What should I wear during labour?

If you're planning a hospital birth, don't make the assumption that you will have to change into a crispy hospital gown that a million women have birthed in before you. Regardless of your birth location, you have a right to protect your modesty and prioritize comfort. Here are some ideas for a birth boss ensemble.

1) Robes: robes are an amazing option if you are planning a water birth, or if you would like to incorporate hydrotherapy for comfort because you can throw them on when you come out of the pool, bath, or shower and hop straight into bed. They also allow freedom of movement for upright positions and use of a birthing ball without compromising your modesty AND they're versatile! They can be fuzzy, cotton, or silk - long short or midlength - hooded or collared - the possibilities are endless, so you can have a couple on hand to accommodate the comfort you need in the moment.

2) Sports bras or bathing suits: These are another great option for a water birth because they are comfortable, versatile, and can easily facilitate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding after your baby is born.

3) Luxury/Designer Maternity Gowns: There are a number of stunning luxury maternity wear lines that offer the same functionality as a hospital gown with the added benefit of looking AND feeling like Milan runway BOSS while bringing your baby into the world!

Remember that birth is a natural event. Whether you choose to birth at home or in a hospital with or without the assistance of pain medications and interventions - birth is never a sterile event that needs to be 'cured'. It is your unique experience of bringing your baby into the world and you deserve to have your comfort, dignity, and authority not only respected but SUPPORTED!

If you plan to wear your own clothes at a hospital birth, you may need to prepare some communication tools and phrases that you AND your partner can use to powerfully advocate for your choices.

Here are some great ways to defend your birth attire while maintaining healthy relationships with your care providers:

1) I've brought my own gown and robe, but you can leave that one here for me in case I want to use it later. Thank you.

2) I actually have this awesome gown that has all the same functionality as the ones you provide! Thanks, though.

3) My partner and I have prepared our own birth wear in order to prioritize her comfort.

In most cases, there should be no reason for you to wear a hospital gown if you don't want to; however, it may be required if you choose to have an epidural as your anesthetist will need to ensure there is a sterile point at the back of your gown to access your spine, or if you have a high likelihood of requiring a cesarean.

Otherwise, you're the boss! And you deserve to birth on your terms!