I remember trying to shop for a nursing dress 5 years ago soon after my daughter’s birth. My good friend from college had asked me to be her baby’s godmother and participate in her daughter’s baptism ceremony. I rummaged through my closet and found I had absolutely nothing to wear. My “regular” clothes did not fit and my maternity clothes made me look pregnant.

I could buy a dress in a larger size but dresses were impractical for nursing. I looked online in hopes of finding some cute nursing dresses but all I came across were a few frumpy floral nursing dresses that looked like something out of the 1960’s and not the kind Jackie O would wear. I eventually settled for the least frumpy nursing dress I could find, but it definitely was not my style and not super flattering on my postpartum lactating body.

Luckily nursing fashion has come a long way in the past five years. Today’s nursing mothers are especially lucky because there are so many great nursing styles to choose from that you can find your look no matter how casual or dressy you need to be. Here are a few personal favorites in nursing dress styles:

Maternal America’s Nursing Dress is an all purpose stylish nursing dress that doubles as maternity dress. This sleeveless dress is a tank style with wide bra friendly straps. Nursing access is discreet from under the front cross over design. Gentle ruching through the bust gives a flowing stylish look. The ruching below the bust area disguises a postpartum belly or gives plenty of room for an expanding pregnant belly. This dress comes in several colors and can be layered with a cardigan or jacket for cooler weather.

If looking for a softer sleeker look, then check out Japanese Weekend’s Organic D&A Maternity/Nursing Dress. This dress is made from 100% soft organic cotton will stretch where it needs to while hugging your curves. The V neck cross over design is both flattering and easy for nursing. The hem hits above the knee to show a little leg and give an overall chic fit and look. This dress comes in both solid black and earth colors.

If you prefer a casual but elegant style, then take a look at 1 in the Oven’s Beach Maternity Dress. This dress can be worn as a cover-up to the beach or pool or worn simply as a dress to a romantic dinner. The stretchy gauze fabric gives this maxi dress an effortless elegant look that can be worn dressy or casual. The front button closures give easy access for nursing. This maternity/nursing dress comes in white, mud pie or summer blue.

Japanese Weekend also makes a great double neck maxi dress that can be worn for both maternity and nursing. This tribal print dress can be worn to any office any time of the year. The double neck design works perfectly for nursing while offering a pretty neckline. The empire waist gives a nice fit to the upper body and the fabric is just the right weight for the maxi style which prevents tenting and looks good on both pregnancy and after.

If you are looking for a funky floral knee length dress that you can wear to the office or out on the town anytime of the year, then check out Japanese Weekend’s Flowered D&A Maternity/Nursing Dress. This “During and After” dress has everything you need for pregnancy and beyond. You have easy nursing access from the pretty ruffled double layer scoop neck design. The empire waist hugs the smallest part of your body for an overall slimming effect. The shorter length gives a hip look that is still long enough to wear to work.

So whether you prefer a print or a sold, a knee length or a maxi, a dressy or a casual look, there are many styles to choose from. Check out other styles from these same designers and you will be sure to find the perfect look for any occasion whether you are pregnant or nursing your baby.

Author Bio: Kyra Demartini is a senior stylist for store Tummystyle.com selling maternity clothes, maternity dresses & nursing dresses by Maternal America,Japanese Weekend, 1 in the Oven, BelaBumBum & Majamas.

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: maternity clothes,dresses,nursing dresses,nursing,women,pregnancy,pregnant,clothes,maternity dresses