We did it.
The fourth trimester is finally o.v.e.r.
Parts of me are a little sad because, hello, newborns.
BUT most of me is all like..BYE FELECIA!!! Bye to nursing every hour, pads, granny underwear, c-section incisions, waking up every 2 hours at night, checking on your newborn every 5 seconds to make sure they are still breathing….ok, ok. You get the point. haha. But in all seriousness, I can honestly say the past 12 weeks have flown by, comparitively speaking to my other two children. I’ve really enjoyed and soaked this stage up as much as I can!
Now that I’ve finished my third fourth trimester, I’ll be hitting on a few different areas and sharing my thoughts, advice, and suggestions ((for what they’re worth ha)). Todays topic is fashion after the bump. This may seem silly to someone who has never had a baby, but let me tell you that the struggle is so real when you get home with that baby and you don’t necessarily want to wear maternity clothes (sorry, not sorry but I didn’t.) but you want to be comfy and nothing fits from your pre-pregnancy closet. Also, you will never know the despair (and tears lol) when you actually have to go into public, or even worse, work, when nothing fits. Also, husbands should probably leave the premise at about this time because they will feel the wrath when you’re throwing clothes all over your closet screaming about how fat you are haha.((clearly all their fault!!))
I honestly think that my third pregnancy was most enjoyable for a number of reasons- and one of the reasons being that I knew how to dress myself throughout the pregnancy. Instead of feeling as big as a house 24-7, I tried to dress in outfits that worked for me, my body type and my bump and it actually made me feel confident, pretty & attractive. This goes a long way!!
Also, disclaimer in that I definitely had days where I felt swollen, large & in charge and just downright BIG. But 75% of the time I felt pretty good. I think dressing postpartum is the same & I totally feel like this time around I nailed it with what to wear to make me feel confident and “work my best angles” so to say over the last 12 weeks. Again, I have my days! And by no means am I satisfied or happy with how I look…But in general, I’ve felt pretty good regardless of my size or lack of weight loss.
The biggest tip I can give WHILE you are pregnant is when you are buying clothes for pregnancy, think about the “after the bump” stage (which can last for much longer than you think) because the clothes that you may be buying yourself at 4 or 5 months pregnant will be PERFECT for 2, 3, 4, 5 and even 6 months postpartum. So, while I think its important to invest in some key maternity pieces (see my post here on my maternity must haves) I do think sizing up and buying pregnancy friendly clothing helps your postpartum fashion game soooo much.
So, here we go. My Fourth Trimester Fashion must haves!
HANDS down what I wore most the first 6 weeks postpartum was the Zella live in legging. Here are the crops (perf for spring/summer) and here’s the full length. Suck you in, thick, and go with anything. Last FOREVER.
I’ m still 1-2 jean sizes larger than what I was pre-pregnancy so i had to invest in at least one pair of jeans. These babies suck you in, are high waisted and SO COMFY. Also, can’t beat the price especailly if you’re only wearing them temporarily.
This Free People Henley I wore at the back end of my pregnancy and transitioned well into postypartum. Nursing friendly and also can be worn next fall/winter front tucked or tied! WIN!
I have lived in this striped tee from AE. Comfy and so cheap, and flowy enough to hide the stomach area!
Another transitional free people top I love! Great neutral color, bottons, soft.
The align has to be the best legging ever created. So soft, good quality, high rise. Worth every penny to get a staple black pair to wear with everything. A little lighter than the zella. Here is the regular rise version ( which is still high rise, just not super high rise)
I’ve worn this turtleneck sweatshirt a ton with leggings. Makes you feel somewhat put together and the oversize look is comfy and forgiving, but still looks trendy. Under $20.
I live in these nursing bras the first 2-3 weeks after delivery, and at night for months! So comfy.
These were the only jeans I could get on my body 1 week postpartum! Equipped with a elastic in the waist, these made wearing jeans bearable one week post delivery!
Love this Z Supply top, cute & hides your PP tummy, and slits on the side which make it super easy to nurse. Even better is wearing these nursing tanks undeneath! SO EASY,
Graphic tees were my jam this postpartum with cardigans layered over-this makes it easier for nursing especially when you’re just chilin at home.
Peplum tee thats flowy on the bottom-on sale for under $25. Perfect if you’re having a baby this spring/summer!
Wrap cardigan -perfect for pregnancy and postpartum
These t shirts have good length and are V-neck which is ideal for nursing.
My love for cardigans runs deep. Love this one, and of course barefoot dreams! Both this boxier one & other style is on sale!! RUN.
SPANX. Helping women feel put together!! These were great for me on date night 3 weeks postpartum (wore in my pre-preggo size(
This tunic is great for postpartum (and even not…great beach cover up!!). So pretty!
Catalina free people top. Soft, generous length, V neck and on sale. Insert into cart!!
the belly bandit. Buy it now if you’re pregnant!! Life saver.
The January tee by free people is another great investment for postpartum and pregnancy!
Love this dress for breastfeeding & bump. Flowy, stripes, summery AND hello..the price!!
Also, I have literally LIVED in the BP side slit tees. They have been sold out in forever! but I will def let you guys know if they come back in stock. They are the best basic long sleeve tees, great with leggings or jeans, come in stripes and solids, are around $20, are a generous fit, and have the side slit (but not too high) for nursing! I’m hoping they bring them back soon.
Lastly, invest in a huge, comfy pair of sweatpants for that 1st week or two postpartum. Ha!
Hope this helped you all! Have an awesome thursday! xo
Alex