You know what I hate? Trying to figure out what to wear postpartum.
I don’t fit into any of my old pants or shorts, but maternity bottoms don’t really fit either. Tight-fitting shirts are a no-go since I have a little bit of a flabby postpartum tummy, so it’s loosey-goosey for the next few weeks. And don’t forget about the magical world of breastfeeding! If it can’t be pulled down, easily pulled up or unbuttoned, it’s out. That left very few options in my current wardrobe, and I literally spent the first two days home from the hospital in pajamas.
Ugh.
So about a week after having Graham, I headed to the mall to find some clothes that I could comfortably wear for the next few weeks until my tummy flattens and my hips shrink back to post-baby width. Among some very comfy elastic-waisted bottoms, this dress was one of my lucky finds at Old Navy, and it was on clearance for $26 – yesssss.
The buttons go low enough that I can breastfeed in it (which is awesome since most dresses and maxis are out unless I want to hike it all the way up to feed – and wouldn’t that look awesome?), and it’s nice and blousey around the midsection and mostly hides my postpartum tummy (as long as I remember to stand up straight…). I will say that the elastic runs right across my midsection, which normally would be bad, but because the fabric is loose above and below the elastic, it kind of works. I may eventually add a belt to the waistline, but right now that is the last part of my body that I want to draw attention to.
And even though I’m 6 feet tall, I feel like it hits at an acceptable length – it could always be longer, but at least it doesn’t look totally awkward.
I normally lean towards solids and away from print, but I love the mix of patterns on the dress and the summery feel of it; I almost feel the need to throw on a straw hat and take a stroll along a lake while carrying my sandals loosely with one finger… or perhaps I’ve watched too many romantic movies.
Thank God I found some lightweight, loose clothing that I can wear, because it’s been in the 90s for a few weeks now with no end in sight. The last thing I need on top of lactating, postpartum bleeding and worrying about my belly bulge is to be sweating, too.
Isn’t having babies glamorous??