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 like a pregnant woman, 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 look pregnant. There are only so many days in a row that I can wear a big button-up shirt (which I hate) or a big button-up shirt (which I love!). I also pump all the time, so I need easy access to my breasts. Any advice? ?”
———
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, sang Christmas carols on the drive to the hospital, watched Survivor while pumping milk at midnight, and wore comfortable clothes. It is very good for your body after giving birth. Below are some pieces that I really liked and some that I wanted more of…
long cardigan. This duster cardigan is the only thing I wanted to wrap myself in on those tired and sore days. 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 is comfortable, has access to your chest, 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 these baggy overalls religiously until I went back to pre-baby denim.
Soft nursing tank. When we think of nursing tops, we think of boring, utilitarian shirts. This supportive jersey tank comes in six colors, including a pretty floral print and a punchy red.
sweater pants. Knit pants are just as comfortable as leggings, but you actually want to be seen wearing them.
A loose-fitting shirt. This oversized Rugby drapes loosely around your waist, giving you plenty of room to comfortably pump (even with a manual or plug-in pump).
Cozy pajamas. You wanted a lek you could walk around in, but after a long day at the hospital, all I wanted to do was shower and put on my postpartum pajamas. It fits softly around my bulging chest and bulging stomach, and even after 10 months, it still fits and feels incredibly good.
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.
(Storq photo: Nikki Sebastian)
Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. We only recommend products that we really like. Thank you very much.
110 comment
