“What should I wear during childbirth?” is a question expectant parents ask a lot.
The answer is: whatever feels comfortable for you! Here are a few things you may wish to consider when deciding what to wear:
- The birth environment. At home you control the temperature, but hospital birth rooms tend to be very warm!
- Are you giving birth in water? If you’re planning to use a birth pool, you may prefer not to wear anything on your bottom half once you get in. Clothes are much harder to take off when they’re wet!
- Are you planning a caesarean birth? Think about easy access for skin-to-skin after the birth, and ask your care provider about your options. Most NHS trusts in the UK support skin-to-skin after a planned caesarean, and many are happy for you to wear your own clothes instead of a hospital gown. See also 7 ways to personalise your caesarean birth.
- Skin-to-skin straight after birth is important for you and your baby. It helps with breastfeeding and bonding, and helps pass good bacteria to your baby. Check that skin-to-skin will be easy in the clothes you choose.
- Feeding your baby. If you’re planning to breastfeed or chestfeed, wear clothes that give easy access to your breasts or chest.
- Personal comfort and body confidence matter too. In the end, it’s your choice – pick clothes that make you feel comfortable, or choose not to wear any at all!
In short: wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that give easy access to your chest for the golden hour. And don’t forget to pack them in your hospital bag!