The Baker Lane Museum of Clothing for Motherhood

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

In our research of maternity and nursing clothing design, we've come across some interesting items we thought others might enjoy seeing. As innovative as we think clothing with nursing access is, the modern mom isn't the only one to have had the convenience! We are intrigued by the creative solutions to the challenge of discreet breastfeeding our forebears developed. We've encountered "mother-friendly" clothing from as far back as the early 1800s. Amazing! (And once again proving there is nothing new under the sun!)
We're always on the lookout for "new" pieces to add to the museum. If you have pictures of an original vintage garment for nursing or maternity wear, we'd love to feature them here. Please contact us through the feedback form and we will get in touch.

Enjoy!

Click on thumbnails for full-sized images.

C. 1820 Muslin Nursing Dress

"This is a very rare and wonderful 1825 white cotton nursing gown," writes fiddybee, a seller of period clothing at eBay."The front section of the bodice has a flap front that ties in the back. The under bodice is cut low and has a front drawstring. The gown has full gathered sleeves at the top that taper down to a tight fitting cuff. The armscyes are trimmed with padded cording. The cuffs are trimmed with five rows of pin tucking and a ruffle of lace. The gown is all hand sewn. The gown has a high empire bodice and the skirt has a deep flounce of embroidery eyelet trim and rows of ruffles. Bust 32 Waist 24 Sleeve Length 23 Skirt Length 43 ins." Wouldn't you feel like a princess in a gown like this?

C. 1830 Corded Nursing Stays

Until I saw this amazing exhibit, I'd never given any thought to what the nursing mother of the past would have done about support! Regretfully, I do not have the description of this piece. I believe it was sold at eBay. (If you are the seller or buyer of this item, please contact me so I can give you credit for these fabulous pictures!) The stays are typical of the 1830s with exqusite corded hand-quilting providing the support--no boning or busks. They would have been worn over a chemise or shift of lightweight cotton or linen. The slash in front provided nursing access as demonstrated in the last picture. Past Patterns' Sensible Stays pattern could be adapted to function in this way.

C. 1830 Nursing Dress
A charming daydress for the nursing mother showcased in the recent Language of Clothing exhibit at Colonial Williamsburg. The bodice overlay unfastens at the side of the waistband for nursing access. To recreate this gown, try Sense and Sensibility's Romantic Era Dress Pattern (see Links).

Photo: Jennifer R. White.

C. 1820 Muslin Nursing Dress


"This is a very rare and wonderful 1825 white cotton nursing gown," writes fiddybee, a seller of period clothing at eBay."The front section of the bodice has a flap front that ties in the back. The under bodice is cut low and has a front drawstring. The gown has full gathered sleeves at the top that taper down to a tight fitting cuff. The armscyes are trimmed with padded cording. The cuffs are trimmed with five rows of pin tucking and a ruffle of lace. The gown is all hand sewn. The gown has a high empire bodice and the skirt has a deep flounce of embroidery eyelet trim and rows of ruffles. Bust 32 Waist 24 Sleeve Length 23 Skirt Length 43 ins." Wouldn't you feel like a princess in a gown like this?

C. 1830 Corded Nursing Stays


Until I saw this amazing exhibit, I'd never given any thought to what the nursing mother of the past would have done about support! Regretfully, I do not have the description of this piece. I believe it was sold at eBay. (If you are the seller or buyer of this item, please contact me so I can give you credit for these fabulous pictures!) The stays are typical of the 1830s with exqusite corded hand-quilting providing the support--no boning or busks. They would have been worn over a chemise or shift of lightweight cotton or linen. The slash in front provided nursing access as demonstrated in the last picture. Past Patterns' Sensible Stays pattern could be adapted to function in this way.