[Submitted Question]

I am now 38 weeks pregnant and can't wait to finally hold my baby in my arms. This may sound a silly question but I can't decide whether it would be better to bring my own nightgown to the hospital or just wear a hospital gown for delivery.

[WombToBloom]

I don’t think that’s silly at all – especially for a first time mom. You’ve been to the classes and read the books but you still don’t really know what childbirth will be like until you’re there experiencing it yourself. Some women feel much more comfortable in their own nightgowns. I was not one of those women.

Here’s why: blood. There’s a fair amount of blood and fluid and random goo when you have a baby. And I didn’t want to worry about my own clothes. The hospital gowns give the nursing staff easy access to what they need access to when you’re in labor – they’ll need to check your cervix fairly regularly and then, of course, you’ll be actually delivering the baby. If you have an epidural, the open back of the gown makes things easy for the anesthesiologist (who needs access to your back). Some hospitals have nursing gowns that snap at the shoulders for easy breastfeeding access too.

Mostly though I was worried about blood. During delivery, there’s blood. And they just grab that baby and plop him down on your chest after a quick wipe down. Which is exactly what you want – but he won’t be clean. And afterwards, you’ll bleed pretty heavily for a while. Why add the stress of wondering if you’re bleeding through a cute nursing nightgown?

I did always bring a good robe from home to “receive” guests and to walk the halls. Also bring socks!

[InnerSerenity]

I say what ever you feel most comfortable walking around in. Hospital gowns are not known for being the most comfortable or private options. Many woman I care for choose to just go to K-mart or Wal-mart and buy an inexpensive nightgown or yoga pants and top, that they don't mind being unusable. This gives you some of your own sense of identity and comfort.

Tia Rich
Inner Serenity Childbirth Services

[Knoxville Doula]

Whichever you choose, being the most comfortable is what's important to you while you labor. This means in your mind as well as with your body. If you prefer to wear something comfy from home, by all means wear that for the comfort factor. If you do not want to get something from home covered with body fluids, wear the hospital gowns -- and get a 2nd one to drape over you for extra privacy!

[blindgren]

Why not have both options available? I think wearing your own clothing sets you apart from being a patient (equivalent to being sick), and we know you are not sick when birthing a baby. :-) If labor becomes messy, you can always switch to a hospital gown. I personally loved wearing a bikini top and a sarong in labor.
barb
Welcome to Birth Baby Naturally

[iambarefoot]

I brought my own nightgown, I just felt more comfortable in it than I might of in on of those stiff hospital gowns. Best of luck to you!!

[Nicolexx]

Originally Posted by WombToBloom

I don’t think that’s silly at all – especially for a first time mom. You’ve been to the classes and read the books but you still don’t really know what childbirth will be like until you’re there experiencing it yourself. Some women feel much more comfortable in their own nightgowns. I was not one of those women.

Here’s why: blood. There’s a fair amount of blood and fluid and random goo when you have a baby. And I didn’t want to worry about my own clothes. The hospital gowns give the nursing staff easy access to what they need access to when you’re in labor – they’ll need to check your cervix fairly regularly and then, of course, you’ll be actually delivering the baby. If you have an epidural, the open back of the gown makes things easy for the anesthesiologist (who needs access to your back). Some hospitals have nursing gowns that snap at the shoulders for easy breastfeeding access too.

Mostly though I was worried about blood. During delivery, there’s blood. And they just grab that baby and plop him down on your chest after a quick wipe down. Which is exactly what you want – but he won’t be clean. And afterwards, you’ll bleed pretty heavily for a while. Why add the stress of wondering if you’re bleeding through a cute nursing nightgown?

I did always bring a good robe from home to “receive” guests and to walk the halls. Also bring socks!

Thanks for sharing this information with us.....I really don't know about this much