What NOT To Wear At Hospital Birth
What should you wear at the hospital during and after birth?
Handy checklists will tell you lots of things to pack in your hospital bag, but I'm going to tell you the truth:
You don't need to pack as many clothes or underthings as you think!
Here is real-world advice about clothes and underwear for the hospital birth...
Pregnancy Hospital Gowns
Do I think the celebrities' Hot Mama gowns are cute?
Absolutely!
But I'd rather use my money for cute post-baby clothes than stain a $150 hospital gown!
Besides, that dreaded hospital gown is constructed that way for a reason. You may have an IV for at least a day. Also, nurses will need access for ice packs and dressings.
Don't worry, the maternity gowns are different than the typical exam gown. Mine had snaps on each shoulder to make nursing access easy.
When it became stained, I was given a fresh gown -- and I didn't have to do any laundry when I got home.
Speaking Of Stains And Bleeding...
Every hospital bag checklist I've read recommends that I bring my own maxi pads (or even Depends undergarments) for after-birth bleeding.
You know what?
The hospital pads were bigger, better, and conveniently stacked on a shelf next to the toilet. I ended up carting my big bulky package back home.
Same With Underwear
Did you know that the hospital will provide you with unique, stretchy net panties for your stay? Use them. You'll need to throw them away after one day's stay.
If you want to bring underwear from home, sacrifice your worn-out maternity panties.
Every new mother deserves a new drawer of underwear after a baby, anyway!
Regular Clothes For Visitors And Going Home
I felt more together while wearing loose maternity clothes during the day. I saved the pretty nursing gowns and robes for home -- after most of the messiness had passed.
When you leave the hospital, you'll look about 6 months pregnant.
This even includes your feet! In fact, you may want to bring shoes a whole size larger than normal. If you received IV fluid during labor, you'll be sure to experience swelling afterward.
Common sense says not to bring valuable jewelry to the hospital, but do think about an attractive necklace or a flowing top with a flattering neckline.
There will be lots of photos of you and baby! But don't worry, you'll be wearing the most beautiful smile, no matter what you've packed.
You did it!
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