If there’s anything I’ve learned about being pregnant it’s that dressing a 8 and 9 month baby bump is no easy feat. However, you know what’s even harder? Dressing a postpartum baby bump. Because let’s face it — after you have a baby, most of us still have a 6 month bump to cover for quite some time and then even more of us have some extra fluff we gained that doesn’t just fly off when the baby is born.

After I had my son, Cameron I realized that while dressing my massive baby belly was challenging, it’s nowhere near as challenging as dressing myself when I was too small for maternity pants, but still too big for my regular jeans. I mean what a conundrum I was in. I had no idea it would be so challenging. I was also under the assumption that all that weight would just magically disappear after my baby was born and that breastfeeding would help me get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

I was wrong on both accounts.

After having my third son, Carter, I knew better. I knew I would need a handful of items to get me through the next 6 months (at least) of dressing my postpartum self, but still feel good about what I saw in the mirror.

I found a few items that have really helped me transition from pregnancy to postpartum. And while I still am about 10 pounds shy of my pre-pregnancy weight, these clothing items have helped me feel good in this tender season of postpartum.

What You Need to Dress Your Postpartum Body

A Flowy Top

I’ve found a couple tops from Target that are AMAZING. They fit loosely and comfortably, yet are still flattering and looks great on most body types. I am 5’2 and very much on the heavier end of being so short ( hello, postpartum). So I have fallen in love with Mossimo tank tops, but Target is discontinuing it’s Mossimo line so it’s hard to come across these tanks any more. However,  I found these that are super similar!

Flowy Top from Target

A Good Pair of Leggings

What woman doesn’t love leggings? And let me tell you they were not only my go-to during pregnancy, but definitely during postpartum life. They’re comfortable, go with mostly anything, can be worn during any season and keep your goods hidden. My personal favorite pair of leggings are the Lululemon Wunder Unders. However, I realize that they’re totally out of most people’s budget (they are mine too unless I plan and splurge on them). So if you’re not in the market to spend a hefty amount on a pair of leggings these Tesla leggings from Amazon will do the trick too. I really like them because they’re functional, high waisted and match everything!

Tesla High Waisted Leggings

A Rockin’ Bra

Regardless of if you breastfeed or not,  your ladies are usually large and in charge temporarily postpartum and long term if you decide to nurse. A good bra is an absolute MUST for postpartum daily life. Not only for comfort sake as the rest of you is still healing and your breasts are just overwhelming and in the way — you really need a good bra to keep them where they’re supposed to be. Go get fitted by your local bra shop for the best fit if you can. And if you’re nursing I highly recommend these nursing bras from Cake Maternity— they’re affordable, cute and are the best I’ve found out there!

Nursing Bra From Cake Maternity

A Supportive Tank

I love a good cami or tank top. I wear one every single day under every shirt. And especially after having a baby. It helps me feel put together and “in place” so to speak. And if you’re nursing? It helps when breastfeeding in public to keep things in check and not have your goods all hanging out, but still makes it easy to nurse when you’re out by simply lifting your top and having your cami underneath. I’ve found the shelf tanks from Shoptiques.com and this nursing tank from Amazon are my go-to’s.

A Positive Attitude

Postpartum is hard. And even with all the best pieces of clothing you can find what you need most is a positive attitude. Remember that your body was the home for a tiny human being for NINE MONTHS. You nourished the growth of another human for several months and then delivered that human into this world. That is no easy feat, so please remember to give yourself some grace. Love your body in every stage it’s in — pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum and the several months and years to follow where your days will be filled caring for a tiny human(s).

Remember momma that your journey postpartum is just like any other one. It’s filled with ups, downs, highs and lows. And having a few essentials in your repertoire will help just a little bit!