What to wear to sleep during breastfeeding
As a new mom, you probably already know that getting as much rest as you can is now more important than ever. You need to get enough sleep for several reasons: to improve breast milk production, to become physically well-rested, for your mental health, and to better care for your little one.
The problem is that newborns need to feed every 2-3 hours. And as they grow older, they’ll still need to feed at least once a night. This means whatever sleepwear you go for needs to be comfortable while also allowing for quick access when you need to feed your little one.
So what should you wear to sleep during breastfeeding? There are a lot of comfortable options to choose from. From breastfeeding pajamas to tank tops to nursing night dresses and even nursing bras. While the need to breastfeed your little one is the most important thing to consider, do not sacrifice comfort for function.
This guide will highlight all the different things you can wear to sleep during breastfeeding:
1. A nursing bra
Some nursing bras are specially designed for your comfort as you sleep. Get a soft nursing bra that offers the right amount of support without being too tight. Sleeping in a nursing bra is practical if you are big-chested or if you often deal with leaks at night and need to wear nursing pads. Avoid bras that have underwires or anything that is too tight to prevent clogged ducts.
2. Breastfeeding pajamas
Breastfeeding pajamas are pajamas that have been designed to make breastfeeding at night a little easier. They come in a traditional shirt-and-bottom style. However, they do not have any buttons and feature an adjustable camisole top instead.
3. Nursing nightdress
The best nursing nightdresses are designed to clip open to release your breast whenever you need to breastfeed. Get one that is also unrestrictive in the tummy area with no waistband. This is exactly what you need if you have recently given birth or if you had a c-section.
4. Tank tops
Tank tops are a great choice for warmer weather. All you have to do is wear a loose tank top, which you would then have to pull up to nurse. However, if you want to avoid the discomfort of exposing your stomach to the cold night air, get one that can stretch out so you can pop your breast out.
5. Button-down pajama tops
This is a great choice when the weather is a bit cold. They are designed to keep you warm at night. When you need to breastfeed, all you have to do is undo a couple of buttons to let out your breast. Once you are done, simply button everything back up.
6. A V-neck or scoop-neck t-shirt
T-shirts are famously casual and comfortable. Go for a shirt with a larger neck to allow you to easily pull down the neck to pop out your breast. One made with a material that is blended with lycra or polyester will also offer more bounce in the fabric, ensuring that the neck does not stretch out too much.
What not to wear to sleep as a breastfeeding mom
Whatever option you choose to go for, you need to ensure that it is not too tight. This is especially important during those first few weeks when you are at higher risk of experiencing clogged ducts and engorgement.
Because of this, regular bras, sports bras, bras that are too tight, and bras that have underwires are out. If it is designed to prevent your breasts from moving about freely, avoid it.
Wearing tight outfits around your breasts can lead to clogged ducts. Clogged ducts can turn into a condition called mastitis, which is extremely painful and uncomfortable. If you have noticed that certain areas of your breasts are red, sore, or warm, and if you are also experiencing flu-like symptoms at the same time, consult your doctor.
Additionally, when you wear something too tight or restricting, it may affect your milk supply. This is pretty common during the first few weeks of breastfeeding when a lot of moms struggle with a low milk supply. Switching to something loose and comfortable while nursing frequently has been shown to help remedy this issue.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, choosing what to wear to sleep is not difficult. The most important thing to think about is how comfortable and how practical your choice is. You should be able to easily access your breasts even when half asleep in pitch darkness. With the options outlined here, doing this should be quite easy. Good luck!
