The Ultimate Guide to the Coziest Maternity Clothes: My Top Picks for Comfort During Leave
My first night back home from the hospital, just three days after the excitement and joy of giving birth, I woke up in the middle of the night to find my sheets completely soaked. Why didn’t anyone warn me that my breasts would leak like a sieve? How was I unaware that I needed to sleep in a supportive bra with nursing pads two sizes larger than my regular pregnancy bras? I had been so focused on my maternity clothes throughout my pregnancy that I neglected to prepare for my postpartum needs. I realized that while I had done extensive reading and research about pregnancy, I was unprepared for what I would require afterward to care for myself and stay comfortable.
The truth is, you don’t need a lot. During my maternity leave, I primarily lived in just three items: loose sweatpants, a nursing bra, and an oversized T-shirt. (Let’s be honest; even the T-shirt didn’t stay on for long due to countless feedings and spit-ups!) However, it is crucial to have the right postpartum pieces available to ensure that your precious time for healing, bonding, and recovery is as comfortable and practical as possible.
Throughout my 14 weeks of blissful, emotional, tender, exhausting, and joyous maternity leave (and yes, there are countless adjectives to describe this extraordinary, life-changing experience), I tried and tested numerous items to determine which clothes were truly essential for me and my new postpartum body—a body still undergoing significant changes. Below, I’m sharing the must-have pieces that I absolutely could not live without.
1. **Nightie**
For the first few weeks post-birth, I lived in stretchy night dresses around the clock. With pain from stitches, swelling, and bruising, the last thing I wanted was to wear pants. A soft nightie with a low V-neck and spaghetti straps is easy and accessible for nursing if you choose to breastfeed.
2. **Robe**
In addition to my nightie, a plush, cozy robe was essential. It was particularly handy for opening the door to the mailman or unexpected visitors.
3. **Nursing Bra**
Those bras you bought while pregnant? They might not fit for a while. As your breast milk comes in and blood flow increases, your breasts can become large, hard, and sore. This engorgement usually subsides once you settle into breastfeeding or pumping. Therefore, you will definitely need a snug, supportive, and soft bra. A nursing bra is a great choice, and I particularly loved the sports-bra styles that are incredibly comfortable and easy for breastfeeding. I wore these during the day and even at night while (kind of) sleeping.
4. **Postpartum Underwear**
Here’s a tip: take as many pairs of those disposable mesh panties they give you in the hospital after delivery as you can. Yes, even celebrities swear by them! I was completely unprepared for the bodily fluids I would encounter after labor. For up to six weeks post-delivery, you’ll deal with a lot of blood, mucus, and discharge, so having large, comfortable, and supportive underwear to hold those massive maternity pads is essential. I even wore my husband’s Calvin Klein boxer briefs for a while after running out of the hospital mesh panties, but I soon found that dedicated postpartum underwear offers a much better, more seamless, and breathable option—perfect whether you’ve had a C-section or vaginal birth.
5. **Comfy Lounge Pants**
When I wasn’t in leggings, I loved lounging in roomy sweatpants, especially during that first month when tight leggings felt unbearable. I adored these Monrow sweatpants that manage to look casual yet stylish—ideal for when visitors come over or for walking around the house.
6. **Nursing Tops & Loose T-Shirts**
These are staples in a postpartum wardrobe. I wore loose-fitting, comfortable cotton V-neck or U-neck T-shirts daily while on maternity leave. Nursing tops are also incredibly convenient when you’re out running errands and need to nurse. There are plenty of simple, affordable options available.
7. **Leggings**
Stretch is key when selecting clothes for maternity leave, so you’ll want a few flexible leggings on hand as you’ll be moving a lot. I particularly favored postpartum leggings with a low elastic waist for added comfort that catered to my postpartum shape.
8. **Easy-Access Sweater**
During my maternity leave in fall and winter, an oversized cozy sweater—easy for breastfeeding—was a must-have. Wrap sweaters also offer a chic alternative.
9. **Lightweight Pajama Bottoms**
I owned the most comfortable, lightweight three-quarter-length pajama pants, which I spent most of my time in while at home. I could forgo pajama shirts, but pajama bottoms are essential! Eberjey also offers some ultra-soft options.
10. **Draped Cardigan**
A relaxed-fitting cardigan is a sartorial lifesaver when you want to create the illusion of a slimmed-down figure. It’s also the perfect piece to layer over your nursing tanks, tees, and nighties when you feel chilly.
Stay tuned for more updates from HiCelebNews as we continue to share insights and experiences that resonate with new parents everywhere!
Related Posts
- 13 Editors and Makeup Artists Reveal Their Ultimate Lip Combos for Unforgettable Compliments
- The Ultimate Guide to Sephora's Semi-Annual Savings Event: Top Picks from My Extensive Testing Experience
- Revitalize Your Wardrobe: 6 Simple Outfit Formulas to Overcome Any Style Slump
- Discover the Surprising Elegance of 2025's Hottest Flat Shoe Trend
- Say Goodbye to Pastels: Discover the Surprising Spring Hue That Elevates Your Wardrobe to Chic New Heights
