You're freshly postpartum, running on little sleep — and suddenly your wardrobe wasn’t designed for easy boob access. Cue awkward fumbling in public and accidental flashing while trying to get a good latch.

When it comes to what to wear, you want:
✔️ Comfort
✔️ Quick access (because when baby wants milk, they mean now)
✔️ And to feel a bit like yourself again

The good news? For The Creators was made by mums, for mums — and we’ve had our fair share of wardrobe malfunctions.

This is your ultimate guide to breastfeeding-friendly dressing, with smart hacks and styling tips from mums, midwives and feeding experts.

Feeding on the fly? So. Much. Simpler.

You probably have a good idea of what not to wear when breastfeeding (we're looking at you, high-cut halter-necks), but what should you wear when breastfeeding?

"I use the simple formula of ‘Can I lift it, lower it or move it?’," says stylist Beth Huett, adding: "access is all you really need for something to be fail-safe breastfeeding friendly."

What to wear when breastfeeding? Look for:

You have lots of options, from effortless button up shirts or wrap dresses to outfits with clever layering or concealed zips for boob access. 

Our advice? Start simple with the most fuss-free options and then try out different looks as you get more confident with leaks, latches and whipping your boobs out in public. 

"Remember breastfeeding is a learned skill", says infant feeding specialist Nurture With Lydia. "No one is expecting you to be confidently breastfeeding in public with a three-day-old baby! For the first few weeks, your priority is to rest, connect with your baby and figure out breastfeeding."

If you're breastfeeding you'll want a nursing bra that is designed to offer appropriate support and allow for fluctuations in breast size. Some breastfeeding bras are a wrap style that you pull to the side to feed, while others have feeding clips that allow for easy access. You'll find nursing bras designed for sleeping in and exercising in, as well as bras made of clever leakproof fabric. 

Shirts are the simple and effective option for breastfeeding, especially in the early days when just getting a good latch takes all your brain power. An oversized shirt is comfortable, breathable and easy to quickly unbutton when the tiny one's even tinier tummy needs topping up. 

Wear with: 

• lightly supportive leggings
• c-section recovery trousers
• casual pull-on trousers

Wrap dresses and deep V necklines are your friend when it comes to breastfeeding. Dresses are easy to throw on and make you feel 'put together' with minimal effort. Some wrap dresses will require you to slightly loosen the tie for feeding access, while for others an easy breastfeed is just a quick pull-to-the-side away. Some dresses with stretchy necklines or shirring may pull to the side for a feed too. 

Whether its breastfeeding day one (be sure to pack a button-up dress or nightie in your hospital bag) or day 101, dresses with buttons up the front are great when you're breastfeeding. Like shirts, the buttons make for easy boob access, while dress styles vary from soft jersey numbers you could wear 24/7 in your fourth trimester to dressier wedding guest appropriate styles. 

Just like shirts, loose cardigans and oversized jackets provide easy chest access and some subtle coverage too. Just tuck that sweetly-smelling newborn head slightly inside your open jacket if you're feeling self conscious about breastfeeding in company or in public. 

We love these pretty and versatile tie-up tops. They're a great option for feeling more like 'you' in your breastfeeding era, if traditional button-up shirts aren't really your thing. 

Not keen on buttons or zips? Introducing the ultimate breastfeeding hack: wear a top you can pull down underneath a t-shirt you can lift up. 

"Wearing strappy tops underneath your top or dress means you can pull one down and one up without having to get your whole breast out if you don't want to," advises Lactation Consultant IBCLC, Tongue Tie Practitioner and midwife Polly Powell. 

Suddenly all your pre-baby tees and jumpers, even the high necked ones, are breastfeeding friendly. 

Stylist Beth Huett recommends investing in a nursing vest, with built in clips and support: "Go for good quality form-fitting, soft and stretchy. This will be a game-changer. Working as a torso coverage creator it can be worn under everything from dresses to jumpsuits to your favourite tee." Though any strappy vest, camisole or tank top that you can pull down to feed works well. 

We're totally sold on layers being one of the keys to easy breastfeeding dressing – and these are your foundations. In your armoury you'll want crop tops, strappy tops and tank tops to go underneath shirts and t-shirts, so that you can lift up or pull to the side for a feed. High waisted or cycling shorts are also a clever hack for instantly making dresses that are high necked or don't have chest access breastfeeding friendly. 

What to wear when breastfeeding – your base layers:

• Crop tops 
• Strappy tops 
• Tank tops 
• Cycling-style shorts

When it comes to dressing for breastfeeding, even dresses, tops or sweatshirts with high necklines are possible with secret boob access. There are some really clever brands out there that allow you to wear whatever you want and still breastfeed easily and discreetly thanks to concealed zips, secret poppers and hidden flaps. 

Brands we love for clever breastfeeding designs:

• Bump & Milk
• Lyla and Leche
• Mamalicious 

Dungarees really come into their own during pregnancy and postpartum, and never more so than when breastfeeding. Simply unhook or unbutton one strap, lift up whatever you're wearing underneath and, voila: an easy and pretty discreet feed. Bonus that they're waistband-free so super comfy to wear if you're recovering from a c-section. 

Wear with: 

• Oversized t-shirts that are easy to lift up 
• Button-up shirts
• Breastfeeding tops with zips or flaps for easy access
• Jumpers on cooler days 

Jumpsuits are just as practical as dunagrees, but are often softer, lighter and sometimes stretchier – so you'll be as comfy as a newborn in a sleepsuit. Look for jumpsuits that button or zip-up around the chest, or that have dropped arms or straps which are easy to wiggle off your shoulder for a feed. 

If you're feeling nervous about breastfeeding in public or are after a more discreet feeding experience, you may want to add a breastfeeding cover to your wardrobe. These come in the form of specially-made privacy covers, as well as shawls and scarves. An extra-large muslin also does a great job of providing a little extra privacy while feeding – and of mopping up any spills after.