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.

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:

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:

Your top clothing needs:

Recommended clothing options:

• Breastfeeding t-shirts with discreet openings
• Stylish blouses for going out
• Breastfeeding dresses versatile
• 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:

Your top clothing needs:

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:

Your top clothing needs:

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

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. 

Tip: Choose pieces that are easy to wear after weaning (wrap tops, classic cuts). 

Standard breastfeeding plan (6–12 months)

Approach: Balanced, with quality. 

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. 

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

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:

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:

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.

 

If you're breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that might interest you:

T-shirts d'allaitement
T-shirts d'allaitement imprimés
T-shirts d'allaitement personnalisés
T-shirts d'allaitement basiques
Hauts d'allaitement personnalisables
Pulls d'allaitement
Sweat-shirts d'allaitement
Pulls d'allaitement maille
Débardeurs d'allaitement
Robes d'allaitement
Pyjamas d'allaitement
vêtements d'allaitement  Vêtements de maternité et d'allaitement Vêtements d'allaitement à ouverture sur le côté Vêtements d'allaitement grande taille Vêtements d'allaitement d'été Vêtements d'allaitement chauds Vêtements d'allaitement brodés Vêtements d'allaitement Vêtements d' allaitement confortables Vêtements d' allaitement en coton Imprimés Vêtements d'allaitement jaunes Vêtements d'allaitement leopard Vêtements d'allaitement noir Vêtements d'allaitement rose Vêtements d'allaitement sobres Vêtements d'allaitement tendances Vêtements d'allaitement unis Vêtements de sport pour l'allaitement T-shirt allaitement imprimé T-shirt allaitement personnalisé T-shirt allaitement coloris uni T-shirt allaitement manches longues T-shirt allaitement blanc T-shirt allaitement bleu T-shirt allaitement noir T-shirt allaitement gris T-shirt allaitement camel T-shirt allaitement léopard T-shirt allaitement brodés T-shirt allaitement coton T-shirt allaitement zip T-shirt allaitement été T-shirt allaitement hiver T-shirt grossesse allaitement T-shirt allaitement milk T-shirt allaitement coeur T-shirt allaitement pas cher T-shirt allaitement ouverture coté T-shirtallaitement discret T-shirt allaitement confortable T-shirt allaitement originaux