If you’re reading this then the chances are you’re well and truly into your pregnancy and you don’t need me to tell you about the average time of labour, the three stages (latent, active and transition) and what to expect from each.
So let’s get straight to the part about what to wear shall we.
Giving birth is messy and you’ll rarely be alone, so feeling comfortable with what you’re wearing – whether that’s a 3-in-1, a hospital gown or your own birthday suit, there are plenty of options for everyone.
Let’s take a look.
Standard hospital gown
Labour can come on suddenly and even if you’re prepared you might find yourself unsure when it comes to what to wear.
“When I thought I was going in for a natural birth I was wearing a big t-shirt and shorts because I knew they’d need to be taken off and I wanted to keep my body as private as possible,” says Kylie Isherwood, a mother of four.
“In the end I had a C-section so had to wear a hospital gown and I wore a nightie after the birth.”
Soft Nursing Bra
Planning a water birth? If privacy is important to you then wearing a soft nursing bra can keep you covered and won’t weigh you down if it gets wet.
Alternatively a halter neck bikini with thick straps will do the same thing.
Eugenie Pepper is certified in Hypnobirthing but before her first child she was stressed about what to wear for the birth. “I had no idea what to wear and it worried me – I ended up having an emergency c-section so it was a hospital gown for me but prior to that I was thinking, ‘should I wear a nightie or an oversized t-shirt?'”
Now, Pepper is trained in hypnobirthing and coaches women to give birth with confidence.
Her answer to what you should wear when giving birth is simple: “Whatever makes you feel most comfortable.”
And it doesn’t matter if you’re planning a hospital, water birth or home birth. “At home it is the same,” says Pepper. “Just make sure you are comfortable and warm enough.”
After the birth she says, “Pack clothes that are easy for you to get your boobs out for breastfeeding with not too many buttons or fiddly bits. Keep it simple and easy.”
Labour Gowns
If you want ultimate comfort and a hospital approved outfit, Gownies Hospital Gowns (like the one pictured above) are available in a range of patterns and colours from duesoon.com.au.
- Snap buttons down the back ensure total coverage from the top of the Gownie to the bottom.
- They provide easy access for medical examinations, massage, and the administering of pain relief.
RRP $49.95
Labour, Delivery and Nursing Gowns
If the idea of leaving the house in your nightie sends shivers down your spine then the Baby Be Mine Maternity Range might be for you.
Their 3 in 1 Labour/Delivery/Nursing Gown comes in more than 20 pretty patterns and colours including navy and black for a more simple look.
RRP $65 available at amazon.com.au
Birthing Gowns
Yes, you can give birth wearing leopard print! This Funky Birthing Gown by Designer Mamas comes in S/M-1XL. Similar styles are available at duesoon.com.au.
Designer Mamas say:
- Stylish alternative to hospital issued gown for labour, delivery and recovery
- Snap locks down the back – no butt exposure
- Sleeves unsnap for easy breastfeeding and any medical lines
- Use as a feeding nightie after your baby is born
RRP from $44.95
Wraparound sarong
During the birth of her first child, Sarah Stokes wore a cotton sarong that she’d bought on holiday in India. Loosely wrapping it at the front meant she could cover herself up and derobe really easily.
“It was a very active birth and I was naked most of the time,” says Stokes.
Soft cotton sarongs are available from department stores and swimwear shops. Or, if you know anyone going to Bali in the near future…
Whatever you decide, comfort is king (or queen) and the health of your baby is of course the most important thing.
So, congrats and good luck!
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