Hey mama, did you know wearing hospital gowns during birth is out like lights after a snowstorm? Here’s the new trend you will be seeing in birthing rooms everywhere.
“There is no force equal to that of a determined woman.”
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As you are scrolling Instagram, binging all things birth, prepare to see moms laboring in their own clothes everywhere.
As natural childbirth activist and author Sheila Kitzinger says:
Birth isn’t something we suffer, but something we actively do and exult in
Sheila Kitzinger
You Should Wear A Birth Outfit You Choose – Here’s Why
How does wearing a hospital gown make you feel?
…Like a patient
…Like a girl who needs to follow orders
…Like someone who needs to be saved
…Like a victim of her surroundings
Do any of these women look like that? No, they look powerful, strong, capable, invested in the miracle they are a part of.
You are made to birth.
The fastest way to get out of the mindset of wanting to be saved and into the mindset of being the leading lady and the center of your birth is to simply say no to the hospital gown.
What You Wear Helps Set Your Mindset
As childbirth educator Sharon Munoz says,
“Stand and Deliver.”
Wear something you feel powerful in.
Wear something you feel confident in.
Wear something you can get sweaty in.
Wear something you can move around in.
I recommend a sports bra, simple undies that can come on and off as needed, yoga pants you can move in, and a robe that can come on when you want to walk around and off the second you feel too hot.
This outfit is perfect for both hospital birth, birth center birth or home birth. It will easily accommodate when you are rotating between being in and out of the water and walking around your birthplace or even taking a walk outside. It will remind you of the determined and prepared woman you are. And it will look great in pictures for years to come.
Giving birth should be your greatest achievement, not your greateset fear.
Jane Weideman
It’s not about wearing something to give you one more thing to worry about, but wearing something that reminds you of who you are, a strong, capable mother. It’s about wearing something you can relax in when you feel the strong waves of a contraction pour through you. It’s a small and simple trick that helps you maintain your autonomy and sense of self as you birth your child.
Birthing Outfit Must-Haves For The Empowered Mom
1. A Nursing Bra You Feel Beautiful In
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I participate in the Amazon associates program . I am an independent Bodi coach and work with other brands I love.
Having a bra that you feel comfortable and confident in is a must-have for your birth outfit. I’m a big fan of the Kindred Bravely maternity line. These bras are quality and comfortable. Many moms feel that wearing a sports bra hits that sweet spot between not being too hot or uncomfortable during the most intense parts of labor, and bringing a sense of modesty so that any pictures of the birth can be shared with friends and family later on. Have you seen these incredible water birth pictures? Notice all the moms are wearing beautiful sports bras.
2. Leggings You Can Move In
You will move a lot during labor. Having a great pair of leggings can help you feel more confident pacing the halls of the hospital, going outside for a walk in early labor, or moving around your home. It feels great not having your butt hanging out of your hospital gown and being able to roam as needed. And yes, you will take these off eventually, but why not stay comfortable so that you can stay moving, which will definitely help your labor progress. If you are watching birth videos, you will see, moms in labor move a lot.
3. A Robe That Can Come On And Off
It’s true, during labor as your contractions are getting intense you will be so hot you want to pull all your clothes off. Then ten minutes later you will be shivering cold. When such huge changes are taking place in your body so quickly, it’s natural for your body temperature to change rapidly. An easy on/off robe can really help you stay comfortable through the process.
What Makes A Great Birth Outfit?
A great birth outfit makes you feel strong and confident and comfortable. You can move through each stage of labor in it. You can get in and out of it. You are powerful in it. You will enjoy the pictures of you in it.
I love the power that comes with knowing that you can do hard things. You are going to birth this baby. The inner resolve, that deep knowing of being able to do it, is indescribable and is in you.
We know that you will accomplish anything you set your mind to.
What are you sporting for your birth?
What Else Should You Pack In The Hospital Bag?
Here is a quick list of what you should pack in your bag for mom:
- birthplan
- healthcard
- ID
- comfortable nighty
- cute robe
- leggings
- nursing bra
- underwear
- going home outfit
- pads if you want different ones than the hospital supplies
- toothbrush
- brush and straightener
- phone charger
- snacks
- change of clothes for dad
- dads prescriptions/glasses/contacts
- nightlite if you don’t like the dark
Here is a quick list to pack for baby:
- swaddle wrap
- socks, optional bow, mittens
- stretch gown
- going home outfit
- carseat
- diapers, if you wamt ones different than what the hospital provides
Most moms are at the hospital for 24 to 48 hours after giving birth. You don’t really need that much, however, if you have a c-section or any additional complications, your stay may be extended another day or two. For the most part, you want to think of things that are comfortable, soft and warm. You will spend most of your time resting and spending time with baby.
What To Expect The Week After Birth:
After birth, it is suggested that you spend at a minimum 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days near the bed. You need to rest and heal after giving birth. Again, you want comfy, soft, easy to snuggle in clothes. I mainly stayed in my leggings, bra, and robe. Pajamas for the win.
I took a lot of pictures on these days, so I do recommend having a couple of cozy items that you love so that when you look back at these pictures, you remember that incredible feeling of bonding and being with your baby and you aren’t distracted by something you didn’t like about them.
