Birthing Outfits

[star fish]

I'm not sure if this is a stupid question but what do you wear to give birth?

I have been vaguelly shopping for night gowns which are

• cheap (so they can get covered in stuff and be thrown away)
• Open at the bottom and stretchy so I can keep some modesty, I was thinking something that could just be pushed up over my knees at the last minute
• have buttons or something at the top? To enable skin to skin when the baby is laid on my chest, and maybe allow for a feed?
• But thick enough to keep me warm and also not to show up that I have no bra on underneath if my Dad comes in to visit at the hospital straight after the birth
• Where I could maybe get several for my hospital bag?

Am I being silly or is that the right kind of criteria for a hospital nightie? I have not as yet been able to find anything that covers all of the above, what should I sacrifice?

 

[Sam's Mum]

They're perfect for giving birth - I got some from Primark (next size up and there was loads of space for bump). They had buttons at the top which were great for feeding afterwards but it was pulled right up for skin to skin as the buttons wouldn't open enough - and by then I didn't care where it was It was great for walking around in hospital while I was still in labour knowing everything was covered though

 

[star fish]

Thanks Sams Mum, I didnt think of Primark, that's a great idea as I could probably afford to get several from there. But they don't do specific maternity clothes do they? Was this just from general sleepwear? I was there the other day for fluffly slipper socks and really love the adult fluffly babygrow things, but my husband said I would never leave the house if I got one!

Btw, massive congratulations on your pregnancy!! I'm so thrilled for you. xxx

 

[nikki8092]

Sounds good to me. This is exactly what i had for both my little ones births. Got to go find some more for baby number 3 xx

 

[littlemiss83]

I got a pack of 2 cheap-ish long nighties from primark, they are long so they go down round about knees. These ones are for labour. & i've got normal jammies too, for after the birth at night-times, 2 pairs incase i'm in for 2 nights, if i'm in for more OH can pick some from the house. Also got 2 day time/comfy outfits for after the birth, for wearing during day times, for visitors ect - and finally a normal outfit for going home in

 

[star fish]

I got a pack of 2 cheap-ish long nighties from primark, they are long so they go down round about knees. These ones are for labour. & i've got normal jammies too, for after the birth at night-times, 2 pairs incase i'm in for 2 nights, if i'm in for more OH can pick some from the house. Also got 2 day time/comfy outfits for after the birth, for wearing during day times, for visitors ect - and finally a normal outfit for going home in

Was that all from Primark?

 

[Mummy2Adam]

I got mine from primark too but ive just bought an extra one from asda but they didnt have much in there x x

 

[Cazzlou]

Id go pure cotton rather than a mix as trust me it gets very hot in hospital and during labour. I had the mixed cotton last time and they were too warm and no good for birth the best was the hospital cotton gown they gave me.

 

[littlemiss83]

I got a pack of 2 cheap-ish long nighties from primark, they are long so they go down round about knees. These ones are for labour. & i've got normal jammies too, for after the birth at night-times, 2 pairs incase i'm in for 2 nights, if i'm in for more OH can pick some from the house. Also got 2 day time/comfy outfits for after the birth, for wearing during day times, for visitors ect - and finally a normal outfit for going home in

Was that all from Primark?

No, I only bought the labour nighties brand new from primark - the normal jammies & other stuff I already had -Had to buy a pair of joggies in a bigger size though for day times, got them for £4 from asda.

In saying that - you would defo be able to get all that stuff from Primark!!

 

[ISH]

This is a GREAT thread! I've been pondering over this, I don't want to look a frump.

(that'll probably be the last thing on my mind on the day, but best to be prepared with a decent outfit)

 

[Olive]

^^ Agree, great thread. I'd never thought about this. Loving the sound of primark nighties. I've been wearing PJs under bump and only one pair is comfy. Plus they're so uncomfy to get on. I hate bending! Putting knickers and trousers on is so uncomfortable and don't get me started on socks and shoes with laces!!

xxx

 

[AugustMum]

Try peacocks as well. They normally have brilliant ones. I actually forgot all about birthing outfits and pjs etc and ended up in a sports bra and normal tshirt :/ Not the best thing to wear when you have an emergancy section and your tied to a drip and trying to have skin to skin

 

[misscrazycooki]

I can honestly say I was wearing a hospital frock gown thingy while trying to go into labour then ended up in surgury having c-section. I had nighties for after. you ever thought about using one of them?

 

[littlemiss83]

I had looked about for a long nightie, kinda like the long t-shirt style, and also wanted one that goes to the knees & pulled up when needed, as all my long nighties were actually quite short & show to much leg for hosp.



I think its really important to take something nice for day time at the hosp, you will be pottering about taking baby out of cot - changing - going to the toilet - having visitors ect, I found it really helped to try & get ready for the day as much as I could, have a shower, put on a wee bit of make up & some normal clothes, hate the thought of ppl seeing me in jammies.

I remember with my 1st I was in for 3 days & in the morn when I went in to have a shower get ready MW's said they'd "keep an eye on baby" I could hear her screaming & went back out - MW shoved me back in & said...she's ok, she's only crying, go in & get ready, I was trying to put my make up on with tears running down my face at the thought of her crying w/out being lifted looool - you soon get used to it tho after a few weeks

 

[AugustMum]

OMG you put make up on in hospital.....you put me to shame! I dont even think I brushed my hair! I wore pjs the entire time I was in there (4 days) and I think I brushed my teeth like once. I was a complete mess in there.

Like you say though, it is better when you look good as you feel better about yourself. I was more concerned with making sure my little cubical stayed as tidy as possible and looked immaculate.

 

[littlemiss83]

Well, what kinda kicked it off was one of OH's very good looking friends coming for a visit (thank god OH told me in advance & I asked him to bring my make up) & do u know it actually felt really good, & i just done it every day for a wee boost - i'm only talking a wee bit of powder & some mascara tho, only took minutes.

 

[AugustMum]

Only my mum, dad and sister visited so I was lucky in that respect. Fair play to you though, I bet it really did give you a boost. Its so important to remember yourself with a newborn.

 

[littlemiss83]

Absolutely - Infact do you know your less prone to PND if you stick to some sort of daily routine (in regards to getting washed/changed ect).

 

[AugustMum]

Pahaha...I had PND and post-traumatic stress Im surprised the midwives and nurses didn't see it coming!

 

[Iriki]

They give you special wrap type gowns with poppers along both shoulders or feeding / skin to skin after birth here. 100% cotton and long enough to protect your modesty while you're wandering around in labour will defo wear one of these again this time and save my Jammie's / leggings/wrap dresses for afterwards.