Postpartum Fashion: A Forgiving Shift Dress

I've never been one of those moms that snaps back into her pre-baby shape a few weeks after giving birth. If this one is anything like the last two it's going to take some real work to shed the extra weight I gained (as well as the residual weight from prior pregnancies) but that doesn't mean I should hide out in frumpy t-shirts until I get closer to my goal. 

One of my new favorite dresses for the rare date night or catching up over coffee with an old friend is this shift dress. It's not nursing friendly as it has a high neck but with a good three hour stretch between feedings these days it's worth the outfit change. It's also likely to work well belted and with sandals later this summer when I've gotten closer to my goal.

Pairing this with a structured coat has been easy with our cooler weather here in Colorado and helps break up attention in the mid-section area. You want to know another secret? I'm wearing a Belly Bandit. I bought something similar after Sebastian was born after my OBGYN suggested it would help my muscles return to their rightful places and provide back and core support while things got strong again. I forgot all about them when I had Ruby and ended up having to see a chiropractor after injuring my lower back. I've worn this one since the day after Smith was born and feel much more confident in my shape during this transition period as well as it's role in keeping me injury free as I begin working out again.

Summer is almost here and I'm finding myself feeling a little less nervous about shedding the layers as I do what I can to take care of my body. My focus is on eating mostly whole, unprocessed foods, exercising in ways that are both fun and effective, and finding pieces that will work with my postpartum silhouette. In the mean time I'm making peace with my softer shape and remaining thankful for the life and love it's added to our family. 

What are looking forward to wearing this summer? What pieces have you found that flatter your specific shape?

-Rachel

Outfit Details: Jacket, H&M. Shift dress c/o Ever Mi Crush. Boots, Nine West. Gold necklace c/o Gypsy Threads. BFF Belly Bandit, Amazon.

Comments

[Siobhan]

You look beautiful Rachel. Baby weight or no!

[Mish]

Gorgeous!

[Stephanie Loudmouth]

Belly Bandit! I'll have to keep that in mind when I have my first this fall!

[Sydney]

Beautiful, and I love that outfit!!

[Emily]

I am 16 weeks pregnant with my 3rd and I already can tell that this one is taking an early toll on this body of mine. Already look a month ahead! So this summer I am embracing the cotton sundress or maxi to stay cool and comfortable. I imagine that I will also use them come fall after baby comes just paired with boots and jean jackets... but you never know Missouri weather... we could still be in the 70's!!

[Ashley P]

Thank you for this post! I am one month postpartum with my second and I keep mentally beating myself up for not being out of maternity jeans yet. Your line about making peace with your softer shape helped bring me to my senses. :)

[Missi]

You look lovely! Thank you for this post!

I wore a belly bandit after my baby in September. It was so helpful in making me feel better in clothes (even though I was still wearing maternity shirts & pants), and it really did support my back and stomach. That was a HUGE blessing, because I got the flu just a few days after having the baby, and was coughing constantly for days. It was so good to have that support on my tummy when it felt like my body was falling apart.

I was a little worried that I was buying into a fad when I first got it, but now I swear by postpartum belly binding.

[Alicia]

You look so great and it's good to see you posting!

[Lesley]

Looking gooooood! Be kind to yourself, that body has done amazing things! xox

[teeny]

Hi Rachel, I've followed your blog for yonks but I don't think I've ever commented. I just wanted to say, that I've always found your writing refreshingly genuine in a blogosphere that has become so much about popularity and $$$. Yours doesn't communicate that to me, the popularity or $ thing. Even if a post is sponsored. You've always written quite frankly about after baby body; and many of us including me, can relate! It's a cute dress and I agree with you about not hiding out in teeshirts.

[Kate @ Songs Kate Sang]

You are so beautiful! Hugs.

[Kimbercrafts]

Rachel, I think you look fabulous, and your confidence shows! My belly is just starting to pop in my second pregnancy, so I have a summer full of maxi dresses and maternity clothes to look forward to. I have a few basics that I will remix as much as possible! :)

[Rhyea]

Hi Rachel, I just had my second son on March 11 (he was a week late so they broke my water when his heart rate dropped). Anyway, we are finally sorta settling in after lots of sleepless nights due to nursing issues and reflux and I realize that I have been hiding out in sweats and tees. I need to own my body's new shape. I loved it through the pregnancy changes as it carried and nurtured a new life and I need to love it now. I'll make peace with my softer shape too. Thanks!

[Heather Gray]

You're so beautiful Rachel! Thank you for sharing, I'll need these tips soon. It took real work for me the first time around, so I'm anticipating going through that again with my second. Lots of love to you beautiful mama!