Best Breastfeeding Shirts
(428 Words)
Breastfeeding is a selfless activity that provides the best nutrition for a newborn child. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, breastfeeding boosts brain development, lowers the incidence of infection and even reduces the mother’s cancer risk. Breastfeeding can be difficult while in public, however, since many types of clothing are not conducive to bearing your nipple in a discreet and comfortable manner. There are many shirts that are either made specifically for breastfeeding, or which work well.
You can look for a shirt specifically made for breastfeeding at a nursing clothing store, such as Motherwear. These shirts come in many different types. One popular type of breastfeeding shirt is a layered shirt. There will be two layers and the bottom layer has holes near the nipples. These shirts come in several styles. Some of these shirts have a full length layer that goes around the entire body, i.e. it is like wearing one complete shirt over the other. To breastfeed, the mother simply lifts the top layer up so that the child can access the nipple. Another variation of this has the double layer only in the front. This reduces the weight of the shirt and is cooler for warm weather days. A third variation of the shirt has only a half layer for the top layer. This can make it very easy for the baby to breathe while breastfeeding, and provides a cute style. It is the coolest of these types.
Another types of breastfeeding shirt is a wrap style. The top looks like a normal wrap shirt, but you can push down one side and there will be a layer underneath with a hole that goes only over the nipple area. When done right, the baby can be over the nipple, but it will look like the shirt is on completely.
There are other types of breastfeeding shirts. Some have hidden zippers. Others have a panel in the center, and the panel can be pushed to the side to reveal a hole for the baby to feed.
Of course, it is not necessary to purchase a shirt specifically made for nursing. With a very loose and billowy shirt, you can simply put the baby under it. You can also get a shirt that has a low top that allows you to push it down and have the baby access the nipple.
The right shirt will let you nurse your baby while allowing for your needs and your baby’s comfort. Look at the different styles to ascertain what is most comfortable for you.