Once you know that you are expecting a baby, you will definitely think about the day of his birth. These thoughts can create a lot of anxiety, especially for first-time mothers. If you prepare clothes for labor ahead of time, you can shorten your list of things to do before you go into labour. There are a few easy steps you can take to make sure you have everything you'll need in labor.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dressing for Maternity in Hospital
Step 1. Wear loose clothing when you go to the hospital
Wear a dress, long skirt, or pajamas. If the weather is warm outside, you don't need to wear pants. If it's cold, wear sweatpants. Try to wear button-down clothes so that if needed, the doctor can quickly remove your clothes at the time of delivery. Once you arrive at the delivery room, most hospitals will provide you with a hospital gown for you to wear during the delivery process.
- If your water has broken, you can wear a long dress or skirt. If you wear pants, they will be wet with amniotic fluid before you arrive at the hospital. Alternatively, wear a loose elastic top and pants, then put on a pad.
- If your water hasn't broken, you can wear a tracksuit or pajamas.
Step 2. You should know that you will be asked to change into a hospital gown
At the end of the day, if you're going to have a hospital delivery, there are no specific rules about what kind of clothes you should wear before you arrive. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown once you get to the hospital. At this stage, what you are wearing will be the last thing on your mind!
Step 3. Try to wear appropriate underwear for pregnant women
Cotton is the best material. Avoid using wired bras with tight straps; You will feel more comfortable if you wear a bra with elastic straps. It's best if you don't wear anything under a long dress.
If you're going into labor in the near future, make sure you're wearing old underwear. When the water breaks, the underwear you are wearing will be damaged
Step 4. You may consider bringing your own nightgown
The hospital will provide a special gown during the delivery process, but you are welcome to bring your own nightgown. You do not need to wear the gown provided by the hospital. There are some pros and cons to both options, but in the end, the final decision is yours.
- Some women choose to wear hospital gowns that have been provided because they don't have to worry about getting them dirty. Dresses will be soiled with blood and other fluids during delivery, and may not be completely clean even if washed.
- However, some women do not worry about this and choose to wear their own dresses. You may feel very comfortable wearing a dress yourself, even if you bought it recently and only wore it once. Consider whether your comfort is worth the price of a nightgown that you will only wear once.
- Your doctor may ask you to walk down the hospital hall to speed up labor if the process is slow or stalled. If you overheat easily, make sure your nightgown is long enough for you to comfortably walk down the aisle without having to put on your outerwear again. Some women usually feel hot during labor.
Step 5. Make sure your hair feels comfortable and doesn't block your face
You can braid your hair in a simple braid, or even put it in a messy bun. You can also let your hair down if you don't mind a few strands falling on your face. If you have long hair, bring an elastic hair tie to tie your hair. If you have short hair, an elastic headband can prevent hair from falling over your face. Most women sweat during labor and delivery, so tying your hair so it doesn't block your face will make you feel much more comfortable.
Step 6. If the weather is hot, wear loose-fitting brightly colored clothes that will keep you as cool as possible
You don't need to wear footwear as you can walk around the hospital barefoot. If you start to feel too hot, ask for cold water or ice chips.
Method 2 of 3: Dressing for a Home Delivery
Step 1. Wear loose-fitting clothes or nothing at all
Your comfort is top priority. Avoid wearing clothes that are tight in the abdominal area when you are having contractions -tight clothing like this will only amplify the pain and make it harder for you to find a comfortable delivery position. You'll also have a harder time changing into a nightgown if you're having intense contractions.
Step 2. If you decide to wear a nightgown, make sure it's cool, loose, and comfortable
Do not wear dresses that are too long - it is better to choose one that is knee length. Long gowns can be a problem during labor and delivery: they can hinder fetal monitoring or the birth of the baby itself. Also, make sure the dress you choose is not too short. Dresses that widen at the bottom are often worn by mothers during labor; Momo, maxi and negligee dresses are also good choices.
- While you're still in the early stages of labor - before you go into labor - you can cover yourself up so you don't feel uncomfortable.
- If you plan to breastfeed immediately after delivery, make sure your nightgown has buttons in the front, at least enough to open up to the chest.
Step 3. Consider wearing your partner's oversized T-shirt
A loose t-shirt will feel comfortable and provide extra emotional support. Make sure it's an old t-shirt or something you don't wear often - you'll likely dirty or rip any clothes you wore during labour.
Step 4. Consider wearing a large T-shirt, comfortable sports underwear, and loose-fitting bottoms
This kind of clothing will provide room for each contraction that occurs, so as to maximize your comfort and support effective breathing. As labor progresses to the next stage, you can remove the bottoms to make it easier to check and drain fluids.
- Wear something that doesn't really matter to you, because childbirth can make clothes dirty.
- Remember, someone else will be there at the time of delivery. Consider how much you're willing to show body parts.
Step 5. Consider wearing nothing
Many women choose this method, especially if they are having an underwater birth. You will feel more comfortable with less limited space to move without clothes clinging to your sweaty body. However, you don't have to decide right away; You can remove your gown or bottom at any time during labor.
Method 3 of 3: Packing Clothes for Hospitalization
Step 1. Fill the “hospital bag” with everything you will need for delivery and hospitalization
Make a list of essential items and start packing at least a week before your baby's estimated due date. You probably won't have much time to pack if the time is near. Fill the bag with all the clothes you will need when you are in the hospital or maternity hospital. Planning ahead of time will help ensure that you are ready when the time comes.
Step 2. Bring a bathrobe to wear after you have the baby
Bring a cool outside and will not stick to the body. Cotton and towels are popular material choices for postpartum wear. This material will keep you warm, but will not stick to your body too much.
- Avoid silk or satin outers. This material is slippery, so you can move freely in bed. However, hospital rooms can get chilly at night, and the flimsy material won't be enough to keep you warm.
- Avoid using clothes made of fleece or other heavy materials. You do want to keep yourself warm, but of course you don't want to feel hot.
Step 3. Don't pack too much stuff for the baby
Best of all, you don't have to pack any baby gear, except for the clothes he'll be wearing when he gets home, and a special car seat for the baby. The hospital will take care of the rest.
Step 4. Bring slippers and socks
Choose slippers that can keep your feet warm and have good footing. You may be required by your doctor to walk at certain stages of labour, so you should stay warm and have good footing while doing so. Avoid wearing loose slippers, which could cause you to slip or fall.
- Socks can be a lifesaver when you have to lie in bed in the early stages of labor and soon after you give birth. The socks will keep your feet warm, without taking up too much space or getting in the way of your position.
- Socks are also very useful for keeping your feet warm during childbirth, as you have to place your feet on special steps, which are mostly covered with covers, but still make your feet feel cold and uncomfortable.
Step 5. Make sure you bring the cleaning supplies you need
If you wear contact lenses, don't forget to bring your glasses and fluids. Also bring a toothbrush and comb. If labor is taking up more time, you may need to take a walk to the cafeteria or around the hospital, so bring whatever you'll need to spruce up your appearance.
Most hospitals provide pads or tampons, but you can consider bringing your own if you prefer. You don't need to use them, but it can't hurt to be prepared
Step 6. Bring some clothes for you to wear after leaving the hospital or maternity hospital
Most importantly, make sure that the clothes are comfortable.