Ain't No Mom Jeans

Let's Talk Boobs For a Sec. I mean BRAS. (and fit issues)

Mamas, the end is near.  I have been either nursing or pregnant since 2007.  (Actually, that should be our new slogan here at ANMJ: "NURSING OR PREGNANT SINCE 2007!")

But Pax is now over two.  And while he's not weaned juuuust yet...the reality is that his nursing is pretty sporadic.  I recognize the signs, Mamas.  They've been here for a while.  I'll be lucky if I can stretch it out for a few more weeks at this point.

Therefore, it's time to take care of bidniss.  Specifically, my bra situation.  I have a few once-great nursing bras (most featured here), that are now stretched beyond all recognition.  So on a Friday night a couple of months ago, I wandered into Victoria's Secret.  (And by wandered, I mean that I tricked my husband into meeting me at the mall, then left him and the kids there next to 5 Guys.)

I didn't want to spend a ton of money - especially since 'the girls' will be in a state of flux as Pax tapers off.  Once I stop nursing, I...I can't even talk about it.  It's like my life's purpose will be gone.  (cue tragic music)

Ok.  Back to Victoria's Secret:  Basically I walked in and they pounced.  They started by asking what my 'needs' were (I tried to stick to the general topic of 'bras' and not immediately launch into a detailed list starting with "Poop ALONE")...and then quickly whipped out the measuring tape and wrapped it around my general chest area.  "Uh, um.." I stammered.  "I'm wearing three tops and this sweater is kind of chunk-"  Nobody cared.  They pronounced me a D.  Maybe a C.  And "probably, like, a 34".  And suggested that I would "really, really love" their push-up bras.  Hunh.

Found! Racerback/Convertible Nursing Bra

I have a serious problem with most nursing lingerie.  Particularly since I've been wearing it for about 4-1/2 years.  And, aside from the beautiful options S. has made it her quest to find, this stuff is ugly, and not all that functional in a non-puritan's wardrobe of drapey, bosom-baring and otherwise skimpy in some way, tops. 

I mean, why do most nursing bras cover you to your collar bones?  Is a little jiggle not okay once you're a mama?  Is showing cleavage, even if it is lactation-induced, a no-no?  (BOOOO! from the Hub's peanut gallery.)  And why is it so difficult to find a nursing bra that can be worn with (gasp!) tanks and racerbacks?  I mean, these are--ahem--assets, purchased not with cash, but (literally) with blood, sweat and tears, so I think we mamas have earned a right to work it for all it's worth while we've got it, which is why I was THRILLED when I gift card power-shopped the Motherhood Maternity section of a Babies-R-Us a few weeks ago and found this cheapy little gem, which, for some crazy reason, is not even advertised as a convertible nursing bra. 

Reader Question: How To Do Strapless Dresses and Tops While Nursing

 

Reader Question:

I'm about to have my second son and am very excited for summer outings with the boys. I love strapless dresses and tops with cute empire waists (to hide the baby pudge and stay cool), but I have no idea how to do the whole "nursing bra with a strapless top/dress" thing. Do they make strapless nursing bras? Do I just use a regular strapless bra and flip it down? We also have a few weddings to attend, so a strapless bra is going to be a pretty major staple in my summer wardrobe.

Love your ideas and insight. And I, too, am a Denver girl, so I feel your pain, longing for spring and summer! I'm over the winter maternity blahs!

Thanks,

Jen

Answer:

Hi Jen!  Thanks for writing in!  Yes - they do make strapless nursing bras.  They look like this:

The above bra is La Leche League's Strapless Nursing Bra.  Attractive?  No.  Supportive?  Nope.  Can you nurse in it?  Not...really.  I actually reviewed this little number a couple of years ago, in the Best Nursing Bras For Summer article.

10 Gorgeous Nursing Bras (And The Best Places To Find Them)

Happy Valentine's Day, Mamas!  Valentine's Day is a perfect time to chat about something near and dear to my heart:  nice lingerie (hello, La Perla!).  I looooove nice lingerie.  In fact, before R was born, I had amassed quite the collection of tiny, 32-AA bras.   

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Since R was born, my now-saggy C-cups and I feel the urge to throw a pity party around Valentine's Day for the boxes of pretty pretties we no longer wear...but this year, we decided to round up a few (ok, TEN) of our very favorite nursing bras.  These are so gorgeous you'll want to wear them long after you stop nursing.   (Unless, of course, you wear them to death like we do, and then they end up stained and shapeless.  But you get the idea.)

What To Wear Under Racerback Tops and Dresses

Reader Question:

Hi! First of all, I love your blog. It has truly helped me re-do my "mom-drobe" and get back to looking like a regular person.

I love these racer back tank tops (pictured at left from madewell.com), but I never know what to wear under them. I usually do a strapless bra, but I feel like I need something else because the arm holes are usually really big and reveal most of the bra, not to mention someone could sneak a peak at my back/belly flab :)

Should I layer another tank underneath? If so, does that have to be racer back as well, but tighter? Do I try to find a tube top or something? Help!

Thanks!!
-Julie

Answer:

Julie - LOVE your taste in tops.  I'm also a huge Madewell fan - a perfect place to look for non "mom-drobe" items.  And I think I'm going to have to steal your phrase "mom-drobe".  Look for it in future posts.  :)

In terms of what to put under a racerback....try one of the following strategies:

Our Sexy Tips on Rookie Moms

Rookie Moms asked us to guest post on easy ways to make moms feel sexy...just in time for Valentine's Day! 

 When the topic of sex (or sexy) comes up, I always find it helpful to chat with my husband.  Not only does he always have an opinion on this topic, but it is usually something very simple and to the point.  When asked what “items” a mom could wear to look sexier, his response (after the eye-roll) can best be summarized by the punch-line of the old joke: “Show up naked.  Bring beer.”

But….the problem, as I see it, is that sexiness is just as much about a feeling as it is about a certain look.  Yes, we can show up naked (with beer), and we love that you guys just look past poochy stomaches and saggy boobs and merely focus on the fun that’s about to start….but for us (or me, at least) it’s not so easy.  I need to feel it.

Click here to read the rest of the article and to see our easy tips on adding a little something-something to your wardrobe. 

Also check out the "sexy police" link at the bottom of the article.  Double bonus points to any of you that can actually rock this look.  LOL

xo,

S

Easy, Last Minute "Lingerie" For a Romantic Night In

When I was first married, I made it a rule to always wear sexy little nighties to bed.  After several months of this nonsense (in my defense I was only 23), I crashed into bed after working late wearing an old ratty t-shirt of my husband's.  He immediately rolled over, eyed me up and said, "Oooo...what's this little number?" without a trace of sarcasm.  Or irony.  Needless to say, the sexy little nighties were relegated to the back of the closet.

The morale of this story?  Don't underestimate the power of change. Something different, something novel can be very, very sexy.  Even if it's a ratty old t-shirt.  It's the frequency that matters.

I suspect, however, that most of us spend more time than we'd like to admit in a ratty old t-shirt. So clearly, I'm not going to advise any mom to show up this Valentine's Day by wearing - surprise!!! - the ratty, spit-up stained t-shirt and sweatpants your man has been looking at for months.  Unless you want to whip them off right then and there and do a burning-of-the-sweatpants ritual that involves lots of naked sweaty dancing.  Cause if that's what you had in mind then yeah, go ahead.  He'll love it. 

But for the rest of us, if you want to try and have a special Valentine's Day (it is on a weekend, after all), but don't want to spend the rest of this week dragging a toddler into Victoria's Secret dressing rooms (and you've already missed the online ordering cut-off)....let me offer an easy alternative: 

Items in this set:
Gilligan & O’Malley® Ultimate 1-pc. Cami : Target, $9.08
Women's shoes/bags: Michael Antonio Torrance - Black, $25
The wear-everywhere push-up bra, $32
NEW! Peek-a-boo ribbon cheeky satin panty, $26
Graffiti Rhumba

Consider this set a DIY version of lingerie.  Find some cute, sexy panties (you probably already have some, but if not you can easily find them anywhere from Target to Neimans), pair with a little cami and add your flirtiest pair of high heels.

Saggy chest?  Add a push-up bra.

Poochy stomach?  Use a swing-y tank.

Cellulite on your bum?  Don't look in the mirror.  It's all about attitude anyway. 

You can even use your old nursing cami, if necessary.  Between the sexy panties, the high heels, and the sheer novelty of Holy Crap!  No sweatpants!  you are guaranteeing yourself an, "Oooo...what's this little number?"

xo,

S