You can labor and give birth in whatever you want to wear. Ok, doula lady, so what should I wear? Wear what makes you comfortable.
Your own clothing
One advantage to wearing hospital-issued gowns is that you won't care if they're ruined during delivery. If you do choose to wear your own clothing, opt for something loose on top. There will be a lot of action below the waist, so pajama bottoms or a pair of sleep shorts aren't necessary.
Clothing: A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals and birth centers provide gowns and socks for you to use, but some women also bring their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that's either sleeveless or has short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily.
“There is no medical reason for shaving, it's definitely not encouraged by health professionals and the vast majority of expectant mums choose not to.” So there we have it. What do you think, were you worried about this issue before you went into labour?
You don't have to. Most people choose to wear the gown because it's easier, but you can wear your own clothes, if you prefer. Just make sure they're comfortable and can get dirty (or straight-up ruined), like a simple, cheap nightgown or a stretchy, knee-length skirt.
A lot of mothers want breast coverage while they deliver, which is completely understandable, and you can keep your bra on during labor if you want. However, we recommend wearing a simple bra that is comfortable and easy to remove.
Believe it or not, your feet can get cold during labour, so a pair of soft, thick socks will ensure your toes stay toasty. Get some with non-slip soles to make it easier for you to move about during labour.
Once upon a time, hospitals shaved pregnant women before delivery. Now, shaving isn't recommended at all.
Many women choose to wear postpartum diapers for a few days after giving birth, to help control postpartum bleeding. They tend to offer more protection than postpartum pads, and some moms find them less irritating on their skin.
Loose styles of pants are a good idea as you may be feeling sore after the birth, particularly if you had a caesarean (NHS, 2016). Big, high-waisted briefs are the way to go after caesareans as bikini styles could rub on your scar.
Clothing. Fresh underwear, a clean shirt, and a pair of socks should be sufficient to keep you feeling clean and ready for anything. It also might be wise to include a warm sweatshirt in case the room is a little cool. Parents in labor often feel warm and may turn the thermostat down in order to keep cool.
What Do You Wear Under a Hospital Gown? In most cases, you only wear your underwear underneath your gown when you have a surgical procedure. When you arrive at the hospital or outpatient facility, your nurse will tell you what clothes you can keep on under your gown, depending on your surgical site.
The hospital will provide plenty of diapers and wipes for you to use during your stay and you can usually bring some home with you as well. Car Seat: This is the most important item to have with you when you go to the hospital. You will not be allowed to leave the hospital and take your baby home without a car seat.
Postpartum you will be most comfortable in stretchy clothes made from flexible, breathable fabrics such as cotton. Leggings, t-shirts and dresses will be the best choices to wear after giving birth. Avoid anything too tight – your favourite skinny jeans should be at the back of your wardrobe right now.
Never mind that the Royal College of Midwives has repeatedly stated that there is no need to do so, that no health professional will even notice and that pubic hair will have absolutely no effect on your baby's health. If you need a C-section, they will shave whatever needs to be shaved.
Whether you're freshly shaved, furry like a raccoon, tattooed, or have some questionable bodily functions, your doctor, nurse, and midwife don't mind.
For an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you can plan to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 24 hours – however, most people stay for about two days.
Don't invite your family, co-workers, neighbors and mailman to the hospital. The last thing a mother in labor wants is a whole village breathing down her neck. Discuss ahead of time a list of people you would like to invite to the hospital within your immediate family and close circle of friends.
Pack at least two or three sleepsuits, vests and a cardigan or two. Depending on what time of year it is you may also need something warm like a pramsuit. You might want to choose a special outfit too, for a going-home photo. A new parent's best friend.
Do I need disposable underwear after birth? Immediately after having your baby, you will probably wear the disposable underwear that is supplied for you by the hospital. These are good to wear for 2 or 3 days after you have given birth while your bleeding is heavy.
Yep, it's normal, too. Believe it or not, in one 2018 study of 832 postpartum women, 43 percent reported vaginal dryness 6 months after giving birth, so if you experience it, you're far from alone. Indeed, postpartum vaginal dryness is a common condition.
The WHO also recommends not wiping off the vernix at birth. The main reasons to wait with your baby's first bath include: Keeping your little one warm and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Babies who are bathed too soon after birth are more likely to become cold and could develop hypothermia.