Delivery gown

dabbsfunk

I'm a FTM and really want to wear my own clothes during LD rather than the hospital gown. There's a lot out there so I'm wondering if anyone has advice of what's important to have or avoid. Long or short, robe style that open in front or just buttons down the back and shoulders? Comfort is my number one priority but I also want to make sure nurses can access what they need for monitoring, etc.

JocelynB0911

You should talk to your hospital first. The gown needs to be sterilized to their standards and it probably wont fly if you need a c-section.

MallardDucky

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing.  Labor is not a fashion show. 

 

staceymack

JocelynB0911:

You should talk to your hospital first. The gown needs to be sterilized to their standards and it probably wont fly if you need a csection.

It will not fly if you need a c/s. Safety over comfort. I'm a FTM, but I'd imagine things could get messy with a vaginal delivery and your gown may get ruined.

JocelynB0911

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing.  Labor is not a fashion show. 

Have I told you lately that I love you?

MallardDucky

JocelynB0911:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing.  Labor is not a fashion show. 

Have I told you lately that I love you?

Awwwww! I'm luffed! 

dabbsfunk

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable.

And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

JocelynB0911

dabbsfunk:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable. And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

How do you know if the hospital ones arent comfortable? Seriously, a gown being comfortable is not going to make or break your labor and delivery experience.

Like I said, contact the hospital to see if outside clothes are allowed first. Once you have that answer come back and ask the question.

MallardDucky

dabbsfunk:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable. And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

Like I said you are not gonna care what the hell you have on. It is going to get ruined, and you are going to look back and think hummm I could have used that money for something else.  If you decided to buy your own it will still have to have the snaps at the arms, and ties, so basically you are paying for fashion, because that is the only difference.   

Do not get your panties in a twist because you did not get the answers you were looking for.  

JocelynB0911

MallardDucky:

dabbsfunk:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable. And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

Like I said you are not gonna care what the hell you have on. It is going to get ruined, and you are going to look back and think hummm I could have used that money for something else.  If you decided to buy your own it will still have to have the snaps at the arms, and ties, so basically you are paying for fashion, because that is the only difference.   

Do not get your panties in a twist because you did not get the answers you were looking for.  

Hold on!! Let me make some popcorn for this. I feel a meltdown coming on.

dabbsfunk

JocelynB0911:

dabbsfunk:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable.

And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

How do you know if the hospital ones arent comfortable? Seriously, a gown being comfortable is not going to make or break your labor and delivery experience.

Like I said, contact the hospital to see if outside clothes are allowed first. Once you have that answer come back and ask the question.

The idea was provided to me by the birthing class instructor at the facility I'll be delivering. If it wasn't allowed, I wouldn't have asked.

JocelynB0911

dabbsfunk:

JocelynB0911:

dabbsfunk:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable. And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

How do you know if the hospital ones arent comfortable? Seriously, a gown being comfortable is not going to make or break your labor and delivery experience.

Like I said, contact the hospital to see if outside clothes are allowed first. Once you have that answer come back and ask the question.

The idea was provided to me by the birthing class instructor at the facility I'll be delivering. If it wasn't allowed, I wouldn't have asked.

Well maybe you should have noted that in your OP. That being said, why dont you contact them for ideas of what is best to wear for your fashionable er comfortable labor experience.

dabbsfunk

MallardDucky:

dabbsfunk:

MallardDucky:

Honestly its a waste of money. Why pay for something you are going to turn around and throw away. Trust me when in labor the last thing on your mind is going to be what you are wearing. nbsp;Labor is not a fashion show.nbsp;nbsp;

I'm pretty sure I said comfort was my number one priority, not being fashionable.

And I understand it's a one time wear. I wasn't asking if it is worth the money, I am asking for input from women who've worn their own clothes during labor and can share what worked best for them.

Like I said you are not gonna care what the hell you have on. It is going to get ruined, and you are going to look back and think hummm I could have used that money for something else.  If you decided to buy your own it will still have to have the snaps at the arms, and ties, so basically you are paying for fashion, because that is the only difference.   

Do not get your panties in a twist because you did not get the answers you were looking for.  

I was looking for answers to the questions I asked. I could care less if people disagree with my decision. I'm just looking for suggestions from women who have made the same decision and have experiences to share.

My panties aren't in a twist. I'm just being as forthright as you two seem to think is necessary.

dabbsfunk

It is really disappointing to see how you two behave. You are entitled to say whatever you want here, but your attitudes are completely contradictory to the purpose of this forum. It's really sad.

And I'm sorry to disappoint for not giving you the meltdown you've tried to invoke.

staceymack

It's your decision what you spend your money on. If buying something that may get ruined or never the opportunity to be worn is fine with you, then by all means. I think others were just trying to give insight. Especially those that have btdt.

MallardDucky

dabbsfunk:

I'm a FTM and really want to wear my own clothes during LD rather than the hospital gown. There's a lot out there so I'm wondering if anyone has advice of what's important to have or avoid. Long or short, robe style that open in front or just buttons down the back and shoulders? Comfort is my number one priority but I also want to make sure nurses can access what they need for monitoring, etc.

 

So the above line that says, and I am quoting here "so I'm wondering if anyone has advice or what's important to have or avoid"

My advice was to avoid the unnecessary purchase!  

Now if you would have posted a question like:  I am a FTM and I am going to wear my own gown, do you have any suggestions on what website to purchase from or a long or short style. I would have left it alone.  

Besides this is the internet and you are going to get opinions from every walk of life, you get the good with the bad. If you do not like what you see then move on to the next person. I do not give puppy and rainbow advice.  

MallardDucky

dabbsfunk:

It is really disappointing to see how you two behave. You are entitled to say whatever you want here, but your attitudes are completely contradictory to the purpose of this forum. It's really sad. And I'm sorry to disappoint for not giving you the meltdown you've tried to invoke.

And I am really disappointed that I can not give you the answers you were looking for. Sorry for giving you an answer that you did not like.  

JocelynB0911

dabbsfunk:

It is really disappointing to see how you two behave. You are entitled to say whatever you want here, but your attitudes are completely contradictory to the purpose of this forum. It's really sad. And I'm sorry to disappoint for not giving you the meltdown you've tried to invoke.

No, you're doing a good job at it.

But in all seriousness, what did you expect? As a btdt mom, comfort in a freaking gown that will most likely be taken off and changed due to it getting bloody pretty quickly if they have to break your water, right after you have the baby they have you change, etc  is pointless. Go, spend your money how you want to, I could care less about that but dont be disappointed if all of this doesnt turn out the way you expect.

If you want advice of what the nurses need access to call the dang hospital and ask. Better yet, call the instructors that told you that this was ok. I am not going to hold back what I have to say because you think we are supposed to be up each others butt giving support.

kakhmama

I just wore theirs for the messy part and then changed right after delivery when I got a room.

I looked like I wanted to by the time any visitors came in to see me!

eta: you honestly won't care NEAR as much as you think you will when the time comes.

VitaLuna

I'll be at a birth center where they have gowns as an option, but I will be bringing my own clothes. I plan on using one of my old Old Navy jersey knit skirts and a bra or cami of some sort. I wouldn't purchase something else to wear, and if you take other clothes, plan on throwing them away at the hospital. Also, be 100% sure it's allowed, as everyone has said. At my hospital, we do not allow anyone to wear their own clothes, including L&D.

ETA: the skirt will come off when I start to push. If you're looking for comfort and style, pushing a human out your vag is not it.

katiezab

I only had to wear a gown the first day, as soon as I was physically able to get dressed I could wear whatever I wanted. So, in my opinion, it's better to save the money and just wear the gown while you are delivering.

That said, you should just give a quick call to l and d or the birth center at your hospital and ask about the specifics if you decide to get your own.

I can totally understand wanting to be cute and comfy, but I swear it'll be the LAST thing on your mind when you're actually having the baby! You can get dolled up afterwards!

VCK

If you want to be comfortable and possibly 'fashionable' during your delivery than more power to you! I am hoping to wear a tight black tank during my delivery ie:similar to the stretchy tanks from the Limited. I don't want my boobies flapping in the wind! If if gets ruined, what the hell do I care?!?!

VCK

auroraloo:

VCK:

If you want to be comfortable and possibly 'fashionable' during your delivery than more power to you! I am hoping to wear a tight black tank during my delivery ie:similar to the stretchy tanks from the Limited. I don't want my boobies flapping in the
wind! If if gets ruined, what the hell do
I care?!?!

If stretchy means
clingy, I doubt that will be comfortable
at all, FYI. the last thing you'll want is
something clingy.

Why not clingly? I don't want my boobs in my armpits!

JocelynB0911

VCK:

auroraloo:

VCK:

If you want to be comfortable and possibly 'fashionable' during your delivery than more power to you! I am hoping to wear a tight black tank during my delivery ie:similar to the stretchy tanks from the Limited. I don't want my boobies flapping in the
wind! If if gets ruined, what the hell do
I care?!?!

If stretchy means
clingy, I doubt that will be comfortable
at all, FYI. the last thing you'll want is
something clingy.

Why not clingly? I don't want my boobs in my armpits!

I've always done the delivery gown and a sports bra. Boobs not in your armpits and still comfy.

Kristinandcody

I just wore the gown they gave me for delivery, then changed into my clothes after. But if you want your own gown I have seen some on different websites for sale...just can't tell you them off the top of my head.

kimberlymacrae

I see where she is coming from, my skin is really sensitive and any low grade cotton makes my whole body itch. If I'd have to spend 20 or more to make sure I'm not itchy during my labor it is totally worth it.I am sure the sheets on the hospital bed will make me itch so I'd like to have a comfort barrier. I also know I'm already going to be a *** so why add kerosene to a flame.

JocelynB0911

kimberlymacrae:

I see where she is coming from, my skin is really sensitive and any low grade cotton makes my whole body itch. If I'd have to spend 20 or more to make sure I'm not itchy during my labor it is totally worth it.I am sure the sheets on the hospital bed will make me itch so I'd like to have a comfort barrier. I also know I'm already going to be a *** so why add kerosene to a flame.

She said nothing about her skin being sensitive. Even if it were the advice given to call to be 100 sure still stands.

Blacksuzi

dabbsfunk:

I'm a FTM and really want to wear my own clothes during LD rather than the hospital gown. There's a lot out there so I'm wondering if anyone has advice of what's important to have or avoid. Long or short, robe style that open in front or just buttons down the back and shoulders? Comfort is my number one priority but I also want to make sure nurses can access what they need for monitoring, etc.

I'm amazed by all these negative responses. I too am a FTM and struggling to find a suitable labour gown. I don't want fashion either but I want to buy something that is comfortable and accessible to nurses, baby and me and I'm happy to throw it out afterwards. Was looking forward to getting some ideas from this post but alas no. Good post though and good luck in your hunt. I'll keep looking too.

4Angel5

I have only ever worn the hospital gowns thru my four past deliveries. Once your water breaks, you'll be leaking a lot, so if you do get your own gown, I would make sure it's something you can easily pull up around your belly when you sit or lie down, and easy to slip on and off for moments you don't want anything on, or want to go in jacuzzi tub. I also loved sitting in a glider rocker during labor, and they gave me cotton bed pads to sit on. You won't have panties on at that point. You'll probably want something loose enough that the nurses can check your belly easily and put on and adjust the baby heart rate monitor as often as needed. You could be laboring for hours, so if they let you wear your own gown initially, you might be told to change into one of the hospital gowns closer to actual delivery time so you are ready in case they need to do an emergency c. Hope this helps. Hang in there lady!

Mgraber2010

The hospital I deliver at you have to wear there gowns!!! Your going to most likely get blood on and if they break your water that will get on it to!

JocelynB0911

auroraloo:

Blacksuzi:

dabbsfunk:

I'm a FTM and really want to wear my own clothes during LD rather than the hospital gown. There's a lot out there so I'm wondering if anyone has advice of what's important to have or avoid. Long or short, robe style that open in front or just buttons down the back and shoulders? Comfort is my number one priority but I also want to make sure nurses can access what they need for monitoring, etc.

I'm amazed by all these negative responses. I too am a FTM and struggling to find a suitable labour gown. I don't want fashion either but I want to buy something that is comfortable and accessible to nurses, baby and me and I'm happy to throw it out afterwards. Was looking forward to getting some ideas from this post but alas no. Good post though and good luck in your hunt. I'll keep looking too.

Pssst. They give you this in the hospital.

4Angel5

Blacksuzi:

dabbsfunk:

I'm a FTM and really want to wear my own clothes during LD rather than the hospital gown. There's a lot out there so I'm wondering if anyone has advice of what's important to have or avoid. Long or short, robe style that open in front or just buttons down the back and shoulders? Comfort is my number one priority but I also want to make sure nurses can access what they need for monitoring, etc.

I'm amazed by all these negative responses. I too am a FTM and struggling to find a suitable labour gown. I don't want fashion either but I want to buy something that is comfortable and accessible to nurses, baby and me and I'm happy to throw it out afterwards. Was looking forward to getting some ideas from this post but alas no. Good post though and good luck in your hunt. I'll keep looking too.

I was surprised too, but maybe I'm just old. Insert Smiley face. Hope you saw my post shortly after yours. It's not about a specific gown, but more about the characteristics of a gown you might want to consider. Best wishes to both of you!

katiezab

laurelannie:

The gowns they have are really comfortable and probably the only thing you'll be allowed to wear. If you're thinking about pictures soon after baby is born maybe buy a cute robe and ask the nurses to help you put it on and tie it up to cover the gown.

That's a great idea too!

princessvespa1

I puked like crazy - as in violently ill - during labour.  I would have been mad at myself for throwing up like I did on my own clothes.  I wore the gown, and will again this time.  And I will have a bigger bucket to puke into.    The nurses had to change me multiple times.  And when my water broke, they changed me again...so I probably went through 3 or 4 gowns during labour.  That would be a lot of your own extra money on gowns. 

foxyroxy

With all sincerity, I think I am missing something. Why would WANT to wear and ruin something of your own? Why would you spend money and time getting something that has all the access of a hospital gown, when you could just have a gown for free?

JocelynB0911

Well according to her she wasnt asking how to spend her money or if she should ask the hospital if it was ok. She just wants to be comfortable... *eyeroll*

sprocketsmom

Super late to this, but I just wanted to add... I threw up on myself during labor, and during one puke fest, also lost bladder control and peed all over myself. I obviously had to change gowns at that point. So unless you plan on buying multiples, be prepared that your gown may not make it until delivery. I'm also fairly sure that my hospital would not have allowed me to wear my own gown if I'd gone that route. I had an epidural and they needed full back access, I had to leave my bra off, etc. Really and truly, when you're in labor, you won't give a flying fluck what you're in.

VCK

sprocketsmom:

Super late to this, but I just wanted to add... I threw up on myself during labor, and during one puke fest, also lost bladder control and peed all over myself. I obviously had to change gowns at that point. So unless you plan on buying multiples, be prepared that your gown
may not make it until delivery. I'm also
fairly sure that my hospital would not
have allowed me to wear my own
gown if I'd gone that route. I had an
epidural and they needed full back
access, I had to leave my bra off, etc.
Really and truly, when you're in labor,
you won't give a flying fluck what
you're in.

There is no flucking way I am going without some kind of support for my breasts! No flucking way!!!!!

starinyte

VCK:

There is no flucking way I am going without some kind of support for my breasts! No flucking way!!!!!

I felt this way, too, but my hospital wouldn't allow me to keep my bra on. It was their gown and only their gown. They were pretty strict about it.

carolyn02

Just my two cents.. but my hospital gown with DD was super comfy.   I actually wore it all day after my morning labor and part of the next day until we went home.  I looked like a total slob, but it was so much easier with all the checks than to put real clothes on.  I wasn't concerned with how I looked because (1) all of the attention was on DD, and (2) everyone knows noone in real life comes out of L&D looking like a superstar.

starinyte

I have an UO here, but I don't find hospital gowns comfortable in the slightest. It's not about the fabric, it's all those ties and snaps and just feeling like I'm hanging out all over the place. I'm a pretty modest person and can't even stand to be in my own house without a bra on.

With that said, there is a reason why the gowns are so open. Because nurses/doctors need access to stuff, and they need it quick. So even though I think those gowns are uncomfortable, I have no problem wearing it for delivery. (Not to mention that during my last delivery I got blood all the way up my neck and in my hair. Birth is a nasty business.)

You better believe that the SECOND birth is over and I'm cleaned up, the bra and personal clothes are coming on. I don't think I'd be able to sleep, otherwise.