Plus Size Nursing Nightgown

Advantages of a Plus Size Nursing Nightgown

Many women are undecided whether they should wear a special nursing nightgown or if they should just go back to wearing their pre-maternity sleepwear. With all the expenses that come with a new baby, it's easy to think that a nursing nightgown is an unnecessary expense. But having a few nursing nightgowns in your lingerie drawer can be very helpful for a nursing mom. Here's how:

• Easy access nursing – The design of a nursing gown lets your baby quickly start nursing. No buttons to fumble with in the middle of the night.
• Warmth – Only your breast is exposed, keeping your mid section and tummy warm while nursing.
• Post maternity tummy weight – Gowns are designed a little fuller in the front to accommodate any extra inches.

Selecting the Right Nightgown

The style and fabric of your gown will play a big role in how much enjoyment and convenience you experience. The least expensive gown may not always your best choice. The sexiest gown may not be the most practical.

Styles

• Maternity/nursing gowns – Some nightgowns are made large enough that you can start wearing them in the final months of your pregnancy and then continue wearing them for nursing after the birth. This "two-in-one" usage saves you money since you do not need to buy both a maternity gown and a nursing gown.
• Nursing-only gowns – The gowns are not sized for maternity wear; but, they are a little fuller in the tummy area to give you some extra room.

Nursing Openings

• Slits inside a front pleat – This is the opening style which is used in maternity/nursing gowns. A very full pleat in front provides the growth room for the tummy. Vertical slits are hidden inside the pleat for nursing.
• Cross-over front – This wrap style allows easy nursing access by pulling the gown down on the nursing breast. This gown always looks great, even when you are no longer nursing.
• Drop-cup – This nightgown has a bra-like top with a bra strap fastener that unhooks with one hand to let the top of the cup drop down for nursing. The bra style is very convenient for holding breast pads. This style provides breast support while sleeping and is very comfortable for larger breasted women.

Fabrics

Look for fabrics that:

• Stretch – You want to be able to easily pull the gown away from your breast before nursing and you want the gown to return to its original shape after you have finished nursing. A stretchy fabric will also be more comfortable when your breasts are particularly full. And, a stretchy fabric in a close-fitting gown may be all you need to hold your nursing pads.
• Are machine washable and dryable – You will find yourself needing to wash your gown frequently between breast leakage and baby accidents. A gown should wash and dry quickly.
• Are comfortable – Look for fabrics that make you feel and look your best. For some women, comfort comes with wearing a soft cotton gown with a little Spandex for stretch. Other women may like the feel of other fabrics against their skin. The key is to find a fabric you like that will wash and dry easily. Top your comfy nightgown off with a silk robe for a luxury feel.

Nursing Pads

Breastfeeding moms often find it more convenient and more comfortable if they can wear breast pads and have some breast support while wearing their nursing nightgown. The options are to wear a:

• Sleep bra under their nursing nightgown
• Nursing bra under their nursing nightgown
• Nursing nightgown with a built-in bra

A Few Practical Tips

• Have several nightgowns – Don't just buy one gown and expect to keep washing it. You'll enjoy having a replacement gown in the middle of the night when your new baby spits up or you wake up with a too-wet nursing pad.
• Bring several gowns to the hospital – This is a special time. Enjoy it in your own pretty gown instead of a hospital gown. And, it will look better in the pictures!

Where to Buy a Plus Size Nursing Nightgown

Plus size catalogs and online retailers are a great source for plus size nursing and maternity clothes:

• Motherwear – Wide assortment of fashions. Some items available to size 3X.
• Motherhood Maternity – Basic styles and moderately-priced; large selection to size 3X.
• Baby Becoming – Basic styles with maternity and some nursing; to size 6X.
• Woman Within – Basic styles that are low- to moderately priced; to size 5X.
• Maternity 4 Less – Current styles and discounted prices; to size 3X.
• Ample Mama Maternity – Canadian retailer with sizes available to 3X.
• Elizabeth Lee Designs – Patterns for plus size nursing and maternity to size 20.