Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post, but all writing, experiences, and opinions are my own.

Fashion has always been an important part of my identity. For me, clothes are a combination of function and expression. As a breastfeeding parent, function is extra important; everything I wear has to be breastfeeding-friendly, and I have to be able to chase after two kids all day while still being able to express myself as a person outside of my identity of “mom.” Also, while still looking fetch; hopefully one of these things will happen.

During pregnancy, bodies change SO much, and so do wardrobes: after having both of my kids, I’ve had to buy new clothes that actually fit me the way I like them to (being able to get pants past my thighs, for example).

I’ve had body image issues throughout my life, and when my clothes don’t fit, it triggers my anxiety and depression. When I get anxious and/or depressed, my eating habits often become disordered; I lose my appetite, and then I binge-eat. It’s just not healthy. Also: I don’t have an issue with the way my body looks; I like the way I am, regardless of whether I’m a size 4/6 or 10/12.

All bodies are good bodies.

As long as my clothes are my clothes — they represent me — and they fit in a way that I like, I avoid wardrobe-anxiety-breakdowns.

Thankfully, I’ve been able to create a mini-postpartum wardrobe while my body transitions from the postpartum stage to the “how can’t I outrun an 18 month old?” stage. I recognize that I’m privileged to be able to do this, and this definitely sounds like a first-world-problem. I know that being anxious about clothing is irrational, but my brain overrides my logical thinking.

I received a few pieces from Pink Blushhttps://www.shoppinkblush.com/default.aspx that are both functional and right up my alley when it comes to style (neutral)! They allow me to express myself and my sense of style while still being able to breastfeed, check out frogs, name plants, etc. You know, normal parent things.

For size reference: I’m 5’6, bra size is a 32G (send me small boob vibes, I beg of you), and right now I currently wear a size medium shirt (sometimes large because of my bust).

The knot/twist back top is so flowy at the front, but has the cutest peekaboo back. I’m obsessed! I wore it two days in a row (as if that’ll be the last time that happens). It’s a light material, and super soft, but the fabric is weighted enough that I’m not going to pull a Marilyn if there’s wind. It’s also super easy to layer (and so cute!) if you’re not comfortable showing a lot of skin, or if you’re breastfeeding and prefer the two-shirt method. I got a size medium, and it fits really nicely! I honestly think I could’ve gotten away with a small; if you’re on the shorter size or between sizes, I would size down.

The cold shoulder turtleneck sweater is a staple fall/winter transitional piece! The cutout shoulders are so cute and definitely on-trend, and the flowy hem is a gorgeous touch! I’m partial to turtlenecks, and I love that this one isn’t super thick! It’s great for layering, and it’s also great for weather that can’t make up its mind (*cough* Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley *cough*). This sweater is definitely a piece that can be worn when it’s – 1 at 8am and 20 degrees at noon. I got this one in a size M/L, but, again, I could’ve sized down to a S/M. Pink Blush sizing seems generous based on my sample size of n=2.

I wish I’d discovered Pink Blush during my pregnancies, because they have beautiful maternity clothes that transition really well into the fourth trimester and beyond. I still wear maternity clothes sometimes, though, so I guess my vacant uterus needn’t stop me! Plus, they have a huuuuge selection of women’s clothes that aren’t maternity (like the ones I picked) that work for everyone!

What are your favourite postpartum shopping stops? How do you find the adjustment between pregnancy and postpartum life?