Breastfeeding duration: adapting your wardrobe to each stage
How long should you breastfeed? This question directly influences your clothing choices. The duration of breastfeeding varies greatly from one mother to another: from a few weeks to several years. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months, followed by partial breastfeeding for up to 2 years, but every journey is unique.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support mothers no matter how long they breastfeed. This guide helps you understand the different stages and adapt your wardrobe accordingly, so you can make smart investments in pieces that grow with your journey as a mother.
Statistics in France: Where do you stand?
Before we talk about what to wear, here’s a bit of background on actual breastfeeding durations in France.
| Moment | Percentage of mothers who breastfeed |
|---|---|
| Upon leaving the maternity ward | 74% |
| At 3 months | 54% |
| At 6 months | 23% |
| At 12 months | ~10% |
| At 24 months | ~5% |
What these figures tell us:
- Most mothers breastfeed for at least a few weeks
- One in two mothers is still breastfeeding at 3 months
- Extended breastfeeding (beyond one year) is rare but does occur
Why this matters for your wardrobe: Planning for your likely lifespan allows you to invest wisely—neither too much nor too little.
The 4 stages of breastfeeding and what to wear
Each stage has its own distinct characteristics that directly influence your clothing needs.
Phase 1: The First Few Months (0–3 months) — Intensity
This is the busiest time. Feedings come one after another every 2–3 hours, day and night.
What you're going through:
Your top clothing needs:
When breastfeeding frequently, clothing should be practical above all else. Easy access and wide openings make frequent feedings easier, even at night.
Comfort is key, with features that are easy to use in the dark and soft fabrics designed to be gentle on the skin and safe for contact with your baby.
Recommended clothing options:
- Breastfeeding t-shirts with front openings or easy access
- Breastfeeding pyjamas comfortable
- Nursing bras soft
- Loose-fitting styles that accommodate changes in bust size
What to expect: Elegant pieces, work blouses, dressy dresses.
Phase 2: The Settlement Period (3–6 months) — Finding Balance
Breastfeeding is settling into a routine. Feedings are more spaced out and predictable.
What you're going through:
At this stage, feedings become less frequent, with a more consistent and predictable schedule, including at night. The focus shifts toward resuming a social life, while continuing to incorporate breastfeeding into daily life.
Your top clothing needs:
At this stage, clothing needs to be versatile enough to work at home, when going out, and sometimes at work. Discretion becomes important for breastfeeding more easily in public, while still looking stylish and feeling like yourself. Practicality remains essential for everyday life.
Recommended clothing options:
- Breastfeeding t-shirts with discreet openings
- Stylish blouses for going out
- Breastfeeding dresses polyvalentes
- Some nursing sweatshirts comfortable yet stylish
Now is the time: To invest in pieces that work just as well at home as they do outdoors.
Phase 3: Empowerment (6–12 months) — Diversification
As babies start eating a variety of foods, breastfeeding becomes less frequent but remains important.
What you're going through:
Feedings become less frequent, with few or no nighttime awakenings. This period often coincides with a return to work, when the main challenge is balancing work and breastfeeding.
Your top clothing needs:
At this stage, clothing should be very discreet to allow for breastfeeding or using a breast pump at work. A professional appearance becomes important, as does the quality of the garments, which are designed to last.
Quick access remains essential between meetings or trips.
Recommended clothing options:
- Professional nursing blouses (For tips on choosing the right one, check out our article Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Nursing Blouse . )
- Tops with hidden openings
- Elegant dresses
- Items that don't "look like" nursing clothes
Now is the time: To invest in quality. These pieces will serve you well for a long time.
Phase 4: Extended breastfeeding (12+ months) — The bond
Breastfeeding becomes occasional, focused on moments of comfort and reconnection.
What you're going through:
Feedings are now infrequent, usually one to three times a day, mostly for comfort in the morning and evening. They mostly take place at home.
The key is to maintain the breastfeeding bond while getting back to a more normal daily routine.
Your top clothing needs:
At this stage, clothing should be completely discreet, without revealing that you are breastfeeding. It’s also a good idea to choose versatile pieces that can still be worn after weaning.
Ultimately, the goal is to fully rediscover one’s personal style and fashion identity.
Recommended clothing options:
- Pieces with ultra-subtle openings
- Grow-with-me clothes that stay in the closet afterward
- Wrap tops and wrap dresses (timeless classics)
The good news: Your high-quality nursing clothes prove their worth time and time again.
Summary table: requirements by phase
| Phase | Duration | Feedings per day | Dress code | Key figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Intensity | 0–3 months | 8–12 | Easy access, comfort | T-shirts, pajamas |
| 2. Installation | 3 to 6 months | 5–8 | Versatility, discretion | Simple T-shirts, blouses |
| 3. Empowerment | 6 to 12 months | 3–5 | Professional, high-quality | Shirts, stylish tops |
| 4. Extended | 12+ months | 1–3 | Absolute discretion | Timeless pieces |
Building a wardrobe based on your sustainability goals
Your purchasing strategy should align with your breastfeeding goals.
For a comprehensive guide, check out our article How many nursing clothes do you really need?
Short-term breastfeeding plan (0–6 months)
Approach: Minimalist but effective.
This short-term breastfeeding program (0 to 6 months) takes a minimalist yet effective approach.
The wardrobe consists of 3 to 4 nursing T-shirts (€90 to €150), 1 pair of nursing pajamas (€40 to €60), 1 blouse for going out (€50 to €70), and 2 nursing bras (€50 to €80). In total, this amounts to 7 to 8 items for an estimated total budget of €230 to €360.
Tip: Choose pieces you can wear after weaning (wrap tops, classic cuts).
Standard breastfeeding plan (6–12 months)
Approach: Balanced, with quality.
The moderate breastfeeding program (6 to 12 months) takes a balanced, quality-focused approach.
It includes 4 to 5 nursing T-shirts (€140–200), 2 pairs of pajamas (€80–120), 2 shirts/blouses (€100–€140), 1–2 sweatshirts or sweaters (€60–€100), 1 nursing dress (€60–€90), and 3 bras (€75–€120).
In total, this amounts to 13 to 15 items, with an estimated budget of between €515 and €770.
Tip: Invest in quality—these parts will see a lot of use.
Check out our comfortable and stylish that are both comfortable and stylish.
Long-term breastfeeding plan (12+ months)
Approach: Sustainable investment in scalable components.
| Track | Quantity | Estimated budget |
|---|---|---|
| Breastfeeding t-shirts | 5–6 | €200–300 |
| Breastfeeding pyjamas | 2 | €100–140 |
| High-quality blouses and shirts | 2–3 | €150–€240 |
| Sweatshirts/sweaters | 2–3 | €120–€180 |
| Breastfeeding dresses | 2 | €120–€180 |
| High-quality bras | 3–4 | €100–€160 |
| TOTAL | 16–21 pieces | €790–1,200 |
The smart calculation:
- Over 18 months: €790 = €44/month or €1.45/day
- Over 24 months: €790 = €33/month or €1.10/day
That's less than one cup of coffee a day to stay comfortable and stylish throughout this whole period.
An uncertain project: the progressive strategy
If you're not sure how long you'll be breastfeeding, take a flexible approach.
Step 1 (before birth or during the first few weeks):
- 3 basic T-shirts
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 2 bras
- Budget: ~€200
Step 2 (around 2–3 months, if breastfeeding continues):
- 2 additional T-shirts of higher quality
- 1 smock for outings
- Budget: ~€150
Step 3 (around 6 months, if you continue):
- Professional services if returning to work
- 1 to 2 pieces, as needed
- Budget: as needed
Advantage: You only invest according to your actual needs.
Why grow-with-me clothes are a smart investment
Economic analysis
| Approach | Cost | Duration | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic pieces, updated 3 times | 3 × €150 = €450 | 18 months | 0,83€ |
| High-quality parts, one-time only | 300€ | 18 months | 0,55€ |
Conclusion: Quality saves money in the long run.
Technical adaptability
High-quality, adjustable clothing includes:
- Nipple openings designed for frequent and discreet feedings
- Styles that adapt to different body types
- Fabrics that withstand 150+ washes
- Timeless styles you can wear even after weaning
At 23 Mai Paris, our pieces are designed to support mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey.
Signs that it's time for a renewal
Look for these labels on your clothing:
It’s time to replace your nursing clothes when certain signs appear.
Gaping seams indicate a loss of structure, while pilling fabric or faded colors detract from the appearance, especially for formal wear.
Loss of elasticity or worn-out seams can also cause discomfort and increase the risk of wear and tear. In all these cases, replacement is recommended.
Average lifespan of a high-quality nursing top: 12–24 months of heavy use.
After decluttering: a new lease on life for your clothes
A good nursing top will still be in your wardrobe after weaning.
For more information, check out our article Mom, but not just that: finding your place as a woman after having a baby .
Items to keep:
Some nursing clothes can easily be worn again after this period. Wrap tops become elegant everyday tops, wrap dresses remain timeless, and cardigans retain their versatility.
T-shirts with subtle cutouts can be worn as everyday basics, while flowing blouses fit perfectly into an office wardrobe.
The key criterion: Are the openings truly invisible? If so, the garment can be worn indefinitely.
Conclusion
Planning ahead for how long you’ll breastfeed allows you to build a cohesive and cost-effective wardrobe, with pieces that grow with you and adapt to your changing needs. Whether you breastfeed for 3 months or 3 years, the key is to invest wisely based on your plans.
At 23 Mai Paris, we create adaptable nursing clothes that grow with you, supporting moms through every stage. Because a thoughtful approach turns the right investment into an ally on your journey as a mother.
Browse our collection of nursing clothes and build your evolving wardrobe.
