Then again I could aslo say "No" if you asked me if you really need a dishwasher, washing machine or microwave oven.
There are alternatives and our mothers and grandmothers made do without both nursing wear and perhaps dishwashers etc but if given the choice, most people opt for the ease and convenience of nursing wear.
I am one of those that made do without any nursing tops in my wardrobe. Instead I had lots of loose fitting tops that were easy to lift up to gain access for breastfeeding. As there were no alternatives, I did what I had to do and most times the baby would cover my tummy and I would throw a nappy over my shoulder.
Nowadays there are all manner of feeding tops. Ones with built in bras, ones that you wear your own bra with but there is a discreet access point and some that just have stretchy fabrics and crossover bodices that again make access easy. There are tops, dresses, sleepwear and sleep bras. The choice is endless.
Now the one big advantage of a garment designed specifically for breastfeeding is that it is usually also made with pregnancy in mind. The designer knows that the person buying it will want to wear it while pregnant and while feeding and the garment is made accordingly. Often this is done through the use of stretchy fabrics and clever designs.
Most ladies need to buy at least a few pieces of maternity clothing so why not be savvy and look for maternity wear that you can also use for breastfeeding?
Best of all, many breastfeeding garments don't look like feeding tops at all and are great to be worn even after you have finished with breastfeeding. Crazy to think that I have several feeding garments in my wardrobe now yet I had nothing while I was actually breastfeeding!
Below are a few examples of popular yet versatile styles. I will include links to the website in case you are interested but as we are at the end of season now, sizes are limited. The Winter stock will soon be on its way. If you click on a link and it doesn't take you anywhere you will know the product is sold out.
As for "When to Buy Nursing Wear" I think the best idea is to make sure the maternity wear you buy will serve you for both purposes as I have stated above but with all the lovely maternity fashion around there may be lots of lovely things out there that can't be used for feeding. If you do end up with a wardrobe full of non feeding friendly maternity garments then it may be best to wait until after you have had the baby to shop for nursing wear. There are 2 reasons for this. Firstly, there is no guarantee you will be able to breastfeed and secondly, the way a top looks when you are heavily pregnant is very different to how if will look in the early stages post baby when the belly is big and flabby.
You will however need a few nursing items for hospital so if you can shop for these before your belly gets too big, that would be the best idea.
As a general guide you will need 3 nursing bras, 2 sleep bras or feeding camis with built in bra (remember you need something to keep your breast pads in place when you sleep), and then some sleepwear and day clothes but for hospital you could get away with your sleep bras or cami, some sleepwear that allows access from the neckline and a few basic tees or lounge dresses. You can worry about the rest later.
I hope this has been helpful but if you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to contact me at Maternity Revolution, 1/124 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD, 4500 on 07 3205 1818 or lisa@maternityrevolution.com.au
Our website is www.maternityrevolution.com.au
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