Just because you are nursing doesn't mean that you can't look good. Breastfeeding fashions have moved into the twenty-first century. You can find sleek, comfortable clothes, including professional outfits for when you return to work but want to continue pumping. In the haze of those early weeks, look for comfort and easy access in whatever you wear.

• Bras: You will probably have more cleavage than usual, so you'll need comfortable nursing bras that offer good support. You may find the snap-front styles easier to manage than those with hooks. Avoid tight or underwire bras.

• Casual wear: Look for washable button-front shirts and T-shirts for easy nursing access. You can always drape a baby blanket for discreet breastfeeding in public.

• A nursing dress: You may eventually get sick of untucked shirts, so one official nursing dress, with its discreetly hidden slits, is nice to have.

• Breast pads and shells: To absorb milk leakage, tuck some cotton or flannel breast pads into your bra. Especially in the early weeks, when your milk lets down as your baby sucks on your breast, you'll want something to absorb the leaking from the other breast. Breast shells are made from silicon and tuck into your bra and are especially helpful in the first weeks. They keep your nipples protruding, which relieves engorgement and makes it easier for your baby to latch on. Any dripping milk collects in the shell, and you can freeze it for future use.