What to Wear in Labour, After Birth and for the Trip Home
Let's talk outfits. Not the cute bump photoshoot kind. The "I've just had a baby and everything is sore" kind.
I'm Chauntel, founder of MaternityBag. Maternity Sleepwear is where not where MaternityBag started, however there was a need in the market for super soft and comfy maternity pyjamas -so I'm a little bit obsessed with this topic. Here's what actually works, what doesn't, and why your favourite pyjamas might let you down.
In labour: wear something you don't love
Labour is not the time for your nice things. It's warm, it's messy, and you might end up in the shower, the bath or on a ball. What works:
- An old, oversized t-shirt or a nightie. Loose, cool and easy for your midwife to work around.
- A crop top or soft bra if you like a bit of support.
- Warm socks. Birth suites can be chilly, and cold feet are miserable. Don't forget disposable slippers - eww germs
- A hair tie or clip. You'll want your hair off your face.
Plenty of women end up in the hospital gown or naked, and that's completely fine. Nobody is judging your labour outfit. Promise.
After birth: comfort is everything
This is where your clothes really matter. You'll be tired, a bit tender, and possibly feeding a newborn every two to three hours, day and night.
Look for these five things:
- Front opening. scoop neckline, no buttons (too fidly) or a wrap top make breastfeeding and skin-to-skin so much easier. Lifting a top every time your baby feeds gets old very fast.
- Soft, breathable fabric. Cotton or bamboo-style fabrics feel lovely on sensitive skin and help when you're hot and sweaty, which you will be. Hormones are wild.
- A high, gentle waistband. Nothing that digs in, especially if you've had a caesarean. bonus point to adjustable pants like ours!
- A darker colour or a print. Trust me on this one. Leaks happen, and a navy or patterned pair hides a multitude of sins.
- Something that makes you feel like you. Visitors will come, photos will be taken, and feeling put-together does wonders on a long day.
Why your normal pyjamas might not work
Your usual PJs might be perfect at home. But in hospital:
- Pullover tops make feeding awkward
- Tight waistbands press on a sore tummy
- Light colours show every leak
- Short tops ride up when you're getting in and out of bed
That's the gap our maternity sleepwear was made for. Front-opening, soft, comfy, and nice enough that you don't mind being photographed holding your new baby.
Don't forget the extras
- A dressing gown. Wards can be cold with the air con, and you'll want to cover up when visitors drop in or you're walking to the shower.
- Slides or thongs for the shower.
- A couple of nursing bras or crop tops, soft and wire-free.
- High-waisted undies a size or two up, big enough for maternity pads - or simply disposable maternity underwear for the win!
- Socks. Always socks.
The trip home
You'll probably still look about five or six months pregnant when you leave. That's normal. Your uterus takes weeks to shrink back. So leave the pre-pregnancy jeans at home. Pack loose pants or a maxi dress, a soft top that opens for feeding, and comfy shoes you can slip on without bending.
And for baby: a going-home outfit, a wrap and a hat. Plus a properly fitted car seat, which you'll need before they'll let you leave.
Where MaternityBag fits
Our maternity pyjamas were designed around exactly this list: front opening, soft and practical, and pretty enough that you feel good wearing them.
If you want the whole lot sorted, our Jewel is our most popular bag. It's just for mum, it's a little bit special, and it's filled with the things you'll actually reach for after birth. Already have a weekender you love? Jewel slips straight in.
FAQs
What should I wear during labour? An old, loose t-shirt or nightie, warm socks and a hair tie. Wear what you're happy to get messy.
What's the best fabric for postpartum pyjamas? Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Pick something that copes with sweat and frequent washing.
How many pairs of pyjamas should I pack? Two to three sets usually covers a one to three day stay.
What should I wear home from the hospital? Loose, comfy clothes with a soft waistband and a top that opens for feeding.