Many first time moms often think that once they have their baby they can just slip back into their pre-pregnancy wardrobe after a week or two. Not so! In fact, post-pregnancy clothes shopping can be a little trickier than maternity clothes shopping because this time you do NOT want to look pregnant! Also, if you plan to nurse your baby, functionality in tops and dresses becomes a key element in choosing your post-pregnancy wardrobe! Here are a few suggestions for some top picks in nursing dresses and nursing tops to make shopping for nursing clothes a little easier.

Majamas Sleepy Nursing Dress

This dress has been a bestseller for years to nursing moms across the country. What's so great about the Sleepy Dress is that you can wear it as a nightgown, as lounge wear, out to lunch or dinner or even to a special occasion with the right accessories! The cotton/lycra blend is thick enough that it does not look like lingerie when you wear this dress out of the house and it is very comfortable and stretchy. The cross over tank style design of the dress allows easy pull down nursing access for your baby as well as bust support. This dress can also be worn with a nursing bra for extra bust support outside the house. In cooler weather, just layer with a demi-cardigan, wrap or sweater for new look. The Sleepy Dress comes in many colors including new merlot and twilight for this spring and summer season. Many women get one in every color and continue to wear this dress long after their babies are weaned!

Japanese Weekend's Convertible 3 Piece Maternity and Nursing Dress

Even if you are still pregnant, this dress is one to get for "during and after" wear. Japanese Weekend is known for their super versatile convertibles styles which can be reversed and mixed and matched for up to 8 different looks and functions for both maternity and nursing. This season's white on black Sleeveless Floral 3 Piece Convertible Dress can be reversed and attached to the demi cardigan for a stunning solid black empire waist maternity dress or nursing dress. It can also be unbuttoned at the waist to be worn as separates - demi cardigan and reversible skirt. The combinations are endless and all can be worn for both maternity and nursing. You will find yourself grabbing this dress/skirt/cardigan for the office, out for dinner or even to a wedding - and maybe in the same day! Perfect for all occasions and well worth the reasonable investment!

Japanese Weekend Cross Over Maternity and Nursing Top

The cross over style top is a perfect choice for both pregnancy and nursing. Japanese Weekend makes the best cross over top on the market today with a wide variety of color options to choose from. This top provides the perfect stretch and de-emphasis for a postpartum belly while doubling as a great maternity top as well. The ¾ sleeves is perfect for all seasons and can be dressed up or down. The crisscross design in the front allows for very discreet nursing access without revealing anything to anyone else in view. Japanese Weekend makes this style top in both a stretchy lightweight jersey material and soft organic bamboo fabric.

Majamas Jake Top

If you are looking for something more casual and cool for the summer that can be worn for both maternity and nursing, the Majamas Jake top is a great choice for a versatile stylish nursing top. The Jake Top is a new style out by Majamas this season that comes in both funky tulip print and chic solid latte. The tank straps are bra friendly while the top does offer built in bra support. This top is designed for nursing with pull down straps that cover the bust while allowing easy nursing access for your baby. The extra long length and side ruching stylishly cover your postpartum belly while allowing enough room and stretch for pregnancy wear. This nursing top can be dressed up or down or even layered with a shrug or wrap for the office.

Once you find a brand that you like for nursing wear, you will doubtless find other styles that you like and wear within that brand. Both Japanese Weekend and Majamas are high quality and exceptionally made lines for stylish nursing tops, nursing dresses and nursing pajamas to make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood seamless, comfortable and all the more enjoyable!