Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & the Hidden Toxins in Clothing
Why Your Clothes Matter During Pregnancy & Baby Feeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your skin is at its most sensitive and your breasts become a direct source of life for your baby. Because nipples are highly absorbent, wearing organic cotton and plant-dyed fabrics ensures that neither you nor your baby is exposed to the "hidden toxins"—like petroleum-based synthetics or harsh chemical dyes—found in conventional lingerie. It’s about protecting your microbiome and keeping skin-to-skin connection as pure as possible.
Pregnancy and postpartum are raw, beautiful, and deeply vulnerable times. Your body is working overtime; growing, birthing, and then nourishing a baby. It’s also when your skin becomes more sensitive, your breasts become the centre of feeding and connection, and what you wear matters more than ever.
Why What You Wear on Your Breasts Matters
Your breasts aren’t just another body part; they’re a direct source of life for your baby. Your nipples are incredibly absorbent. Anything against them, fabric, lotions, or chemicals, can be absorbed into your body. When you’re breastfeeding, your baby is also exposed through direct skin-to-skin contact.
That’s why bras and underwear made from organic cotton and plant dyes can make such a difference, they’re not just kinder to mama's skin, they’re gentler on baby's, too.
Tish’s Journey
Tish, a birth & postpartum doula and mother, shared her experience with us.
Before falling pregnant, she was already mindful about what she wore, choosing natural fibres and checking labels—even when buying second hand.
When she fell pregnant, this became even more important—especially for the pieces closest to her most delicate areas.
“I want to make sure the most delicate parts of my body—my vulva and my breasts—are not exposed to nasties, especially while I am hapū/pregnant.”
To this day, she gravitates towards cotton, and when buying new, certified organic cotton. Avoiding polyester and other petroleum-based fabrics is especially important, as she’s conscious of how clothing affects her and her family.
In postpartum and motherhood, with the constant shifts of feeding, cuddles, long days, and long nights, comfort and breathability became a priority. She loves knowing her dea pieces are safe from harm we can’t see, while still being soft, supportive, and durable enough for everyday wear.
“To this day, they’re the best undies I’ve ever worn. I’ll probably never use anything else.”
For Tish, it’s not about buying new or fancy—it’s about protecting herself, her family and especially her little one. That’s why dea Ethical Clothing became, and remains, the most worn pieces in her wardrobe: clothing she can trust to be safe, soft, and comfy.
Babies & Skin-to-Skin Connection
Here’s another incredible fact: when your baby latches or lays against your chest, their skin literally absorbs signals from yours. Your scent, your warmth, and even the bacteria on your skin help shape their tiny microbiome and calm their nervous system. What you’re wearing isn’t just touching you, it’s also touching them.
That’s why organic cotton and plant dyes make so much sense for pregnancy and beyond. You get peace of mind that you’re nourishing both your body and your baby’s in the simplest, most tactile way.
At dea, we create clothing and organic cotton accessories you can trust during these seasons. Organic cotton and plant-dyed fabrics mean your skin ~ and your baby’s skin ~ is free from the toxic chemicals and synthetic fibres that sneak into most underwear and bras.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Mamas
Are there toxins in regular maternity clothes? Many conventional clothes are made from synthetic fibers like polyester (which is petroleum-based) and treated with chemical dyes that can be absorbed through the skin. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, when your skin is more permeable, these "hidden toxins" can interfere with your hormones or be passed to your baby during skin-to-skin contact.
Why is organic cotton better for breastfeeding? Organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides and processed without harsh chemicals. Since babies spend so much time pressed against your chest, organic fabric ensures they aren't inhaling or absorbing synthetic residues while they nurse or sleep.
Is skin-to-skin contact affected by what I wear? Yes! Your baby’s nervous system and microbiome are shaped by touching your skin. Wearing organic, plant-dyed clothing ensures that the "signals" your baby receives are natural and toxin-free, making those snuggles as nourishing as possible.
What is the best fabric for sensitive postpartum skin? GOTS-certified organic cotton is widely considered the best choice. It’s hypoallergenic, incredibly breathable (perfect for those postpartum night sweats), and lacks the abrasive chemicals found in synthetic "fast fashion" that can irritate sensitive breasts.
