You’re nearly ready to give birth, and you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about what you’ll wear when the baby comes. You may have even gone so far as to purchase some stylish and comfortable maternity clothes for the occasion. But here’s the thing: The best thing for both you and your baby is to wear something that feels good on your body—and that means comfort over style. Whether your delivery is at home or in a hospital setting, this article will tell you which clothes are best for giving birth (and why).
First, let’s talk about style. While you may be tempted to wear a beautiful gown or dress during labor and delivery, it’s better to stick with your regular clothes—especially if they feel good on your body. Wearing something that feels constricting or uncomfortable can make you anxious and so might the people around you.
Don’t worry about style
- Don’t worry about what you look like: The point of labor and birth is to have a healthy baby. If the only thing that matters is the health of your baby and you, then it doesn’t matter if your hair looks perfect or if you have makeup on.
- Don’t worry about what other people think: Everyone has an opinion when it comes to giving birth. Some people will tell you they did this or that during labor. They might even tell you what they think would work best for them. But do not let their stories affect yours! Your body knows how to give birth; listen to it and trust in yourself, instead of trying so hard to please other people’s expectations for how this moment should go down (or not go down).
Concern yourself with comfort
When you’re pregnant, one of the most important things to keep in mind is comfort. You don’t want to dress in clothes that are too tight or too small, because it can cause discomfort and even make breathing more difficult. Instead, choose garments that are easy to get on and off, as well as those that allow you to move around freely without feeling restricted by them.
You should also aim to wear fabrics that don’t lead to itching or irritation while giving birth—and as a bonus: they’ll be easily washable!
Wear a nightgown that buttons all the way down
You will be wearing this gown for the duration of your labor, so it’s important to find one that is comfortable and easy to use. You will want your clothes to be as clean and germ-free as possible, particularly because you will likely be bleeding a lot. Buttons are hard to come by in hospitals and birthing centers, so finding a nightgown that buttons all the way down is essential if you plan on having any control over your clothing at all. It’s also nice when they’re loose enough that you can slip them off without assistance when you need to change a diaper or nurse (or both!).
Keep your legs covered
Your legs will be close together for at least a few hours, so it’s probably best to keep them covered with a blanket or towel. Not only does this protect you from getting cold (and possibly even frostbite), it also protects you from getting blood on your clothes and bedsheets—and trust me, there’s nothing like being in labor and realizing that your pants are soaked in blood because the nurse forgot to put on a gown before helping you deliver.
Bring an old T-shirt to wear around the house after you come home.
Bring an old T-shirt to wear around the house after you come home. You can wear this in the shower, while changing a diaper or nursing your baby, and when you’re just lounging around. It’s comforting to have something soft and familiar on underneath your new clothes as you adjust to life with a newborn.
The most comfortable clothes are the best ones to wear at birth
It’s important to choose clothes that are comfortable, as this will make you feel more at ease and help you relax during labour. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose, as both can cause discomfort. Avoid wearing anything too warm, as this may cause overheating and sweating (which can lead to infection). Also avoid wearing anything that is too cold, as this may result in chilling or even hypothermia. Finally, make sure your dress isn’t too long or short–choose something between ankle length and full length so that it doesn’t get tangled up on any equipment during the birthing process!
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that you will be more focused on the baby than your outfit. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about what clothes make you feel comfortable and confident at a time when it’s easy to feel nervous or anxious. And if you’re worried about how others might judge you for wearing something too revealing or not revealing enough—remember that this is YOUR body and YOUR birth!
