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.
Some hospitals require you to wear the delivery gowns they provide. If your hospital doesn't have a preference, consider getting a special labor and delivery gown (with access for breastfeeding, an IV, an epidural, etc.) to maximize your comfort and confidence (much softer than a hospital gown).
The hospital will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. While it is nice to have your own clothes with you, labor and the first few days postpartum are most often a very messy time, so you may not want to wear your brand-new lingerie.
If you're giving birth in a hospital, there's a good chance they'll ask you to wear a gown. While its open back may feel a bit too breezy, this ease of access is important for the medical team. You can wear a hospital-provided gown or buy and bring your own.
You usually don't need to wear a bra during surgery because you'll have the hospital gown and a surgical drape over your chest. You may want to invest in a bra that's easy to put on and remove if you're getting arm or shoulder surgery.
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.
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 robe is a must-have for your hospital bag checklist. You can put it on over your hospital gown to walk the halls during labor and it's a favorite postpartum clothing item.
Braided styles provide a lot of options for expectant mothers. Weaving hair into a side braid or French braid, or adding hair extensions to create cornrows, microbraids or box braids, are cute styles that will take moms through labor, delivery and beyond.
You'll want to wear a pad until you can get to the hospital or birthing center (or bring a towel and a change of underwear). If you're not sure whether your water broke, call your doctor or head to your place of delivery as soon as possible so they can verify whether you're actually leaking amniotic fluid.
In the majority of cases, you will be asked to remove all other clothing and just leave your underwear on underneath the gown. Interweave provides the Dignity hospital gown to many hospitals, as this provides the patient with more dignity.
Clothes wise, immediately post-partum or for coming home, I would recommend stretchy dresses or leggings and a large t-shirt or vest in the summer months. In the colder months, joggers, leggings, or trusty maternity dungarees are perfect. A hoody or cardigan to keep warm too.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.
Usually, maternity pads are used after giving birth to manage postpartum bleeding, but some women also use them during labour, when travelling to the hospital, or to stop any leaking once their water has broken.
If you have a partner or someone who'll be with you throughout labor and delivery, have them pack two to three outfits, personal items and supplies. “Make sure they have layers, as they may get hot or more often cold as the birthing parent typically likes to keep the room cool,” Stanley said.
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.
Undergarmets: I recommend wearing skin tone undergarmets and wearing (or bringing) a strapless bra. Many of the maternity gowns I provide are off the shoulder and photograph much better without having to pull bra straps down (which sometime creates unnecessary bulges).
Pubic or perineal shaving is a procedure performed before birth in order to lessen the risk of infection if there is a spontaneous perineal tear or if an episiotomy is performed.
This is completely up to you. If you tell your care team that you'd like to keep your clothes on during labor, then we're going to do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and covered. I've had women give birth almost fully clothed, and I've had women give birth completely naked.
Foods to avoid during labor include rich foods such as large pieces of meat and heavy meals. Though rare, if aspiration does occur during labor, solid foods are more dangerous than liquids. Dairy and acidic beverages like juice should also be avoided because they can upset your stomach during labor.
Hospital gowns with an open back are designed to allow medical staff easy access to whichever part of the patient is required.