If you’re preparing to pack your hospital bag, here’s what you actually need for postpartum clothes in the hospital. I brought and used everything on this list for both hospital stays with my two babies! In this post, we go over everything from what to wear when in labor, during your stay, and on the way home from the hospital.
Postpartum Clothes for the Hospital
Bringing your own clothes to the hospital has its benefits! You’ll be more comfortable and you might feel more put together if you choose to have any visitors.
You may also get really hot from your hormones and the hard work that it is to give birth! Or you might be really cold, since the hospital keeps their temperatures so low. Every woman is so different, so it’s important to have options!
Gowns
Hospital gown
When you get to the hospital, they will provide you with a labor gown that buttons on the shoulders and is open in the back. This makes it easy to take off as well as have easy access to your back in case you need an epidural. However, they aren’t the most comfortable and can feel very bulky with all of the excess fabric.
There are many delivery gown options out there now that still provide the same easy access for breastfeeding, as well as easy access to your back for an epidural. But they’re cute! And much more comfortable.
Nursing Gown
A nursing gown is simply a nightgown or lounge dress that provides easy nursing access. These can be great for mamas that had a c-section to prevent any rubbing on the c-section incision. They keep you covered and comfortable, without having to worry about a shirt or pants.
Robe
I am not a robe wearer typically.. but my robe was one of my favorite pieces I brought with me to the hospital. If you’ll be breastfeeding, you’re going to have your boobs out a lot. And even if you’re not breastfeeding, a robe is still extremely comfortable to just throw on without worrying about any clothing at all.
They’re also perfect for skin-to-skin contact that you’ll want to be doing with your new baby frequently after delivery.
Choose a lightweight and breathable robe. Although you may be thinking cozy and comfy, you might experience postpartum sweats from fluctuations in your hormones. So best to stick with something more lightweight!
Postpartum Pajamas
There are specific postpartum pajamas out there on the market, which are great! But truthfully anything lightweight, with easy nursing access, that you find comfortable is perfect for postpartum pajamas.
You can use a nursing tank, stretchy tank top, V-neck shirt, or sleep in just a nursing bra.
But if you’d like to purchase comfortable pajamas that are functional for nursing, I’ve included a few of my favorites here!
Specific Clothing for Breastfeeding
Nursing Bras
Nursing bras are a MUST! For the hospital and the first few weeks, stick to nursing bras that are stretchy, with NO underwire. Your breasts will become engorged as they fill with milk. You’re going to want the extra stretch for comfort.
I recommend bringing at least two nursing bras with you to the hospital. Between the night sweats and your milk possibly coming in while you’re there, things can get messy. If you have any maternity bras, you can bring those as well.
Nursing Tanks
When I wasn’t in just a nursing bra and a robe, I was wearing nursing tanks. They are lightweight with little fabric, which was great for how hot I was constantly. They are easy to nurse your new baby in. And you can just wear some comfortable bottoms with them.
I used these nursing tanks throughout my entire breastfeeding journey. They are very high-quality!
You can also use stretchy tank tops with a nursing bra underneath if you prefer.
Nursing Tops
If you prefer to be a little more covered, or find yourself freezing everywhere you go, you might like to wear a nursing top while in the hospital. You can wear something with functional buttons, a V-neck, or shirts with openings designed specifically for nursing.
Stretchy Bottoms
Loose stretchy pants or joggers
Your hospital room might get really cold, so bring pants with you as an option just in case! Make sure to choose something loose and stretchy, like sweat pants or joggers. Something with a mid to high-rise would be most comfortable.
Maternity Leggings
Another good option would be your maternity leggings. Maternity clothes are another great option to bring with you, since you will still have a large belly after delivery. It takes time for your placenta to shrink back down, so your maternity clothes may be what’s most comfortable for a while.
Loose Stretchy Shorts
I recommend bringing loose stretchy shorts as another option as well. You may find that you feel more comfortable in shorts after giving birth than you do pants.
My favorites to bring are pajama-style shorts because they’re soft and comfortable! But any lounge shorts will do!
Underwear Options
Mesh underwear
Mesh underwear are great because they’re disposable. Postpartum can get messy, especially those first few days. It’s best to wear something that you won’t be disappointed if it gets ruined and will also keep you comfortable.
I used the mesh underwear and giant maxi pad with my first baby in the hospital. However, I found that the pad did slide around a lot and with everything being more uncomfortable and swollen down there it just didn’t feel as supportive.
If you prefer to try them out, you can use the ones provided by the hospital. Or Frida Mom makes a great pair too which you can continue to use at home.
High waist postpartum underwear
I typically recommend postpartum underwear for after the hospital, when your bleeding slows down. However, some women prefer to wear more regular underwear and that’s totally fine too!
Choose underwear with a high waist or postpartum underwear, just in case you end up with a c-section. This prevents the band from your underwear from rubbing on that incision! Comfortable underwear are a must during the postpartum period.
Diapers
I chose to use postpartum diapers with my second baby and I will say, it was life-changing! I know it’s not for everyone. But just putting on a diaper was SO much more convenient than having to mess with the mesh underwear and getting the pad to stay in the right spot.
The hospital staff saw me in just my postpartum diaper and robe many, many times! As a nurse, I can tell you they see this every day, and it doesn’t phase them whatsoever! It’s truly whatever makes you most comfortable!
Comfortable Shoes
Cozy socks
It’s best to wear some kind of footwear when in the hospital room and walking throughout the halls of the hospital. You can bring cozy socks for comfort or socks with the grippers on the bottom to prevent from slipping.
slippers
Slippers are another good choice of footwear to bring. You can bring the ones you use from home or buy another inexpensive pair to use just for the hospital.
Flip flops
Flip flops are another great option because you can bring them in the bathroom with you to the shower. That way if they get wet, there’s no issues!
Postpartum Belly Wrap
Some hospitals provide a postpartum belly wrap after delivery in the postpartum units. Postpartum girdles help support your abdominal muscles and organs, relieve pain, and increase blood flow.
They are beneficial for women who have c-sections because they help with healing. But there are benefits for women who have vaginal deliveries as well.
If you want to be sure you have a wrap after your delivery, you can purchase one and pack it in your hospital bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you wear at the hospital after giving birth?
Whatever you feel most comfortable in! You can choose to wear the hospital gowns they provide you. Or your own clothes you brought from home. Any of the items on this list are perfect for right after giving birth.
I personally like to avoid pants for the first day because the nurses will be checking your postpartum bleeding frequently.
What should I wear in the hospital after a c-section?
Everything on this list is c-section friendly! You can wear any gowns, a robe, or loose and stretchy pants or shorts.
What’s the best coming home from hospital outfit for mom?
Whatever mom feels most comfortable in! Some women like to wear something casual and others like to leave in their comfy pajamas. There are no rules! You will be going from your hospital room to the car. You don’t need to dress up, unless you want to!
I hope this post helps you to be more prepared for what postpartum clothes to bring to the hospital. It’s important you’re comfortable during your hospital stay, so pack the options you think would be best for you!
Are you planning to bring anything off of this list? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Other Posts You May Like: