There’s no doubt that priorities change once you’re a parent, be it instinctively or because having a pristine living-room seems much less important when you’ve had about 10 hours sleep in as many days. 

Whether you’re blissed out with joy over your new family, or grappling with sleepless nights and breastfeeding problems, you probably haven’t much brain-energy spare to devote to the latest trends.

Trendy mums: Can we stay fashionable once our babies arrive?

Raspberry Bump Wrap Top from Seraphine

Admittedly, maternity clothing has been getting more versatile over the last few years, with good collections on popular shopping sites like ASOS and Next. But the nice stuff is often expensive, and when are you going to wear it again? The next time you’re pregnant, perhaps, but it’s not such a good investment as versatile pieces you’ll wear until they fall apart.

Do I have to be practical?

It sounds so dreary, but practical clothing needn’t be dull, and the truth is you are going to need some; even if your bump’s disappeared straight away, your bust is probably bigger than it used to be, and if you’re breast feeding there are several practical aspects to consider. Loose tops made of natural fibre (cotton’s good, and bamboo is a trendy up & coming material) help to prevent mastitis and breast infections, and the looseness also lets you breastfeed more easily wherever you are. Some women like to wear two tops; a vest underneath that can be pulled down but still covers your tummy, and a loose one over the top, which can be pulled up – or you can even tuck the baby underneath it.

Floaty Tie-Back Top from Frugi - Summer Breastfeeding Shawl -Blue from Seraphine, Jeffrey & Paula Belted Utility Shirt, from Fashion World

This doesn’t seem to leave much room for individual style, but it’s easy enough to dress up a plain top with blazers, jackets and cardigans, still leaving access for baby’s lunch. Many of us wear colourful shawls, pashminas and large patterned scarves, too – perfect for covering up during a feed but still feeling dressed up.

Tight tops are probably best left in the wardrobe until you’ve stopped breastfeeding, but – especially with the likelihood of milk leakage – you might prefer it that way, anyway. The only really disappointing things you’ll have to do without are belts and jewellery. Belts go out early on – they don’t work with a baby bump, anyway, and once you’re breastfeeding they can be very uncomfortable for you and the baby snuggled against you. As for jewellery, this is fine while you’re pregnant, but once your baby’s arrived you’ll quickly realise that he or she explores the world through touch and taste. They grab things and hold on tight – so dangerous with earrings, which can be ripped out of your earlobe – and put things in their mouths, which is a big no-no when it comes to beads and metal edges. Necklaces can get in the way of breastfeeding, too.

Other than that, there’s nothing to stop you expressing yourself the way you used to, providing you’ve the time and money, of course – both precious commodities with a newborn around. Internet shopping is a huge mercy; it saves time, and you can sign up to newsletters and use websites like MoneySavingExpert to get discount codes, and get early warnings about sales.