These first few weeks since we welcomed Jacob has been a blur that we’ve managed to muddle ourselves through. I’ve found myself in awe every single day at how much gas this little guy has, how many nappies he can demolish and the amount of poop that he can explosively fire out every hour.
I’m not kidding when I say that our bin has been overflowing these last few weeks and 50% of the contents are soiled nappies. We’ve literally resorted to ‘borrowing’ real estate from our neighbour’s bins each week. Despite being the farting and pooping machine on steroids – Jacob really is the cutest and most precious creature (even when he backs one out in your hand).
I’ve lost track of what day it is and wake up feeling like I’ve just returned from battle. On top of the craziness of learning how to keep this little cherub alive is the depressing job of trying to dress myself in the awkward post pregnancy transitional stage. Everyone tells you about how you lose 10 kilos instantly after you give birth. What they don’t tell you about is the pooch you’re left with that makes it seem that you’re hiding a younger sibling in there.
True Story: My mom thought it was a great idea to take a photo of me just a few hours after giving birth to send to my relatives in China (in all my swollen, post-birth wobbly largesse) and someone asked if this was pre or post birth because my belly was still huge.
It sounds silly but I thought I’d be able to hop right back into my clothes post birth but boy was I wrong. When the nurse helped me to the shower and I stood under the life-giving stream of warm water; I was faced with the reality of a sad, deflated basketball for a stomache. I remember being so excited when my bump finally started to show but being left with a six month pregnancy sized belly post birth is not so exciting.
I now have two belly buttons – the original and the accidental from massive stretching of my belly-piercing hole. That dark line is more prominent than ever and those burst veins on my ass are still haunting me.
In short, my body confidence was at an all time low. I’m not sure if the change in hormones was a contributing factor but I felt sad every time I thought about going out (even if it was just to go to the supermarket) because I had nothing to wear that made me feel good. So I’ve decided to do a stocktake of my wardrobe to bring you the essential wardrobe pieces every woman needs postpartum to feel their best.
Essential Wardrobe Pieces Every Woman Needs Postpartum
Mom/Boyfriend Jeans
They’re called mom jeans for a reason and getting a good pair (mid-waist) that sits comfortably will mean you can still get the casual chic look and still be comfortable. Don’t get low-waist jeans because you’ll be left with a less than appealing muffin top. The good thing is that as you shed the baby weight you can transition these jeans into the ‘oversized’ pair in your rotation.
Check out the selection of boyfriend jeans here.
Printed Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are great during and after pregnancy because the elongated silhouette not only hides all the unflattering swelling but it creates the illusion of slenderness. Don’t be tempted to get maxis that are fitted because they won’t sit right on the post baby bod. Opt for the dresses that are flowy from the hips down and have a waist-tie to bring the shape back to the look and keep you from looking like a potato sack.
The prints and colours are just more fun and feeling pretty can mean the world to new mums. It also means that stains from your new little bundle of joy are less obvious.
Check out the fun collection from Diane von Furstenberg:
Slip On Shoes
Let’s face it – most of those shoes (and by that I mean stilettos) you had in that enviable collection of yours either won’t fit anymore or you still need time for the swelling to die down. You probably haven’t worn heels since the second trimester. You may have attempted to squeeze those swollen lumps into your favourite pair of Aquazurra’s only to make it out the front door and retreat back for Birkenstocks. Yep – guilty. My effort to look like the sartorial pregnant goddess was a fail.
Slip on shoes are easy to get on and off and if you’re really nifty at shopping then you can find a pair of sneakers that also convert into slip-ons. I have my eye on a pair of Gucci’s at the moment that does exactly that. Did someone say push present?
Check out the selection of slip-on shoes here.
Check out the selection of sneakers here if you want the foolproof way of looking effortless.
Button Up Shirts
Button up shirts are great for mums who are breastfeeding and need to wear nursing singlets but are too self conscious to be wearing just that. Throwing an open button up shirt can come in handy when you need to cover up and layer. If you plan on wearing just a shirt then it’s also easy when the time comes to feed your little bean without having to strip everything off.
Two of my favourite brands known for their quality button down shirts are Equipment and Rails. Check out the full range of shirts here.
Oversized Sunglasses
When your baby decides to have one (or ten) of those days where nothing you do will keep them happy and you have a sleep deficit that’s starting to send you loopy then invest in a pair of good oversized shades. Chances are you won’t have time to slap on a full face of makeup to conceal those dark circles so save yourself and others from seeing a walking zombie – haha.
Check out the selection of shades here.
Carry-All Tote Bag
Let’s face it, when you become a mom – who the hell can get away with those small clutches and shoulder bags when they have diapers, bottles and blankets to think about. I’ve naturally been someone who carries half of my life around so upsizing the bag is a no brainer. If you invest in the right totes then you won’t need the dowdy diaper bag and still look chic.
Check out the selection of totes here.
To all the moms out there, what are some of your wardrobe essentials?
Check out my pregnancy related posts here.
