“I think the majority of women feel strange about their bodies during this time–we have to relearn to love them,” says model Maxey Greene, who gave birth to her son four months ago. She recalls the transition to motherhood as the beginning of a whole new relationship with her body. “There’s something so magical about becoming a mom. For the first time, my body didn’t exist for appearances, but it existed solely for nourishment. I started looking at it in a whole new way and being so incredibly thankful that it was able to do what it needed to do.”
She celebrated this newfound gratitude by splurging on some luxe loungewear pieces that felt both comfortable and indulgent, like a silk pajama set from Lunya (nursing friendly and washable silk!), cashmere lounge pants from Henning, and the infamous Nap dress. Although she can’t wait to wear jeans again (a common denominator between all new mothers), she doesn’t really strive to get back to her “old self” anytime soon, if ever. “I feel like a completely new woman since having my son. And I love the woman I’m becoming.” Like Rykiel, she encourages women to accept their newly changed frames as a beautiful thing and to enjoy each moment of their new journey. “Give yourself grace—you’re not going to have a clue what you’re doing, but it’s going to be worth it. Laugh as much as you can. It gets easier!”
Making peace with a postpartum body
This inevitably makes me reflect on my own energy over the past two months: the dieting, the endless to-do lists, the incessant chase after a former version of myself, manifested through a race against the scale—is this the kind of woman I’m becoming? And, more importantly, is this the kind of example I want to set for my daughter?
Since self-gratitude is clearly in order, I give in to my denim desires and stock up on some Pistola jeans two sizes up from my old one. My fiancé presents me with a spa package that I happily take him up on, throwing in an excellent haircut for good measure. A few pieces from my friend’s jewelry brand Rendor, a couple of new dresses from the La Ligne sample sale, and I’m excited to get dressed again. My fiancé and I go to dinner and have one of those long wine-fueled evenings that whisks me back to a time when we first started dating—two years but also a lifetime ago when conversations revolved around hopes and dreams—except now, one of ours has come true. Perhaps, this is not the in-between at all. Maybe, this is the beginning of a whole new me.
Must-have postpartum clothing items
The Low-Key Baby-Bag
For the mom who can’t bring herself to buy a diaper bag, this Mansur Gavriel holds all your baby gear and fits in the stroller basket. Plus, you can use it for your non-baby stuff long after the wee one grows up.
The Transitional Bra
A pretty maternity bra is akin to a unicorn, which is why I’m grateful to have discovered Lively. The Busty Bralette is perfect if you need extra coverage.
The Luxury Loungewear
Friends got me an Eberjey Gisele PJ set for my baby shower and I wore it every day for the next four months. I’m planning on sending a pair to every pregnant friend for the foreseeable future.
The Day Dress
Both my friends Eugenia Gonzalez and Maxey Greene found comfort in the breezy stylings of a Hill House Home Nap Dress—which, yes, really is comfortable enough to slumber in. A busy mom’s dream.
The Low Maintenance Set
Per Greene, this set of Lunya silk PJs is nursing-friendly and washable. It’s also chic enough to wear out of the house, if needed. Just add a pair of sandals or flats. The Bling Ring
The Second Skin Legging
These Belly Bandit Mother Tucker leggings were an absolute lifesaver in the first month after giving birth. Not only do they provide much-needed support, but they feature a custom compression technology that helps reduce swelling.
The Extra Bling
Even when the jeans don’t fit, the jewelry does! Rendor makes the coolest costume pieces at an affordable price point. Sometimes all you need to feel your best is a glimmery little accessory.
The Everyday Jacket
It is my core belief that great jackets solves almost every outfit problem—and postpartum outfit dilemma. I have been living in the Pistola Boyfriend Trucker jacket—the pockets are indispensable and it’s oversize enough for in-public nursing. It also adds some welcome structure to my go-to postpartum leggings and loose T-shirts.
The Post-Baby Jeans
The slight flare at the bottom of these wide-leg jeans helps balance my postpartum proportions, and I like that the low-rise doesn’t squish my belly. All I had to do was purchase them a couple of sizes up. The Go-To Legging
The Crisp Button-down
J.Crew’s Ettienne shirt comes in a variety of colors, that feels polished enough to wear when visitors stop by for visits—but is decidedly roomy enough to provide coverage and make breastfeeding a breeze. I like the blue striped version over jeans, leggings, and even unbuttoned over my silk Lunya loungewear.
The Mom’s Night Out Dress
I love La Ligne dresses—they are flattering and can be worn by day or dressed up for those rare baby-free nights out. Plus, many of them offer ample coverage in tummy and hip area—without skimping on style.