Last week, I read an email from a reader named J. that struck close to home…

“Our baby is in the NICU. He’s doing well, but I wish we could be home recovering in our nest. Instead, my husband and I go to the hospital every day. I want to feel like myself during matrescence, but I don’t know how to dress to be out in the wild while my body is still recovering. It’s not pregnant but it is pregnant-looking. There are only so many days in a row I can wear maternity leggings (which I hate) and big button-up shirts (which I love!). I’m exclusively pumping, too, so I need easy access to my breasts. Any advice?”

———

When I read your email, J., I teared up, because I was in the same situation last December. My son, Emiliano, was born seven weeks early and ended up spending 28 days in the NICU.

Before his arrival, I dreamed about my husband Max, our toddler Ella, and I bringing Emiliano home and adjusting to our new life as a family of four. In the mornings, we’d snuggle up next to the roaring fireplace. In the afternoons, we’d take stroller walks to feed the goats at our neighbor’s farm. At night, we’d sing lullabies in their bedroom. Instead, we spent our first month in the hospital, sitting on cold, plastic chairs, reading chapters from Stuart Little to Emiliano, as he slept in his isolette.

During that very shaky, hectic time, I relied on little things to ground me: sipping caramel lattes from Peet’s Coffee, singing Christmas carols on the drives to the hospital, watching Survivor while pumping in the middle of the night, and wearing clothes that felt good on my freshly postpartum body. Below are a few pieces I really loved, plus a few I wish I’d had…

Long cardigan. This duster cardigan is the only thing I wanted to wrap myself in on the days when I was feeling frazzled and sore. It was long enough to cover my butt when my maternity leggings got saggy and faded after wearing them almost every day.

Button-up dress. This flannel dress is comfy, allows access to breasts, and sings fall. It would make such a sweet “welcome home” outfit.

Denim overalls. After living in stretchy pants for eight months, my body CRAVED the weight and structure of jeans. I wore these baggy overalls religiously until I could fit back into my pre-baby denim.

Soft nursing tank. When I think of nursing tops, I picture boring, practical shirts. This jersey tank gives great support but comes in six colors, including a pretty floral or punchy red.

Sweater pants. Knit pants are as comfortable as leggings, but I actually want to be seen in them.

Roomy shirt. This oversized rugby drapes loosely around your waist and has lots of space to comfortably pump under (even with manual and plug-in pumps.)

Cozy pajamas. You asked for recs that you could wear out and about, but after a long day at the hospital, all I ever wanted to do was take a shower and pull on these postpartum pjs. They fit softly over my engorged breasts and bloated stomach, and they still fit and feel incredible 10 months later.

Thoughts? What postpartum pieces would you recommend? J., we are sending so much love to you and your sweet baby.

P.S. 10 ways to help a new mom and going from one kid to two.

Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We recommend only products we genuinely like. Thank you so much.