so what does your labor outfit look like? - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[jeunesdragons]

I bought a hospital-style (button up the back) birthing gown, and I will probably have a couple of loose nighties as well. I'm giving birth in a hospital, and water birth is not available for me, so no being naked. There is almost zero privacy in Chinese hospitals anyway - last time I was there I shared a room with three other women and ALL of their families who were sleeping on the floor, sofa, chairs, etc. Before that I was lodged out in the hall where I spent the night, while my DP slept on the floor next to me. Many women were "lying in" with their newborns also, in the hallway. Chaos! So I want to be as dressed as I can be the whole time because who knows how many people will be watching... haha.

[wendelberry]

For our HB last time, I just wore one of my husband's old T-shirts (he's 2XLT so they're big and comfy) and a pair of my warm woolen hunting socks.  By the time transition came, I took off the socks, but I can't even remember if I took off the shirt before the birth or just in order to nurse.  Luckily it was just me, midwife, and DH so I felt comfortable nursing naked even though I am normally a very reserved person.  

I totally regret wearing one of my older sister's 1990's-era double-flap nursing T-shirts for our birth center birth.  It was a hideous teal color and I figured I wouldn't care if I ruined it (still had weird ideas about the messiness of birth at that point) but then all our other stuff was back at the motel and so all our first pictures of DS are with me in that horrid shirt!

It's kind of a strange issue, really-- we'll be the center of attention at the same time we know we won't care a bit, and we need to think about getting stuff messy vs. taking some really important pictures, plus nursing... wow.  I like the soft pants with tank or sports bra and button-up shirt idea.  

Thanks for bringing this up!  Fun stuff to think about, even though I know I will not get around to getting an outfit specially!  :D

[jeunesdragons]

Originally Posted by wendelberry 

It's kind of a strange issue, really-- we'll be the center of attention at the same time we know we won't care a bit, and we need to think about getting stuff messy vs. taking some really important pictures, plus nursing... wow.  I like the soft pants with tank or sports bra and button-up shirt idea.  

This is why it's such an issue for me and why I bought a pretty birthing gown! We are a bunch of photographers in our family and we love to photograph everything. I am even thinking about documenting the labor process, but I'm not sure how I'll feel about that when I'm actually doing it. Camera will be there, regardless. I know nobody looks like a beauty queen in birth photos, but I'd at least like to be not covered in grossness!

[Thyme Mama]

For each of my labors/births, I was naked pretty much the entire time. I spent nearly the whole process in the shower, and for two babies I came to the bed to birth.

This time, since we hired midwives, our bathroom isn't conducive to laboring in, and because I am still getting used to our new house, I bought a silk sarong from Dharma that DH is going to dye for me (he is a fiber artist) that I plan to labor and birth in. I plan to wear it wrapped from the back and crossed over and tied behind my neck, dress-style. I love wearing a sarong this way. SO comfy, and very flattering. Unrestricted movement, birthing access and nursing access too.

The one I ordered though, is longer and will hit me between the mid-shin and ankle. I love how silk feels too, just like being naked!
 

[OceansEve]

ooo..... where'd you order it from?

[Thyme Mama]

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3003492-AA.shtml?lnav=scarves.html

All their sarongs are here!
 

I ordered the Habotai 44" x 72" sarong.

[leafylady]

I need to ask my guy to help me shave too.  I can't get past my knees when I try. 

For a labor outfit, I'll go with the hospital gown. That never bothered me.  For after, some maternity leggings and a tank or tshirt top will be fine.  I just lift up the shirt to nurse.  

[sunmamma]

my labor outfit has always been no clothes at all. I don't really want anything touching me or getting in my way. as soon as things start to get intense, the clothes come off.

and usually where you birth should be plenty warm for baby anyway. we will surely be cranking up the woodstove, but i'll also have my cooler room with a ceiling fan to retreat to if i get too hot. And a portable heater as well in case the cooler room is too cool for baby.

as far as waxing, i had to chime in: a friend of mine got waxed a month or so ago(pregnant) and it was a baaaaad idea! it was super painful and she swelled and bruised a lot. it is not recommended that you wax in pregnancy because of hormones and being so vascular.

and really...you may care now what you're looking like in that area, but when you're in labor i bet you don't give a hoot! ; )

[MrsKoehn]

So late to the party, but I have several night gowns of about knee length and some nursing bras. I'll just have to see what works. I want to be comfortable and able to move.....

[laurasim77]

Originally Posted by poema304 

Same here! I guess just whatever I happen to be wearing. However, I would like to pick up a lacy "bralette" (looks kinda like a sports bra, but it's made of stretchy lace) for the birth tub. Not sure if I'll actually want to use it, but it might be handy to have. I like the lace ones because they are super thin and dry out really quick unlike a regular sports bra.

Lol, I also want to get a bikini wax before hand... I suppose since my crotch will be rather exposed, I'd like to have that looking good ;)

Poema304, is this the VS bralette you tried on? http://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/new-arrivals/lace-bralette-victorias-secret-pink?ProductID=50912&CatalogueType=OLS&search=true  I've been looking for a cute top to wear for my waterbirth and the one you described sounds perfect, especially for pictures! Just not sure the one I found online was it or not.... Thanks!

[katealicia]

I've been kind of stressing about this, especially since it is my first time and I don't know what to expect. It sounds like the labor and birth are unpredictable clothing-wise but afterward we all want something cute and comfortable. I'll be in a birth center and I expect to be in the tub a lot, so I think I will plan on not wearing much during labor and birth. I do want to make something special to wear, though, so I'll probably sew a cute gown (with lots of nursing access) to put on afterward. For the mamas who've been there, all of your comments really help!