Nursing Dresses That You Will Actually Love

Nursing dresses that are actually flattering and modest can be hard to find,

let me share the ones I like with you.

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I have been nursing for almost 5 1/2 years straight! During this time I have tried a lot of different options for nursing dresses and some work and some don’t here’s what I have learned.

Find Your Mom Style

Before kids I had my style pretty well set I knew what I liked and what looked good on me but then my body changed completely and keeps changing (4 beautiful girls in 6 years). I have had to learn all over again what I like, what looks good on me and above all else, what is nursing friendly while still being modest.

I know that for me I like a defined waist, high neckline and full skirt, preferable made out of a woven fabric (also I am tall, so things tend to be short on me). That is quite a list for one piece of clothing to fulfill but I have found some dresses that fit the bill.

Nursing Dress or Regular Dress?

Once you know what you like to wear you need to decide if you want to wear “nursing dresses”, “regular dresses” or a combination thereof. I like the combination, though I find myself leaning towards regular dresses. Don’t forget that you can easily do a skirt and blouse, though this does take away the ease of having a one piece of clothing outfit.

Nursing Dresses

What defines a “nursing dress” is that it has a nursing access built into it. This could be a lift up flap, invisible zippers or a pull-down neckline.

Latched Mama – This is a great brand for moms who want dresses that easy to nurse in and fairly trendy. I have had a few of their dresses and I liked them. However, I find that their knit dresses tend to get a little see through after several months of wear.

Nursing Queen – I have not tried any of their dresses yet, but I want to. There are stylish, not too pricey and don’t look like nursing dresses.

Bearsland – I have not tried their dresses yet, but I have their tank top set and lounge set, and I love them! They are so comfy and hold up well through many washing cycles. They are a perfect budget friendly basic option.

Super Cute Dresses – This wonderful small business has both nursing and non-nursing dresses. I just found them today and I think I might have to get a few of their very beautiful dresses.

Regular Dresses That Work For Nursing

There are a few types of dresses to look for that work with nursing. Understanding this helps you to find nursing dresses at resale shops.

Stretchy warp dresses – In order to make these dresses modest I recommend wearing a half-teeunderneath them. These work well because you can just pull it down for access.

Button down dresses – This is my preference for a nursing dress. I love that this means I can wear woven dresses and still nurse in them. Not only that they look and function great after you are done nursing. Wearing a full sl i p under them is a great idea to keep things smooth and help with modesty.

Stretchy top dresses – Shirred dresses or some milkmaid style dresses work well for this. I am actually working on a sewing patter for this exact type of dress.

Nursing Dress Sewing Patterns

I have tried and loved both of these patterns.

1950’s Womans Wardrobe – This is probably one of my favorite patterns of all time (though I can’t get the pencil skirt to look right on me). This dress pattern is for the quintessential shirt waist dress pattern. This dress can be fancy or casual depending on what fabric and trims you use. I have sewed a version of this at 4 times with plans to sew it at least two more time in the near future.

Everyday Women’s Dress Pattern (with nursing option) – If you like the basic knit fabric nursing dresses this pattern is for you! Their directions are great and there is a lot of different options for sewing using this pattern. The only reason I don’t sew with it more is that I prefer woven fabrics over knit. Also if you want to sew your own half-tees the bodice of this pattern would be great for that.

Whichever dress you choose to buy or make, embrace this time. Nothing is more feminine than pregnancy and breastfeeding, so don’t limit yourself to leggings and t-shirts.