Pre-maternity clothing

jennas312 · April 2017

Ok ladies, I'm cleaning out the closet today and seeing what spring/summer clothes I can wear now and maybe after baby.
My question has to do with after. I know every body is different, but any suggestions on what I should put out, as opposed to what I probably won't wear at the end of summer either. I'm thinking shorts that aren't elastic are probably a NO. I have no idea what my body will be like in July, August, September, but thought maybe some of you with experience could give me some pointers.
Thank you in advance for any input.

awillis13 · April 2017

I think this varies so much person to person. With DS I was back into my pre-pregnancy clothes in a few weeks (but most of my weight gain had been BP related water retention). I have no idea what will happen this year, but I plan on just rocking maxi skirts and tanks, athletic shorts, and maybe sun dresses.

shmarpler · April 2017

DD1 was an August baby and I could wear regular shorts by the end of the warm season. BUT, I live in the south and that year we had warm weather last until Thanksgiving.

delujm0 · April 2017

This totally depends on the person...I was super lucky last time and wore normal pre baby jeans to my 6 week PP appointment. I had 5lbs left to lose and was cleared to exercise at that point so it came right off once I started that (plus an additional 5lbs). I credit breastfeeding for most of it...once I started weaning that extra 5lbs i lost came right back on.

MrsCaliRN · April 2017

I wasn't back into most of my pre-preg pants until 5-6 months postpartum. Even then, they fit snuggly and gave me a muffin top I hadn't had before. You'll probably end up living in maxi and sun dresses during the first few months because A. they're easy to put on B. you can hike them up quickly for bathroom needs (peeing, changing your pad, and reapplying ice or Tucks) C. they look good if you need to just get up and go D. you can just add a sweater when the weather gets more chilly towards early Fall. Just make sure the top of the dress can be pulled down easily for breastfeeding because you can't hike up the whole dress to feed LO!

Not sure if this needs a trigger warning, but just in case: **TRIGGER WARNING: weight discussed**
I gained 40lb during the pregnancy, and had only lost 3lbs after coming home from the hospital and another 2lbs by my 6wk postpartum appointment. I had to work out 45 mins/day x3-4 days/week to lose the rest by ~8 months postpartum **end trigger warning**

awillis13 · April 2017

@MrsCaliRN I think that is more likely the typical post pregnancy situation. I had some external relationship stress that was impacting my appetite, plus the stress of failing at breastfeeding and not being supported the way I needed to be, plus the underlying cause of a lot of my weight gain (I gained 35lbs, but close to 20 was the last 6 weeks and was all water retention)

jennas312 · April 2017

Thanks for the answers! I know this topic is a bit taboo, just trying to not have to pack things up, put in attic, take them down, put them up, over and over haha. My feet have been swelling so I'm so ready for my sandals! Maxi skirts all the way! I cant find maternity crop/capri pants anywhere, but saw some on macys.com for $14.99 , and buy one get one half($10 each)...so I'll be ordering from there later!

awoodruff27 · April 2017

My body changed completely after baby #1. Nothing seemed to fit right. Even after I lost all the weight there were rolls were there weren't before, my hips were larger, etc. I had 2 pairs of skinny jeans that I loved and I couldn't wear them again. I had to lose another 10 lbs off my pre-pregnancy weight to feel "normal" again. I also had to find different brands/cuts of clothing to fit my new body. It was rough emotionally for awhile. Just warning that your pre-pregnancy clothes may never fit like they used too, and it's okay!

teacher mom-2 · April 2017

I second what @awoodruff27 said. I lost all my pregnancy weight in a week due to being really sick after having DD and breastfeeding, but my body was a different shape. I would put away anything too form fitting and jeans/jean shorts were not gentle enough for my stitches for about 6 weeks. I lived in dresses and more stretchy shorts/leggings. Also as others said, everyone is different. You are due earlier than me though so you might get more use out of them.

awillis13 · April 2017

speaking of body changes, I had to get rid of so many of my cute shoes because my feet grew and just did not go back. That was a sad, sad day.

delujm0 · April 2017

awillis13 said:

speaking of body changes, I had to get rid of so many of my cute shoes because my feet grew and just did not go back. That was a sad, sad day.

This was my nightmare when I had DD...I have invested a lot of money over the years on high quality shoes. I was lucky that time and went back to normal...hopefully the same happens this time bc I cannot afford to replace, for example, 5 pairs of Frye boots before next fall!!

My sister would love it though bc I'd just give everything to her haha.

huzzahuzza · April 2017

I'm still not in my pre-pregnancy clothes from DS1... he's almost 4.

LAMCH1980 · April 2017

I'm with @awoodruff27. I lost all the weight with my first (and I had gained over 40lbs), but my body changed so much that I didn't comfortably wear that clothing again. I kept on about 15 lbs with my second even though I was full-time breastfeeding, so I wouldn't solely rely on that either. I hear a lot of talk about how bf-ing helps you lose weight, but I didn't feel like it made a huge impact for me. Try to be flexible and leave a variety of stuff out. My advice to everyone is to not beat yourself up about squeezing into a particular pair of pants and save a little bit of money to buy some flattering pieces for the new you!

MrsLa3 · April 2017

I lost all pregnancy weight both time in a week. I could have worn my pre-pregnancy pants but I had csections. I wore my maternity shorts/pants for 6 weeks other than dresses.

mombod · April 2017

Agree with others. I had lost all the pregnancy weight in about 3 weeks but it was months and months before things all shifted back to where it was before. And my boobs were never the same (but I was still nursing until 3 months into this pregnancy). I had my son in April and didnt feel comfortable in prepregnancy jeans until about Sept and any tight fitting shirts for about 6 months.

ladylolly89 · April 2017

I had DS in April and had lost all weight and was back in all of my pre-pregnancy clothing by the end of July. I was back in regular jeans (a size up from my normal) by 2 weeks PP, but wore a lot of maternity tops at first to hide the flabby belly. I do not feel as though my body shape changed much other than slightly wider hips, but that is different for everyone.
Dresses, skirts and looser tops were my go-to for a month or two. I wore my maternity tanks even longer because they were nice, thick, long and forgiving.

awillis13 · April 2017

@ladylolly89 I think all tanks should be made like maternity tanks.

jennas312 · April 2017

Ugh to having to buy even more clothes post baby.

Kylieslip24 · April 2017

awoodruff27 said:

My body changed completely after baby #1. Nothing seemed to fit right. Even after I lost all the weight there were rolls were there weren't before, my hips were larger, etc. I had 2 pairs of skinny jeans that I loved and I couldn't wear them again. I had to lose another 10 lbs off my pre-pregnancy weight to feel "normal" again. I also had to find different brands/cuts of clothing to fit my new body. It was rough emotionally for awhile. Just warning that your pre-pregnancy clothes may never fit like they used too, and it's okay!

I lost all my weight 40/50 lbs (I stopped paying attention) by the end of summer. She was born in June. But my body also changed too. I really don't mind though. I was 24 when I had her but I had a teenage body. I now look like a mom and my style has changed to fit that. Also stretch marks in strange places are something to consider. I don't wear short shorts anymore because I have stretch marks on my thighs. I don't wear bikinis anymore, because they just feel too young on me. I love maxis now they are my go to!

mamaelle27 · April 2017

I found those loose, thin, palazzo pants to be perfect post baby pants in summer time. Add a tank top and it'll help you feel more polished than sweats and get you through until you feel like you can wear your regular clothes again or you're ready to invest in some new clothes. Just plan to be kind to yourself this summer and wear whatever makes you feel good. Your body did a miraculous thing and any changes are totally worth it.

neludelu · April 2017

I lost a all my baby weight and then some but never got back into my regular clothes after DS was born. It was a fun excuse to shop. My biggest piece of advice is to buy a few pair of high waisted yoga/leggings and a few tank tops.

JessyKV · April 2017

I'm amazed at some of you losing weight in a couple weeks!

I have gained 40lbs every pregnancy. It usually takes me 3 - 4 months to feel really comfortable in my clothes again. They might fit a month before that but didn't look great. After my second baby I ended up buying a couple in between things and it was the smartest thing I've ever done. It was also the holidays so we had a lot of family events I wanted to look nice for. I was miserable after my first either wearing maternity stuff or yoga pants. Buying a few things that fit great in between gave me a lot more confidence. I'll probably do the same this time as well and buy a couple cute outfits to get me through that awkward time. But I also stay home now so I can get away with comfy clothes.

CurlyMommy416 · April 2017

It's taken my body at least a year for my hips to get back down to pre-pregnancy-ish size with both of my pregnancies. Everyone is definitely different- you guys losing all your baby weight in a flash are blowing my mind! I plan on living in maxi skirts and nursing tank tops this summer.

LMMama · April 2017

I've been thinking a lot about this too and agree that everyone is different. I lost the weight with my first pregnancy pretty fast, but I feel like it's going to be tougher this time. I've already bought several loose fitting sundresses and maxi dresses that I think will be comfortable and flattering. I also have a few pairs of looser cut offs that I'll wear with flowy tanks. Really not that much different than my regular summer wardrobe. Hide the belly, work the legs and arms.

I agree that buying some in between outfits is smart. This is just me but after I gave birth the last thing I wanted to wear were my maternity clothes. I wanted to feel like my normal self and having some non maternity things to wear was good.

Elyse1384 · April 2017

I would urge caution as not only will everyone lose weight differently, but even across pregnancies how the body responds could change. With both kids I lose the weight in the same amount of time, but it took my body shape to return to "normal" with DD despite my weight being back to where it was. Just keep all clothing options available (maternity clothing and regular clothing).

anitamargarita_82 · April 2017

Well I'm exactly a week postpartum. I was at target yesterday trying to find something to wear to my baby shower because now the dress is bought is too big. Well that wasn't the best idea. I have no idea what I weigh right now. I also have no desire to weigh myself for the next several weeks. I figure I don't need that stress right now. I'm still running around in my pregnancy clothes. No shame in my game at this point. I'm not sure how much of my belly is left to deflate and how much is just excess weight from all the tacos and pancakes I ate during my pregnancy

. I suspect though my belly is from the tacos.

kdanjou · April 2017

They say 10 months on, 10 months off!
Seriously though, everyone is different. At the very least I would plan on wearing maternity clothes for the 4th trimester.

lmc929 · April 2017

For me it wasnt only about the fit of things but also how easy it was to nurse it so my wardrobe seemed to change a bit just based on that. I will say that after two month-ish I could fit back into the majority of my normal clothes but isnt to say they were my most comfortable options.

ETA: Although for me the weight seemed to come off pretty quickly - It isnt to say my body was remotely what it used to be. For example, my boobs were enormous compared to pre pregnancy so things fit much differently regardless of my weight loss.

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