Ditch the Hospital Gown: Why birthing in your own clothes matters.
Written by Annica Quakenbush
Sure, pretty robes and gowns are just FUN, but I also believe it is important to ditch the hospital gown.
If you are giving birth in the hospital, wearing your own clothes the whole time you are there sends a strong and important message. It says: I am not sick. I am not a patient. I am a person first and foremost and I am here to give birth. And trust me when I say, nurses and providers get the message. It’s a simple, and beautiful thing!
Listed below are some of my favorite multi-use garments that work really well for laboring, birthing, early postpartum, nursing, and will still be useful as pajamas or loungewear for years after birth. I have avoided specific “labor gowns” that mimic the design of hospital gowns (typically with snaps and such) not because they don’t work well (they work fine), but because they are basically one-time use (boo).
gowns and robes
Vintage floral robe set
The first - and featured - garment is this vintage floral maternity/nursing robe and swaddle set. It’s GORGEOUS, and is for sale on my sister site - Sprout Baby Co.
$48
This rest of the blogpost contains Amazon affiliate links and we make a small amount (at no cost to you) if you purchase. We believe in these products - I either have used them myself or have clients that have recommended them.
Zipper-Nursing-Access Labor Dress
Comes in lots of lovely colors and is great to wear during labor and postpartum. I had a client wear one of these while she labored - and I later bought one for my own postpartum time. It’s super soft and stretchy, and I love the zipper design to easily nurse day or night.
$28
Sleeveless Crossover Labor/Postpartum Dress
A recent client introduced me to this one. It has crossover fabric over the belly which makes checking the baby’s heart tones in the hospital (or at home) easy during labor. It also has a crossover top for easy nursing access immediately after birth. It continues to work well during the postpartum time. And it’s super soft and comes in lots of colors.
$26
Super Soft Floral Maternity Robe : without lace | with lace
Any sort of soft (not too thick) robe is great for labor and postpartum. These ones are super soft and has lots of pretty patterns to choose from. Robes are absolutely perfect for skin-to-skin. I personally loved having pretty robes that made me feel super comfortable and kinda dressed up at the same time.
$30
Matching Robe and Swaddle Set
I’m loving this cute matching set (newborn photo session, anyone?). I also had a client wear this for right after birth, and it was adorable.
$59
labor and nursing bras
kindred bravely simply sublime nursing bra
for sizes a, b, c, d, DD/e
for sizes f, g, h, i
These bras come highly recommend from so many people I know. They are soft, supportive, and come in a really great range of sizes. Those who are busty especially appreciate their sizing. In case you labor in water, I’d have a couple soft bras on hand - or just don’t wear a bra at all if you don’t feel like it.
$43
Deep V Lace Bralette
I wore this bra during my second labor and birth. The purpose was for gorgeous birth photos and to feel beautiful during labor - mission acomplished! It’s soft enough (the nursing bras above are softer). Thanks to Brooke Collier for this image of my hubby and me.
