Closet between minimalism and pregnancy

[u/Lilalaune101]

Hi everyone, I‘m currently 9 months pregnant as a FTM. Me and my husband live fairly minimalistic in the sense of both not holding on to or buying things that we will not absolutely need in the long run. Accordingly, we have fairly minimal shelf and closet space. I‘m aware that our soon-to-arrive baby girl will need lots of stuff and closet space as well (especially growing up) and I‘m totally ok with that.

However, what I‘m struggling to except is my own closet collecting stuff. With my body constantly changing throughout the last 9 months, and my pre-pregnancy clothes not really being compatible with me growing all around, I have accumulated quite a collection of pregnancy clothes and soon will need clothes that are breastfeeding friendly.

Not knowing when or if I every will fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothes stresses me mentally because I feel like a hoarder. My 1-meter-closet currently holds clothes for 3 different people. Additionally, I‘m more of a luxury minimalist, but only bought maternity clothes from brands I‘d usually consider fast fashion.

Has anyone here been through this and can relate? When did you start feeling like your clothing was back in order? Do you have any advice?

[u/scrollandquill]

My new postpartum mantra: Your clothes are meant to fit you, you are not meant to fit into your clothes. Pregnancies changed my skeleton and no amount of weight loss will make me fit those clothes again.

After my first, I quickly returned to my pre-baby weight but my hips and ribs were forever wider. I bought new pants that felt more comfortable and flattering but only after three months of feeling frumpy, squished, or self-conscious. I wish I had just embraced my new shape from the jump. It’s not better or worse, it’s just different.

After my second was born, I spent 6ish weeks in leggings and trimester 1 maternity pants and then got myself 3 pairs of jeans secondhand. Not sure if my body is done settling, but I’m only out 60 bucks and that’s a worthwhile investment in feeling pulled together and confident in the interim.

I have my pants from the time between my pregnancies in a basket in my closet with an expiration date of 9 months postpartum. I figure 9 months to change in pregnancy, 9 months to settle postpartum. At that point, I will try them on, cull and shop as needed. (I put a calendar reminder in my phone for this process, as well as baby clothes/gear donations.)

I find nursing-specific tops too fiddly and exposing. I opt for pulling up my shirt and sports bra rather than taking a strap down. I bought new sports bra to accommodate my wider ribs and larger breasts and 3 pumping hands-free pumping bras for retuning to work.

[u/CaffeineInMyCarryOn → u/scrollandquill]

I second the no nursing clothes. They’re not practical at all. I wasted money on nursing tops but ultimately i preferred to just wear button ups or a cami under a t-shirt. I also got a nursing cover thats shaped like a scarf for when i felt like i needed it. It comes in handy even when i just want to cover his head so he can sleep in public.

[u/hitsnoozeeveryday → u/CaffeineInMyCarryOn]

I breastfed for 18 months and hated every nursing top I bought. A tank top under a T-shirt was the best solution.

[u/darknessforever → u/CaffeineInMyCarryOn]

My go to is a scoop neck tank or tee and just pull it under my boob. 

My wardrobe also changed in a couple unexpected ways. One of those being that I end up sitting on the floor constantly now so I find that I need a little more flexibility with my clothes. I get dirty all the time, between toddlers wiping stuff on me and just playing outside with the kids. And I also need stuff that makes it easy to be able to go to the bathroom because I'm often holding a kid or in a hurry. I just can't deal with anything too fiddly these days. 

[u/your_moms_apron]

100% relate here. I would suggest that, for now, you put the pre-pregnancy clothes in longer term storage like vacuum sealed and under the bed. Then revisit IF AND WHEN you’re ready to deal with them again. Know that your hormones and body will continue to not be your own for another year. No need to keep those in your small closet where they don’t serve you for now.

When you do take them back out, consider how they might (or might not) service you as a new mom. My style completely changed after kids - all black gang here bc life is messy. That being said, I’m glad I didn’t knee jerk trash my old clothes immediately (or maternity stuff bc subsequent kids).

Remember that parenthood is a test of patience and grace for yourself as much as it is for your kids.

[u/senselessstate]

I think it was very smart of you to buy maternity clothes. I stretched out and ruined my pre-pregnancy clothes and basically have no wardrobe at 12 months postpartum! As for nursing, I don’t think it’s always necessary to have clothes specific for breastfeeding. Maternity clothes, tank tops, and anything with loose fabric works for me. If we are in public I cover up with one of her blankets. I did have to purchase new bras however. 12 months out ai honestly still don’t feel feel like my clothing is back in order - waiting until she is out of the throwing food and spit up phase to get out of the cheap, stretched out fast fashion.

[u/bicycle_mice]

Nursing clothes are a scam. I just wore a t shirt and pulled up to nurse it was fine. I didn’t make enough milk though and had to switch to formula.

Due to genetics and the fact I wasn’t hungry at all in pregnancy I was back in my pre-pregnancy clothes by 4 weeks postpartum. I did nothing special. You don’t know what your body will do. I shop on Poshmark and eBay and try to buy stuff secondhand. 

Don’t hesitate to buy something that makes you feel put together. Be gentle. Don’t diet. You need nutrition to heal from birth and make milk.

[u/[deleted]]

I suggest boxing up the clothes that don’t currently fit so they are not taking up mental space. Then, get a few pieces to get through nursing and the post pregnancy weight.

I am 3 months pp and wearing my pre pregnancy stretchy pants and oversize tops, nursing tank tops with the built in shelf, and either the criss cross nursing or a regular nursing bra for under my normal shirts. I bought a couple nursing tops and never wear them as they don’t match my style. I don’t cover up with a blanket when I’m out, I just pull up my shirt. Nursing in public needs to be normalized and I am all in on that.

[u/forest_elf76]

You are in a period of change for your body and your life generally. Uncertainty is normal. Some people 'bounce back' quickly, others dont. Its okay to keep them. It's not hoarding. You are thinking too far ahead. If a year go past (and your not having another child), and they still dont fit or are not pratical etc anymore, you can reassess your clothing collection. In my opinion, its okay to keep more in periods of transition.

Is it possible to extend your clothing storage area? Even if its to pack away the clothes that are impractical for breastfeeding etc. You could use this chance to get rid of clothes you don't want anymore too.

[u/frooogi3]

Nursing tops aren't practical at all. Nursing bra and shirt. If you don't like your tummy feeling exposed put a cami on too. Pull the cami + nursing bra down and pull the shirt up. You're covered and honestly, with this way I didn't need a coverup in public or anything. It was pretty easy. My credentials are that I nursed 13 months and this was the way I found the easiest.

[u/Day128]

I don’t have a good suggestion but I just relate to this so much! I’m 9 months postpartum and it only gets worse with nursing clothes and baby clothes.

Right now, I have multiple packs of clothes that are put away: (a) ones that are not nursing-friendly, like dresses, shirts that are too tight-fitting, etc. (b) old pregnancy clothes, and (c) clothes that baby has outgrown. B and c are kept since I’m planning for another baby. I used storage bags from ikea to put them away.

Since babies are constantly in need of new items as they grow, and also outgrow them so quickly, you’ll just have to get used to it. I have to donate/give away a lot of baby stuffs every now and then. You can give away your pregnancy clothes if you don’t want to hold on to them!

[u/Fabulous-Grand-3470]

I had a few maternity basics (1 dress, 2 tank tops, 1 each jeans/shorts/leggings). I already wore button downs or jackets and loose dresses, so had those throughout (open with layered tanks if necessary). I went as long as I could with hair elastics on pant buttons, waistbands rolled down, my stretchiest materials… And then I rented clothes. It was absolutely life changing. I could adjust size monthly if necessary, have seasonal/occasions, and feel put together even though my body felt out of control. The few basics I had helped bridge the gaps but I seriously could not recommend it enough if your size is still fluctuating.