Quick ancedote: So this one time I went to Miami with some girlfriends and on the way home I checked my breast pump at the last second. All was good. I had one less thing to carry. And then our flight was delayed. And then our flight was cancelled. And then I learned that my pump was under some plane that was not going anywhere anytime soon. And it wasn’t until 12 painful hours later that I arrived home and had to wake my sweet baby from his slumber because I was literally busting at the seam. Moral of the story. Don’t ever check your pump. Ok, back to your regularly scheduled program….

You know your kids have gotten the best of you when you look at clothes in two categories: nursing friendly or…. not. It’s been over a year since I’ve worn a dress like this. Why? Because there is no boob access, that’s why. And don’t get me started about nursing in the winter. That’s challenge in itself. Peeling back layers, hoisting up bulky sweaters, cold air hitting your mid-section – the struggle real. Worth it, but real. Over the years, I found an outfit formula that seems to work and doesn’t scream “nursing top”. No. Regular, everyday clothes will do if you find the right ones. I figured I would share some of my go-to nursing friendly tops and the secret weapon that sucks everything in.

Soft Slouchy Top + High Waist Pants

It really doesn’t get much easier than that. You are wowed aren’t you. I know. Rocket science. But for me, the most important thing I look for in a nursing-friendly top, is ample flow and a lightweight material. And the surprising brand that is actually super nursing friendly? FREE PEOPLE! Known for their laid-back, oversized silhouettes, they are my favorite brand to wear postpartum (and no, they are not paying me to say this!). And my other secret? High-waisted pants. They keep everything sucked in and provide more belly coverage for when you are lifting your top to swoop the baby under. The pants I am wearing are super high rise and come in ripped and non ripped styles. I’m about to say something pretty bold: If I had to wear one outfit for the rest of my life, this one might be it. Breastfeeding or not.

Basically, if you can move in it, you can nurse in it. Am I right? And because the neck in this particular style is super wide, I wear either a nursing tank underneath or in these photos I’m wearing this Calvin Klein racerback bralette.

Here are some of my top pick for nursing friendly/postpartum tops:

Photos by Alison Cornell