Make the most from your maternity wardrobe: yummy mummies wear nursing tops

After hearing that you are expecting a baby it is natural to want to save every penny you can. Maternity wear can be viewed as an unnecessary expense when the clothing is only going to be worn for a few months. But nursing tops are not a wasteful purchase; they will make life easier throughout and after your pregnancy, and you can relax knowing you will get your money’s worth.

With so many maternity designs available to pregnant women these days, it’s no longer right to believe that being pregnant must mean you compromise your comfort or your style. Most high-street brands offer maternity lines and there are a huge range of specialist maternity stores and labels putting your needs first. So you’re certain to found something you like, but is it worth buying it for a few months?

There isn't any set date to start wearing a nursing top or other maternity wear, many women wear their regular clothes for most of their pregnancy, unbuttoning their trousers or jeans and putting on loose fitting tops. But if you invest sooner rather than later you will get your money’s worth and will be able to enjoy the comfort which maternity and nursing wear can offer. So when the time has come to step towards the maternity section, this is our guide to the essentials you will need in your wardrobe.

A nursing top is one of the best buys you will make during your pregnancy. Selecting a nursing top will gently hug your belly rather than completely drowning your shape, which is the effect that plus size, loose fitting or men’s clothing can give. Look for nursing tops in breathable cotton or with elastic, spandex or Lycra for stretch. Nursing tops which stretch aren't only the most comfy, but they will be wearable for the entire pregnancy (and afterwards) through all of your shapes and sizes. Another advantage to wearing a nursing top is that they are longer in the body, so they will cover your bump no matter how big it gets!

Modern day nursing tops offer a huge range of feeding possibilities too. Maternity/nursing tops are excellent investments because they will last you throughout your baby’s breastfeeding stage as well as your pregnancy. There are thousands of types out there with special concealed nursing openings, ideal for breastfeeding in public or in a hurry. Access in nursing tops can be gained from the empire line, side seam, neckline, or front for example, so there is bound to be one to suit you and your baby. They can be so concealed that it is impossible to see the fabric join when not breastfeeding. Because of how successfully hidden the openings are, and because nursing tops are designed not only for pregnancy but afterwards too, they have enough stretch to be worn whether your belly is about to pop or completely flat! So you can wear your nursing top indefinitely, not only for 9 months.

Nursing dresses are a great alternative to nursing tops if you are one of the many women who find trousers and jeans uncomfortable during pregnancy. Wear with opaque black maternity tights to take you through autumn and winter.

Maternity jeans or trousers are not as essential to your pregnancy, but elasticated waistbands are great in the comfort stakes. But if you truly want to make the most of your pregnancy wardrobe then select a belly band. The inexpensive elasticated wide belts can cover your bump to prevent accidentally flashing it if your nursing tops ride up, and they also offer support to your bump from underneath. Belly bands are also perfect for hiding open trouser fastenings on those days where the fabric just won’t stretch!

So there are numerous options for looking stylish and feeling comfortable without feeling like you are throwing away money at a time when you need to save every penny you have. Nursing tops and belly bands will see you through a fashionable pregnancy, and nursing tops are stretchy enough for the entire breastfeeding stage and perhaps even afterwards. And you never know when you might need maternity wear again in the future anyway!