FOR THE NURSING MAMA: Peek-a-boo
Lately, I have nothing to wear.
When I’m around the house, I’m okay. I can relax in my yoga pants with oversized tees or “indecent” camisoles.
But when I have to leave the house, I stand in my closet and hem & haw over my choices. Some of my pre-pregnancy jeans and pants fit now, but I have to squeeeeeeze into them (and who wants to be squeezed…?). Usually, I opt for one of the two pairs of jeans that I have that fit comfortably.
My tops fit, but they’re not exactly nursing friendly, so that’s where I usually get “stuck.”
Thank goodness for companies that design clothing that is friendly for nursing mothers…whether they intend to or not.
Today I’m pleased to introduce you to one such company…Peek-a-boo.
The Peek-a-boo nursing collection “enables the mother to breastfeed without exposing herself, keeping mother-baby eye contact while still looking stylish.” The collection currently includes 13 items: 9 tops, 3 dresses, and 1 pair of pants.
The pieces are “simple” and stylish in solid coloring and soft fabrics. The items are refreshingly pattern-free and quite “neutral,” which is a positive trait for new moms who probably don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to their postpartum bodies.
I received the lacy top (pictured right) for review and I appreciate the feminine detailing, the dark colors, and the “functionality” (I can nurse my baby…no problem!). That said, I think the top would be better suited for smaller-breasted woman (A-C cup). I am a modest woman and the top is just low-cut enough for me to feel uncomfortable about wearing it around town.
That said, I think peek-a-boo is “on to something.” I like their pieces and their philosophy.
Here’s what I’d like to see them design next:
- Deep V-neck tops : As in really *deep* V-necks. So deep that I could wear a nursing camisole underneath and just pull the boob out without lifting my shirt. I’m thinking a 3/4 length sleeve would be quite flattering, but short-sleeve or long-sleeve options could be offered as well.
- Button-up tops : One of the best options for a nursing mama is a button-up top with a camisole underneath. But I’d like to see a nursing company design fashionable button-up shirts with the new mama in mind. That translates into: (a) a little more “room” around the tummy, (b) styles that compliment larger-breasted women, and (c) figure flattering colors/patterns (black, dark jewel tones, vertical stripes, etc.).
- Zip-up tops : I wonder why I’ve never seen a nursing top with a zipper down the front. It seems like that could be stylish…and easy…don’t you think?
- Slouchy tops : Sometimes a mama just wants to wear a slouchy tee that can be pulled up easily. I’d like to see “baggy” tops & tees that are WAY more fashionable than just buying a t-shirt one or two sizes too big. Maybe something along the lines of what Anthropologie offers.
- Nursing Camisoles with higher necklines : I LOVE the idea of nursing camisoles, but somebody’s gotta design one for well-endowed women. The ones that I own are nice, but the amount of skin that is revealed is beyond my comfort zone. Cleavage is a good thing in the bedroom…not so much at the park with my kids.
- More nursing dresses : I applaud peek-a-boo for offering three dresses. That’s a fantastic start – especially considering that their current collection only has a total of 13 pieces. I’d like to see even more dresses that are nursing-friendly. I will be nursing for awhile and it would be nice to wear a dress from time-to-time…
I’ll eagerly look forward to the day when more companies design clothes with nursing mamas in mind. Until then, I’ll have to be creative with my wardrobe. Either that or I could just wear this t-shirt: