in cold weather!

3. Use a sling or nursing cover! I have free patterns for sewing a ring sling and “Hooter Hider” type nursing cover.

4. Repurpose a pregnancy belly band under your shirt to keep your belly covered, or buy a special nursing belly band. Here’s a great free video showing how to breastfeed in public with a pregnancy belly band!

5. Sew your own nursing clothing. If you are really handy, you can even knit your own nursing tank top!

Your Experience

Do you have something that helps you feel more comfortable nursing in public? Leave a comment!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Where Can I Buy Nursing Clothes?

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 07:25:08 +0000

Shopping for nursing clothes can be difficult, especially if you want something both stylish and affordable (is that too much to ask?!) Some women forgo nursing clothes altogether (they’re certainly not necessary) but some enjoy the added comfort of nursing clothing for breastfeeding in public. Personally I liked wearing nursing clothing in the early months, but eventually transitioned into regular clothing as I became more comfortable with breastfeeding in public. Only a few times recently (weddings, funerals especially) have I wished for a nursing dress!

If you’re in the market for some nursing clothes, there are several sources out there.

In Stores

If you want to try on nursing clothes before you buy, check out the few retailers who have actual stores. In the United States, two main ones are Motherhood and Mimi Maternity. Target offers a basic selection of nursing bras and tank tops, and many major department stores will also carry nursing bras.

On-Line

Two of the major on-line retailers are Motherwear (see affiliate link in the side bar) and Expressiva (not affiliated). There is also quite a selection of nursing clothing available on Amazon.com (affiliate).

Smaller retailers include:

www.breast-is-best.com
www.evalillian.com
www.milkface.com
www.onehotmama.com

Cost Saving Options

I have seen gently-used nursing clothing in the maternity section of thrift shops such as the Salvation Army. A quick search on eBay for “nursing” under “Clothing, Shoes and Accessories” finds a wide selection of offerings. The only caution I have about buying used nursing clothing is that thrush can be transmitted through clothing, and anything you buy should be washed in very hot water (with bleach if the fabric allows) if the item will be in direct contact with the breast and not worn with another nursing bra or pad or tank top underneath.

One other option is to sew your own nursing clothing.

Reader Feedback

What’s your favorite source for breastfeeding clothes? Leave a comment!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Poll Results: Best Gifts for the Breastfeeding Mother

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:53:59 +0000

What did nursing mothers say was the gift they’d love to get or loved getting? Approximately one in three respondents said nursing clothing (for all of those interested in nursing clothing, check out the link to the Motherwear line in the bottom right of the sidebar!) One in four said a baby sling and one in eight said a nursing pillow. This chart illustrates the final results:

If you missed yesterday’s Carnival of Breastfeeding, check out several breastfeeding bloggers’ ideas for the Best Gifts for the Breastfeeding Mother.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3