Silly Question - Wearing a Bra While in Labor?

TaterTot408

My apologies in advance for the utter silliness of this question!

Is there any reason why I couldn't or wouldn't want to wear a bra while I'm in labor at the hospital?

A bit of background: Since getting pregnant my boobs have gone from a 34D to a 34DDD, and they're quite heavy. While I know most women can't wait to get home for the day and take off their bras, I feel much more comfortable when I'm wearing a supportive bra.

All the women I've talked to IRL have said that they did not wear a bra under their hospital gown while in labor. But I really think I'll feel more comfortable if I'm wearing one (probably just a lightweight cotton one). Is there any reason I couldn't or shouldn't?

Salem1013

I don't have an answer but I'm also curious to see the answers to your question.  I'm in the same situation and I feel much better WITH a bra on as opposed to with out!

myluckypig

I am actually the type that prefers to wear a bra at home too. 
As far as the hospital not allowing it.. I wouldn't see why not.  I would think that it would be fine.  I remember when I checked into the maternity triage when I was in labor with #1 they give you a gown and tell you to take everything off.  I understand why they say no undies since you will be checked A LOT but as far as bra goes, I think you will be okay.  If it is a huge priority for you just ask your OB as they should know

myluckypig

I am actually the type that prefers to wear a bra at home too. 
As far as the hospital not allowing it.. I wouldn't see why not.  I would think that it would be fine.  I remember when I checked into the maternity triage when I was in labor with #1 they give you a gown and tell you to take everything off.  I understand why they say no undies since you will be checked A LOT but as far as bra goes, I think you will be okay.  If it is a huge priority for you just ask your OB as they should know

OctoberBabyH

The only thing I had on was a hospital gown. They told me to take my bra and underwear off, so I did. I also feel better with a bra on, but honestly, at that point, I did not even think to worry about whether my bra was on or off bc I was trying to concentrate on pain management and breathing. 

MommyMelRN

I hear you sister!  I feel the same way...

Depending on the hospital, they might not let you wear a bra while in labor, they get super picky about stuff like that.  I'd ask your doc or call the hospital and ask if you can. 

JMoore611

During my last two deliveries I was able to wear my bra but I do know it is up to your hospital. 

ridesbuttons

I think the hospital won't want you in a bra in the event you have a stroke or go into cardiac arrest during/after labour/delivery.

Having said that, I don't remember if I wore one or not (and my boobs were the same size as yours).

jesslinnn

OctoberBabyH:

The only thing I had on was a hospital gown. They told me to take my bra and underwear off, so I did. I also feel better with a bra on, but honestly, at that point, I did not even think to worry about whether my bra was on or off bc I was trying to concentrate on pain management and breathing. 

This. It felt a little wierd but as soon as my next contraction hit I don't think I thought about being bra-less again. Plus I planned on DS being put right on my chest for skin to skin bonding and BFing.. I didn't want to worry about taking my bra off first. 

mylittlesunshine

I wore a bra when I labored/delivered DD1. It was a regular bra and to be honest I wish I would have just taken it off before hand.

I ran into the problem that after she was born I wanted to nurse right away, but having my IV line still connected to the fluid bags made it so I couldn't get my bra off until hours later when they unplugged me from the main line. I ended up just taking my boob out of my bra cup to nurse. Otherwise it would have had to hang off the IV line.

This time I am going bra free. I figure with me getting an epi I will be in bed and won't need support of a bra.

allardr

I had my first baby class last night and in all the videos women had on sports bras. I feel like I'd be most comfortable in one, but not sure if hospital will allow that or if I'll even feel the same way come that time.

HeyJune

From my experience, most hospitals have a nothing under the gown policy to make it easier to access you in case of emergency, and to make it easier for IVs, cleaning you up, etc. 

You definitely can't wear anything with underwire (usually hospital policy for any patient in case you code and they have to shock you with a defibrillator - the metal on hooks or underwire is a serious hazard), but a sports bra might be ok if you ask (they can cut it off if necessary). Some hospitals or birthing centers are more strict about wearing nothing under the gown than others. 

stever

I'm a 32G, didn't wear a bra when I had DS and don't plan to wear one this time.

nrb4576

They told me when I delivered DD that I could wear a wireless/metal-free nursing bra (like those sleep bras or sports bras with plastic nursing clips. I definitely feel more comfortbable wearing something, too.  They said if I had to have a c-section, I may have had to remove it, but thankfully, I didn't need one.

Doesn't hurt to call ahead and get their policy...

theblksheep89

I'm going to opt to wear a sports bra or soft sleeping bra. I just know I wont feel comfortable without the girls secure! AND they are flimsy and soft enough that I can just move it over to breastfeed.

Ms Molly

My hospital encourages wearing whatever is most comfortable for you - including your own clothing.  I'll probably wear athletic shorts and a sports bra until it's time to push.  That being said, I'm a 34B so I don't need the support that you do!

In birth class she said a sports bra is easy to pull up or take off for skin to skin contact immediately after birth.

terri_doula2010

There is no reason I know of not to wear a bra. I'd suggest having a super comfy underwire-less bra there, and you may want to have a plan for your partner or someone to think about removing it before pushing if you want your LO to be skin-to-skin/breastfeeding immediately...but I've read lots of birth stories where women wear a sports bra and just pull it down after birth.

I think you being comfortable overrides anything else!

byrne15

I need to wear a bra when I am around other people.  I don't feel right without it.

When I was in labor with ds I did wear my sports bra.  I ended up with an emergency c-section and woke up with my bra still on.  I never took it off in the hospital at all.

BlessedSongstress

When I checked in I was told to take everything off but they said it was my choice if I wanted to keep my bra on.  I would think any hospital would give you a choice.  It's not like it would be messing with anything.

amy5162

Wearing a bra is a must for me.  This is what I will wear.

Thornrose22

I hear you,I'm a 34 I BEFORE pregnancy and god knows what I'm now.I feel its more comfortable in a bra Gravity loves my boobs WAY too much. I'm Probly going to look for a good stretchy cotton bra for labor.