For those of you expecting your first baby, you would have heard the words ‘newborn bubble’ get thrown around. You might have an idea of what it might be, perhaps being in a complete smitten-with-your-baby-bliss bubble, only knowing what is going on inside your four walls and not about the world around you? Living in your pjs? Yes, all of this and more. Sometimes we can get really caught up in this bubble and then get through to the other side of it three months or so later saying to ourselves “who am I?” and “how do I get myself back?”.

Well, I can’t help you remember exactly who you were before children, because that is as mysterious as the Bermuda triangle, but I can help you feel a little more like you with your post-baby style.

After my first baby, I was 25kgs heavier, stuck in that “who am I?” bubble and I didn’t return from it for five months. I was one of the few fashion bloggers in Melbourne at the time, I had a wide international audience, had previously been to PFW and for someone who had a large audience reading her blog daily, I had to get my style back and get out of my darn gym clothes.

After I had my second child, I vowed to myself I would never let the post-baby-fashion me of 2011 return, so with this second baby in 2014, I was prepared to still be the fashionable Jess Dempsey of WHAT WOULD KARL DO? that my readers relied on and to essentially keep them out of their bubble of pj’s and active wear too.

 

The key? Planning.

Before my second baby was born and now with this pregnancy, I did two things, I organised my wardrobe. I kept only the  clothes that would definitely fit me after the baby was born and put all the size 8’s and skinny jeans in a deep dark closet out of sight so I wouldn’t be depressed when trying to fit into them after the baby comes.  Then I went shopping.

 

A post baby body is never going to perfect for anyone, it takes 9 moths to grow that little human, it will take 9 months give or take (or more or never) to get back to size (let me stress to you that this should not and doesn’t have to be a priority, you have a gorgeous little baby to show for it). I knew my post baby bubble time fashion required comfort and ease yet stylish dressing and these are the key items I shopped for and had ready to wear to make life a little easier and myself presentable to the world, even if I hadn’t showered for days (true story).

 

When selecting an outfit for after your baby is born think three things-

1- A feeding singlet which you will wear under everything and not have to wear a bra as it has an in built bra. Save your feeding bra for things like dresses.

2- A bottom, so this could be your maternity jeans, comfy jogger pants or a skirt.

3. A top- could be a tank top, a t-shirt or a button down shirt. All these pieces will go over your feeding singlet an you will simply button down the shirt and unclip the feeding singlet or lift up the t-shirt and then unclip the feeding singlet and your tummy will not be exposed!

 

Here are some cool things I found online! Simply click on the image of the pieces you like and it will take you to the online store to shop it now!

Soft pants with an elastic waist band and elastic at the ankles– Comfort is key especial when you are still recovering. This type of pant will feel like you are in your pjs without being in your pjs. Pair these pants back with a feeding singlet and a button-down shirt while you are in the hospital or at home and you will look casual cool.

A feeding singlet- A great item to wear every day under a button-down shirt or under a non-feeding top that you could simply lift up and then undo the singlet to feed without always having to wear nursing or maternity clothing and without showing your tummy when feeding.

T-shirts, Tops, Shirts or feeding tops– A favourite basic, feeding/nursing tee’s are really fashionable now and easy to style with your soft pants, a skirt or maternity jeans (if you are still wearing maternity denim).

Cardigans- Replace the button-down shirt with a cardi over a feeding singlet or t-shirt. The long length is always flattering and can hide the extra lumps and bumps such as with tight stretchy skirts or perhaps you are not comfortable with your new mum arms. Cardi’s are an easy layer to work back with most pieces.

Scarf– A large, light, fashion scarf (think, the Louis Vuitton style scarf) is a great layer piece when it is summer and you aren’t quite ready to just wear a singlet out and about. It will also hide your baby when you breastfeed if you feel more comfortable that way.

Flats- Search for your perfect flats now, they look great with the comfy pants, they are safe when carrying a newborn also. I like to invest a little more money into my flats as I know I will get my dollar’s worth. Flats could also include espadrilles and sneakers.

Maternity jeans– I still like to wear maternity jeans after the baby is born as they are comfortable and work well with hiding your tummy. You don’t have to rush into your old jeans.

 

One more tip I have it to spend time before you have the baby laying out outfits and taking photos of them. When the baby comes and you don’t have time to think, simply flick through the photos you took of your outfit combos and just grab the items and put them on. Don’t forget to have these pieces front and centre in your wardrobe.

So, you basically already have all of the above but perhaps need to add a few things such as the feeding singlets and a few more bottoms or tops. You will still most likely wear your maternity jeans for several months after baby is born, so all you need is to keep the FEEDING SINGLET/TOP/BOTTOM outfit combo on rotation by mixing up the top option to shirt or t-shirt and the bottom from jean to jogger pant or skirt.

 

FOR THOSE THAT MISSED MY PREVIOUS POST ON THIS TOPIC, SEE MORE OUTFIT OPTIONS BY CLICKING (HERE)