I never thought I would ever, ever say it. But I am probably tossing out all my old clothes. And I am going to be investing in some new pieces of timeless pieces of clothing over the next few months. Why?
Because almost everything I have and love is from before I had kids.
And what’s worse than not having clothes you love is having clothes you love, but that you don’t feel great to be yourself in. I am confident, but starting my day off every single morning not feeling confident in my own body is not what I want to dwell on first thing in the morning. And I have come to the opinion that every mom should get a new wardrobe after baby. And there are several reasons why.
This post is a part of our postpartum encouragement series!
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Why every mom needs to buy new clothes after giving birth
Here’s the thing, I am not advocating ditching all of your clothes necessarily, and most definitely not the first day, week, or month after labor. However, I have kept clothes that I loved from before I ever had any kids hoping to one day fit back into those clothes. But the reality was I was just getting sad about not wearing them again, forgetting that the body I now rocked was one that brought two babies into this world, has made milk and provided nourishment for 3 years, and has hauled those kids around in wraps, ring slings, and carriers like a pack mule.
So last month I decided it was time for new clothes. I am six months in to my second child. And while my body will inevitably change even without a prospect of future children right now, I also know that the maternity jeans I wore the day I was in labor still don’t fit. Why? Because my hips, my BONE structure is different from pushing a child out of me. And that’s ok. Because I may have the same size waist as I did pre-baby number two but instead of being a size 2, I am rocking the size 8. But it’s just a number, so I am not too torn up about it. Â (And before anyone comments about my size, please know, this is all about loving your body for what it is. I am petite and always have been. So this transition for me is no less difficult and I applaud the women both larger and smaller than I).
You aren’t the same woman, so why should you expect to have the same body?
Even if you get right back into shape and are even the exact same size, there are other markers of what it means to be a mom. And I am not just talking stretch marks. Everything from the extreme agape you had never experienced before to the pride you felt to have this little being be added to your family. I personally decided I needed a new wardrobe to reflect my new personality as well. One that is a little more carefree and not so uptight about the world and one that has a sense of adventure, because every day with kids is an adventure.
Breastfeeding is a whole lot easier with the right clothing.
This is not to say breastfeeding is easy. Â I am pretty sure I had cracks and sores that bled for nearly 4 months with my first. But in all honesty, tugging and stretching out clothes not meant to be stretched is both awkward and something that makes you feel even sadder for your wardrobe in the end. And then pulling up your shirt only to expose part of yourself you’d rather keep hidden is also a little frazzling, especially in the beginning. Plus, who needs something else to fumble around with when you’re about to fumble your baby from your not-so-perfected football hold?
Because puke & stains happen.Â
I don’t want to get spit up on or puked on at any point. But there are just some clothes that are pre-baby that are worse in such situations. Choosing a wardrobe of dark colors as a mom is typically a pretty good idea, but at the very least, dry cleaned clothes typically are a no-go with little one running about.
A few great pieces are much better than a lot of uninspiring ones.Â
I want to wake up each day with determination, motivation, and positivity. And it’s amazing what just getting dressed can do for me on those days. But opening a closet full of clothes that I feel like don’t inspire me, make me feel beautiful like I know I am in His image, or that make me want to wear a smile for my day just makes me feel worse.
Stretch your comfort zone.
It’s ok to find an entirely new style and it’s ok to simply update what you were already rocking. Either way, sometimes one or two pieces that look great on you that you otherwise wouldn’t have tried on or even picked up might be a fresh way to view yourself. I LOVE stitch fix for this. I can tell then my price range, my style preferences, and “who I am”, but ultimately I am not the one picking out the items. They send them to me with a styling card and I get to try thing on at home, keep what I love, and send back what I don’t.
Don’t go in it alone.Â
Whether you are with a friend or taking pictures of potential pieces of clothing, make sure you get some opinions. Because, the reality is when I go out to look for a fresh start I may buy something I regret because I was looking for something different. When in reality I went a bit overboard. (This is just one more reason I adore stitch fix. I can not only get stylists to tell me ideas that look great, but I can also post pictures asking my friends what I should keep.)
Leave the kids behind.
An afternoon out without the kids can give you some time to browse. While I took my daughters with me once and we survived, I felt a little more stressed and pressured than I should have. So whether you are doing a girls’ outing, getting a mini shopping vacation, or ordering a stitch fix box, just don’t stress yourself out!
Finally, go slow.
Getting a new wardrobe after baby is not an instant process. Like Rome wasn’t built in a day and babies aren’t born immediately, there is a process of discovering your new body and new clothing preferences. Don’t dump your entire wardrobe and replace it all in one day or even one month. It took nine months for your body to change with each child. So move out some of the oldest first while rotating in some new items. This is just one more reason I advocate shopping through stitch fix. I know you’re already probably thinking “yes, she loves stitch fix” … but really. I do. I can set up a new box to come each month, every other month, or every three months. This means I am slowly moving the old out while ushering in a few ews pieces
Like this post? Watch my quick video on 5 genius ways to make regular clothes breastfeeding friendly.
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 5 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
Heather G. @ Golden Reflections Blog
I love that outfit! I definitely plan on trying out StitchFix after baby. I am the same way, most of my clothes are from before kids and I just need some new, NICE things.
Kara Carrero
Thanks Heather. You definitely should try it. It’s so frustrating trying to reconcile baby body and pre-baby clothes and wanting them to look the same when they just physically can’t!