17 breastfeeding tops that are as pretty as they are practical

Becoming a mother is one of the most rewarding things in life, but damn is it a struggle too. Breastfeeding is a juggling act even when you’re in the comfort of your own home, so imagine what it’s like when you’re in a crowded restaurant, cafe or shop. Ten times harder. Breastfeeding tops lend a helping hand in that department, lending you privacy when you might want it and ease at all times.

The beauty of a nursing top is that most of them have discreet flaps of fabric or detachable straps for swift access to your boobs, meaning you don’t have to worry about the strategic placement of a blanket (or jacket, in desperate times) to give you some coverage when nursing.

A nursing bra will be a life-saver if you're pregnant or a breastfeeding new mama

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By Alexandra Fullerton and Lucy Smith

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You may think that your usual maternity clothes will do just fine – and they certainly will while you’re pregnant and even after. What you might not have taken into account, though, is the sartorially restricting phase that comes after having your baby: nursing. If you’re going to breastfeed, you’ll want a good few breastfeeding tops in your collection so that your entire pregnancy wardrobe isn’t entirely useless. Trust us, they’ll be your best friends when you’re nursing up to 12 times a day – alongside your nipple cream and nipple shields, of course.

To help you out, we’ve done the legwork and found 17 breastfeeding tops; some even from the same brands you shopped before baby – like H&M and ASOS – and some from maternity-specific lines like Seraphine and JoJo Maman Bebe.