Getting Dressed for Back to Work

mltarrio · February 2016

Hey ladies. I am 6 weeks PP and I am heading back to work in two weeks. I am still up 10 pounds on my pre pregnancy weight, and I had a c section and I am still not cleared for real exercise. So I have flabby belly skin and an incision that is still a bit tender, and boobs that don't fit in anything I own. I have a casual workplace and I will be pumping during the day.

Any suggestions for how to dress heading back to work? I don't want to buy a whole bunch of new stuff, but I also can't wear maternity yoga pants forever. I technically fit in my old jeans, but not comfortably. What are other mamas doing about this awkward time between "I just had a baby" and "I am back to my normal self"?

taysun · February 2016

Do you own any dresses with tops that have adequate access for pumping? Can you still wear your maternity pants?
If those options won't work I'd suggest buying a pair or two in the interim so you feel comfortable at work.

ramfam2507 · February 2016

Do you have a bellaband? You can use that to make your jeans fit more comfortably.

MomofEv+1 · February 2016

I'm using the old hair binder trick for jeans if I can. I also got a couple skirts on clearance to wear with button ups for easy boob access. My hips have not returned to their original size and I still have some excess flab around my belly so almost nothing fits properly.

groovylocks · February 2016

So I made it my mission a few years ago - i refuse, flat out REFUSE, to wear uncomfortable clothing. I had to figure out how to stay professional without buttons, snaps or zippers (Seriously. Refuse.) For me, it was because of an inflammatory bowel disorder causing me to bloat and retract severely throughout the day, especially if i was sitting down.

I had to do a lot of creative googling. There are companies (like jjill and Lysse) that specialize in very professional looking clothing that fits like leggings or yoga pants. And yoga pants can often be made to look like professional trousers, especially the wide or palazzo leg yoga pants. Foldover waistbands are your friend! Many clothes have foldover waistbands and those are amazing. And empire waist dresses are obviously a huge staple.

Holdmomma · February 2016

I bought a couple pairs of new jeans after DS was born and I'm wearing them again this time around. It felt like a splurg even though I got them on sale, but was totally worth it. I also picked up another pair of jeans in an updated style last weekend. I got gift cards for Christmas because my family knew that I would want some new clothes when I go back to work. I'm like you, my jeans will zip up, but my hips are still wider than before and I get a nice muffin top with my old clothes. Honestly, I would just bite the bullet and go shopping for a few items that make you feel good when you wear them. I also just signed up for my first Stitch Fix since I rarely have time to go shopping these days. I requested flowy Spring shirts that hide my pudgy middle section.

amye02 · February 2016

I'm using my belly band or wearing my "below the belly" maternity jeans

Court11152325 · February 2016

I'm wearing maternity pants and a long tank top with my regular shirts. I will throw on a cardigan if I'm feeling self conscious about my hips or pooch.

caketimes · February 2016

I'm going to bite the bullet and go shopping in the two hour baby nap time that I get. It's depressing to have to get a bigger size, but I'd be more depressed to go to work feeling uncomfortable. Has anyone found a good store for pumping friendly clothes? Or some good styles to pair with the pump?

Court11152325 · February 2016

@caketimes your name makes me hungry. But back to the topic - button up shirts are great for pumping and nursing. I also like tank tops with cardigans for easy access. Wide v neck shirts. I don't know of a specific store or brand, I just look for those styles now.

mltarrio · February 2016

Thanks for the responses ladies. I like the suggestion to buy at least a few items to make myself comfortable, especially in the pants department. My husband has already made it clear that I am not to borrow his button-ups, but they are perfect for BF and pumping!

I went to dinner with a friend last night and managed to wear my pre-preggo jeans with a belly band for 6 hours. I am sure I looked like a cow bit it felt like a win.

kksquared · February 2016

caketimes said:

I'm going to bite the bullet and go shopping in the two hour baby nap time that I get. It's depressing to have to get a bigger size, but I'd be more depressed to go to work feeling uncomfortable. Has anyone found a good store for pumping friendly clothes? Or some good styles to pair with the pump?

I've been wearing a nursing tank with a t shirt. I just take the t shirt off or pull up to pump. I am really excited though I ordered a new bra that doubles as a nursing bra and hands free pumping bra from dairy fairy to simplify my pumping routine. It was pricey but being an H cup all bras are

ATolentino89 · February 2016

I have to wear a polo at work but I wear a spandex-y tank top under it (to hold stuff in) and my nursing bra. When I pump I just pull the polo up and the top of the tank down so that only my breasts are actually exposed. It's more comfortable to me.

kksquared · February 2016

kksquared said:

caketimes said:

I'm going to bite the bullet and go shopping in the two hour baby nap time that I get. It's depressing to have to get a bigger size, but I'd be more depressed to go to work feeling uncomfortable. Has anyone found a good store for pumping friendly clothes? Or some good styles to pair with the pump?

I've been wearing a nursing tank with a t shirt. I just take the t shirt off or pull up to pump. I am really excited though I ordered a new bra that doubles as a nursing bra and hands free pumping bra from dairy fairy to simplify my pumping routine. It was pricey but being an H cup all bras are

@caketimes The dairy fairy bras are actually on zulily today for a pretty good deal. Of course they don't have my size available (small band, large cup).

MomofEv+1 · February 2016

I skipped nursing tanks because they are expensive and just bought larger size Target tank tops with an easy to stretch neckline. I don't care if they get ruined because they are cheap.

TomekiaB · February 2016

They aren't cheap but I love the bravado nursing tanks. Figure 8 Maternity also sold a BFing and pumping tank which took me 2-3 times to figure out but I love it now, you can pump hands free in the tank the brand is rumina. I've done some button up shirts, cardigans (without buttons) and dolmans over the nursing tanks. Both brands are fitted enough to layer and a decent thickness. Undercover mama is a less expensive tank...I ordered one but I'm still waiting for it to arrive they are strapless and you attach it to your nursing bra. I was successful using a bed bath and beyond coupon for a bravado tank online (you can buy anything with adequate stock from buy buy baby on bed bath & beyond as far as I can tell, then you can use the much more frequent coupons and free shipping over 49 dollars). Stitchfix has shockingly sent me some great pants over the past 2 years.

caketimes · February 2016

@kksquaredThat's me too! Small band, cups runneth over

@TomekiaB I also used Stitch Fix, but now that my post preggo body is a bit larger, I can't order from them til I lose a few more lbs...

I'll be looking into the tank top shirt combo, and wearing stretchy pants... I need to find some that can still look professional while being comfy. Anyone used Beta Brand pants? Or has anyone found a stretchy pant that works? Let me know!

thatgirlree24 · February 2016

What do you guys do for one boob bigger than the other? I'm so uncomfortable bc I can tell and if I can I know others will! I go back to work in a week

TomekiaB · February 2016

@thatgirlee24 it is probably less noticeable than you think. And unless you work in certain professions no one should be looking that close at work! On a serious note, I'd probably avoid tailored button ups (I'm assuming it would make it more noticeable...but it may not) and wear more scarves.

momotheflyinglemur · February 2016

I bought myself some high waist slacks because they make my belly feel secure. I wear alot of flowy tops and just have my nursing tanks to move aside when I pump.

violetigerlily · February 2016

I have the one boob bigger than the other issue but noticed in my more molded underwire nursing bra, you can't tell since the cups are the same size. You might be able to find a more shaped or even padded bra (less chance of leaking through it!) without underwire but if you do get one just make sure it fits well without digging into you and messing up your supply.

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