Image via Storq, whose nursing caftan (RIP) I lived in (!) — they now have a great button-front dress that would be appealing.
My post yesterday left me deep in thought about new motherhood, and I wanted to share some thoughts on what to wear home from the hospital. Kate Middleton looks beyond gorgeous in the photo above but I can’t say it’s a practical plan for most of us.
Most important, if you plan to breastfeed: a nursing bra. Bravado’s ended up being my favorite — comfortable, absorbent, decent support. With both of my children, I remember killing what felt like hours of time waiting to be discharged, and there were several feeds during that time. You will need to be ready to feed at the drop of a hat!
The hospital will provide you with stretchy disposable underwear, but personally, I couldn’t wait to switch to Kindred Bravely’s high-waisted postpartum underwear, which were soft, non-compressive, stretchy and most importantly HIGH WAISTED, as I wanted nothing close to the incision.
A few great dresses to wear home —
THIS $20 GINGHAM MIGHT BE THE TICKET BECAUSE YOU ARE KIND OF PLAYING WITH FIRE IN TERMS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF STAINING/GETTING FLUIDS ON A MORE EXPENSIVE DRESS…
THIS EASY SHIRTDRESS — LOVE THAT THE SASH IS REMOVABLE
A FRANCES HART SMOCKED DRESS — WORKS FOR ALL STAGES OF MOTHERHOOD
LOVE THE EASY, LOOSE FIT, BUT THE SLEEVES AND TIERS ADD A TINY BIT OF EXTRA POLISH…COMES IN TONS OF COLORS
THIS PATTERNED BUTTON-FRONT H&M DRESS
ALICE WALK GAUZE MIDI DRESS, OR HONORINE’S SIMILAR STYLE
FLORAL NIGHT DRESS — LAYER BENEATH A CARDIGAN (OR THIS STYLE IF YOU LIKE A BIT MORE REFINEMENT)
ZARA ALWAYS HAS GREAT, WELL-PRICED BOLDLY PATTERNED MIDI DRESSES
A DAPHNE WILDE TIERED SHIRTDRESS — CAN BE WORN WITHOUT BELT!
If you’re more comfortable in leggings or it’s going to be cold when you deliver, I would wear Lululemon Aligns in a size up from your normal size (these do REALLY stretch and some people contend you can wear your true size through pregnancy, but I would personally still go one size up) and a button-down layered over a nursing tank.
For shoes: just make sure they are slip-on! If you have a c-section, it is hard to bend over at first. A pair of slip-on mules in a punchy new color or some furlanes in a bold print would be a lovely treat.
I love the idea of having this MAMAN bag waiting for you as you exit.
For baby, I love Kissy Kissy — the softest and sweetest, and you can often find a matching cap. But below, a roundup of lots of sweet layette options. I would buy a size NB unless you know your baby is sizing large.
P.S. Things that surprised me about having a c-section.
P.P.S. Thoughts on building a layette.
P.P.P.S. To the mom feeding her baby at 3:11 a.m. (You are not alone!)
This is timed absolutely perfect! I’m due early October with my first, a little girl (who is kicking away as I type this). I didn’t think of needing to feed while waiting for discharge, or needing slip on shoes potentially. Thank you as always!
Yay! So exciting! Glad this helped!
xx
Also relevant to me! I’m expecting a boy November 4, so would love additional rec’s…. Especially for a diaper bag & coming home outfit for me. (I’ve been going a little nuts in baby clothes so already have several NB Kissy Kissy options for our little guy). Thank you!
So glad this arrived at the right time! Re: diaper bag, I mainly used a Goyard tote stuffed with pouches, but for bigger trips/travel, I liked the MZ Wallace medium metro —
https://bit.ly/3J7y9cp
Upgrade pick I wish I’d known about — L’Uniform’s tool bag:
https://bit.ly/3PTxRIe
But if you want more of a traditional diaper bag, I like the sweet patterns from Cam Cam Copenhagen:
https://bit.ly/3PZPkia
and Dondolo:
https://bit.ly/3ozdsMY
xx
This post could not have come at a better time (as you know!) – I’m still pinching myself that these types of posts are relevant to me 🙂 Clicking on SO many of the links.
Also opening a tab with your linked c section post… I could definitely use some wisdom in this area. I’m a few weeks out & baby is still stubbornly in breech (… as, apparently, only 5% are at this stage; great), so I’m mentally prepping myself for a c section in my future, despite hoping to labor naturally. As long as the outcome is healthy for all parties, right? Right.
You got this! Mini was breech and I know that agony well — so hard not to know what to prepare yourself for!
Thinking of you!
xx