Breastfeeding: Plan Ahead with the Right Grow-With-Me Wardrobe
The length of time a mother breastfeeds varies greatly from one woman to another: some breastfeed for 3 months, others for 2 years. If you’re not sure yet how long you’d like to breastfeed, one thing is certain: you deserve to feel comfortable and stylish every step of the way.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support moms no matter what their breastfeeding plans are. This guide helps you plan ahead with a smart wardrobe that adapts to your changing needs, without unnecessary purchases or wardrobe frustrations.
How long have you been breastfeeding?
Before you start putting together your wardrobe, here’s some background on the actual duration of breastfeeding in France.
Statistics in France
The percentage of mothers who breastfeed decreases over the months: 74 % upon leaving the maternity ward, 54 % at 3 months, 23 % at around 6 months 10 % at 12 months and around 5 % at 24 months.
What these figures mean for you
- You don't know how long you'll breastfeed —and that's perfectly normal! Most moms don't know either at first.
- Your journey may change —a mother who planned to breastfeed for 3 months might end up doing so for 18 months, and vice versa.
- There’s no need to plan everything out —a step-by-step approach works better.
Official recommendations
The World Health Organization recommends:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
- Continue breastfeeding until the child is 2 years old or older, in addition to introducing solid foods
But every journey is unique, and yours will be the right one for you and your baby.
The main stages of breastfeeding and what to wear
Each stage of breastfeeding brings different clothing needs. By planning ahead for these stages, you can make the right purchases at the right time.
Phase 1: Intensity (0–3 months)
This is the most demanding phase in terms of practical clothing choices.
What you're going through:
8 to 12 feedings per day and 3 to 5 nighttime feedings, with little predictability (on-demand feeding), all while dealing with fatigue and postpartum recovery.
Your clothing needs:
- Ultra-fast access: frequent and sometimes urgent feedings
- Silent feedings: nighttime feedings without waking the baby
- Ultimate comfort: you spend a lot of time breastfeeding
- Easy to clean: stains, spills, and frequent washing
Must-have items: Breastfeeding t-shirts , Breastfeeding pyjamas, soft tops with convenient openings.
Check out our Breastfeeding t-shirts that are soft and practical for this busy time.
Phase 2: Installation (3–6 months)
Breastfeeding is settling into a routine. Feedings are more spaced out and predictable.
What you're going through:
5 to 8 feedings a day and 1 to 3 nighttime feedings, with a more predictable schedule and an established routine. Outings are more frequent, and some mothers may have returned to work.
Your clothing needs:
- Versatility: home, outings, and work
- Discretion: more frequent breastfeeding in public
- Style: the desire to feel like "yourself" again
- Professionalism: When Returning to Work
Must-have items: Subtle tops for the office, elegant blouses, nursing tops.
Discover our nursing tops that are both stylish and discreet.
Phase 3: Balance (6–12 months)
The introduction of solid foods begins, but breastfeeding remains important.
What you're going through:
3 to 5 feedings a day, scheduled around key times (morning, evening, night, comfort feeding), while maintaining an active lifestyle with a variety of outings. Flexibility becomes your top priority.
Your clothing needs:
- Flexibility: occasional breastfeeding, not a permanent arrangement
- Confident style: clothes that don't "look" like nursing wear
- Durable quality: these parts have already seen a lot of use
Key pieces: Elegant dresses, tops with hidden slits.
Phase 4: Extended breastfeeding (12+ months)
Breastfeeding becomes a time for bonding rather than just a nutritional necessity.
What you're going through:
1 to 3 feedings a day at key times (morning, evening, comfort feeding), usually at home. Your priority: discretion and timeless style.
Your clothing needs:
- Complete discretion: don’t “look like” you’re breastfeeding
- Timeless pieces: wearable even after weaning
- Premium quality: a worthwhile investment
Must-have pieces: Wrap tops, wrap dresses, classic pieces.
Summary table: requirements by phase
| Phase | Duration | Feedings per day | Priority | Key components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensity | 0–3 months | 8–12 | Comfort, convenience | T-shirts, pajamas |
| Installation | 3–6 months | 5–8 | Versatility, discretion | Office tops, blouses |
| Balance | 6–12 months | 3–5 | Style, flexibility | Dresses, elegant tops |
| Extended | 12+ months | 1–3 | Timelessness | Wrap tops, classics |
How to Create a Smart, Adaptable Walk-In Closet
Instead of buying all your nursing clothes at once, take a gradual approach.
The 3-step phased strategy
Step 1 — Before/immediately after birth:
(5–6 items, approx. €160–250): 2–3 Breastfeeding t-shirts €70–120), 1 nursing pajama set (€40–60), and 2 nursing bras (€50–70).
Why: This is the bare minimum you need to get started. You can add to it as you go along.
Check out our Breastfeeding pyjamas for a comfortable night's sleep.
Step 2 — Around 2–3 months, if breastfeeding continues:
(4 pieces, approx. €170–240): 2 additional higher-quality T-shirts (€70–100), 1 blouse or top for going out (€50–70), and 1 nursing sweatshirt or sweater (€50–70).
Why: Now that you know you’ll be breastfeeding for a few months, you can invest in some more stylish pieces.
Check out our comfortable and stylish that are both comfortable and stylish.
Step 3 — Around 6 months, if you continue:
(2–4 items, starting at €140–230): 1–2 nursing blouses for work (€80–140), 1 Breastfeeding dress €60–90), and premium items as needed
Why: Breastfeeding is a long-term commitment. Investing in quality pays off in the long run.
Discover our Breastfeeding dresses that are versatile and feminine.
Why this approach is smarter
- Buying everything at once: peace of mind, but a risk of unnecessary purchases if you stop early.
- Buy only the bare minimum: it’s economical, but frustrating if breastfeeding goes on for a long time.
- A step-by-step approach ✅: tailored to YOUR journey; it just requires a little organization.
For a comprehensive guide, check out our article How many nursing clothes do you really need?
Signs that your needs are changing
Your wardrobe should evolve as you go through life. Here are the signs to look out for.
When to invest in "long-term" coins
- At 3 months, you’re enjoying breastfeeding: you’ll likely continue for more than 6 months → invest in 2–3 high-quality pieces.
- By 6 months, breastfeeding is well established: you’ll likely continue breastfeeding for more than 12 months → invest in premium items.
- Your basic clothes are wearing out: you're washing them too often → switch to more durable fabrics.
When to update your wardrobe for your return to work
Returning to work doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Here's how to prepare.
What you'll need:
- Nursing blouses (2-3): discreet openings, professional fit
- Stylish tops (2): understated and easy to care for
- Versatile dress (1): for important meetings
Tip: A high-quality nursing blouse can be worn for years after weaning thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and discreet openings.
When it's time to renew
- Gaping openings: loss of support → replace
- Fabrics that pill: visible wear → replace the outer parts
- Loss of elasticity: discomfort → replace
- Faded colors: worn-out look → replace visible parts
The economic trade-off: quality vs. quantity
The longer breastfeeding lasts, the greater the benefits
| Duration of breastfeeding | Investment: €300 | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | €300 ÷ 3 | €100/month |
| 6 months | €300 ÷ 6 | €50/month |
| 12 months | €300 ÷ 12 | €25/month |
| 18 months | 300€ ÷ 18 | €17/month |
| 24 months | €300 ÷ 24 | €12.50/month |
Conclusion: If you breastfeed for a long time, investing in quality costs less than a cup of coffee a day.
Comparison: Basic Items vs. High-Quality Items
A Second Life for Your Nursing Clothes
A good investment doesn't end with weaning.
For more information, check out our article “Mom, but Not Just Mom: Rediscovering Your Identity as a Woman After Having a Baby.”
The items left in your closet
- Wrap top → a classic, elegant top
- Wrap dress → a timeless dress
- Shirt with discreet openings → a regular shirt
- Cardigan → a versatile staple
- T-shirt with invisible slits → a classic T-shirt
The key criterion
Ask yourself this question: Are the openings really invisible?
- If yes → The garment can be worn indefinitely
- If not → It was a "transitional" piece
At 23 Mai Paris, all our pieces are designed with hidden openings so they can be worn well beyond the breastfeeding period.
Conclusion
A well-thought-out breastfeeding wardrobe will help you feel confident, no matter how long your journey lasts. The key is to take a gradual approach that adapts to YOUR needs, without unnecessary purchases or frustration.
At 23 Mai Paris, every nursing garment is designed to accompany you in style, whether you’re breastfeeding for 3 months or 3 years. High-quality pieces with discreet openings and timeless cuts that support you every step of the way on this beautiful journey. What matters isn’t the duration, but that you feel good.
Browse our collection of nursing clothes and build your growing wardrobe.
