Do you really need nursing clothes for breastfeeding?

Do you need nursing clothes?
No, you don't need special nursing clothes! You could unzip, unbutton, or pull aside a regular top/dress. However, some moms prefer more coverage and either choose to wear nursing clothes, a nursing cover, or opt for the "two-shirt method." 

What is the "two-shirt method?"
If you're looking for more coverage while nursing in regular clothes, you can try the "two-shirt method." This works by wearing a regular shirt AND a nursing tank or cami underneath. Simply pull-up the regular shirt and pull down the tank. Your stomach, back, sides, and breasts stay covered.

This method works well for more coverage but can get really HOT in the summer. It's also pretty difficult to lift-up the bottom of a shirt while baby-wearing (the baby is essentially lying on top of your shirt). Also, when you pull-up the shirt, all the fabric bunches on top of the breast making it difficult to nurse (especially with heavier fabrics like sweatshirts).

What about a nursing cover?
You could buy a cover specifically designed as a "nursing cover", or you could use a scarf or small blanket/swaddle. Covers can get pretty hot for both mom and baby in the summer. That's one reason some babies hate being covered and will continuously yank it down.  

How do nursing clothes work?
Nursing clothes are designed with several different openings near the breasts. The majority either have lift-up flaps, pull-aside openings, or hidden zippers.  

My experience with nursing clothes:
I used the "two-shirt method" for several months before I bought my first "nursing" shirt. Amazing!! Breastfeeding in public was so much easier and not as HOT! I felt more confident! No one could even tell I was nursing.

I was hooked! But then I started shopping around and realized there weren't a lot of options for super cute, loose fitting, cotton (non-clingy) nursing clothes that looked great wash after wash. 

So, I ditched my career in TV news and started Nursing Queen to help moms like me. To learn more about that, click here. 

Nursing clothes really aren't necessary, but if you're on the fence, take it from me - invest in a few nursing pieces (even if it's not from Nursing Queen). It will make your life easier, and you will feel so much better about getting out of the house! 

XOXO, 
Quinn

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