Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (2024)

Hi, there soon-to-be-mama,

I’m glad that you asked this question because, frankly, I didn’t (biggest mistake I made!). I packed every baby essential and made sure that I packed everything from the socks to the swaddle blankets, but I didn’t give second thoughts about my clothes.

Well, don’t worry, I’ll take you through everything you need to pack for the hospital stay after you give birth, and make sure that your stay is the most comfortable one!

Being comfortable should be your primary goal when you pack your hospital bag with the clothes you’ll wear after you give birth. So, pack essentials like maternity bras. Don’t bring your regular bras; you want the process of breastfeeding to be quick and accessible. It would be best if you bought some comfortable postpartum underwear. You can also get the disposable ones which are more hassle-free in case your underwear gets stained. Bring your most comfortable pajamas. Another essential clothing item is maternity tops and joggers/leggings. If you’re not comfortable wearing pajamas, then stretchy maternity nighties are also a great option. Pack a robe and a matching swaddle blanket if you want to take some photos at the hospital. You can also bring a maternity dress for your ride from the hospital to your home if you’re going to look your best.

Thinking about what you want to wear for your hospital stay is essential because once we give birth, our bodies go through so many changes, and truthfully, with so much on our plate, we need to be comfortable while dealing with it.

Table of Contents

  • 1 What you need to know while packing your hospital bag
  • 2 The main checklist you’ll need while packing your hospital bag
  • 3 What should I wear for the trip from the hospital?
  • 4 FAQs
  • 5 Conclusion

What you need to know while packing your hospital bag

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (1)

Because your body is going through these tremendous hormonal changes because of the drop in estrogen, chances are you might sweat a lot.

I remember people telling me to pack warm clothes, but what no one told me is that my body is dealing with so much already, and so I can be cold and hot at the same time.

I went to sleep shivering because the room was so cold, but 2 hours later, I woke up drenched entirely in my sweat.

So, it would help if you packed things accordingly, to beat both the hot and cold weather you’ll feel in the same room.

The main checklist you’ll need while packing your hospital bag

1. Comfortable underwear

Yes. You read that right. Underwear is my priority. Gone are the days when you want to wear something petite like a thong or cheeksters.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (2)

See on Amazon

What you need now is some very comfortable high-waisted maternity underwear.

The maternity underwear will have more space in the crotch area for the maxi pads you’re going to use and will be high-waisted too. One of my closest friends told me that the high-waisted underwear gave her comfort even over her c-section incision area.

So, be it a vagin*l delivery or a c-section, comfortable underwear is a must.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (3)

See on Amazon

You can also buy disposable postpartum underwear and use it in the hospital and even after coming home, till the bleeding stops.

2. Nursing bra

I packed my regular bras, a big mistake I made because it was uncomfortable and even tiring as it wasn’t easily accessible.

Once your milk comes in, you’ll probably need bigger bras. So, it’s best if you buy maternity or nursing bras from a good brand.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (4)

See on Amazon

If you choose to breastfeed, know that your baby might even cluster feed, so your regular bras will be in the way of often trying to feed your little one.

Many cute nursing bras come with straps and drop down with one hand for easy access.

3. Nursing clothes

Who said stretchy pants look ugly? No way, José. The stretchy pants and the baggy clothes are what you’ll feel the most comfortable in.

You can pack a couple of joggers/leggings/stretchy pants for your stay of 2-3 days in the hospital.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (5)

See on Amazon

You can also buy nursing tops. There are so many variants available in the market. You can decide the type of sleeves you need, but make sure that those are nursing tops. So, you can feed on the side without removing the t-shirt.

From my personal experience, leggings were the last thing I wanted to wear. What I felt more comfortable in was a loose maternity nightdress.

They were loose, hanging till the knees, easy access for breastfeeding made it the perfect choice for those couple of days in the hospital.

3. Robe

The robe is totally optional and up to you, but robes are also a great choice.

Between the frequent feedings and often visits from nurses and doctors, it’s great if you can just wrap yourself with a robe. This makes the breastfeeding process more manageable too.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (6)

See on Amazon

You can get cute printed robes, not the heavier ones, and you can also get matching swaddle blankets to get photos clicked in the hospital.

4. Headbands

You’re exhausted after giving birth, and headbands come in real handy. Just plop on one, and your hair isn’t your problem anymore.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (7)

See on Amazon

You can put on cute head scarfs or printed headbands, and you’ll be perfect for clicking photos with your baby.

5. Warm socks and slippers

I know you must be thinking that didn’t this woman just say that we might feel hot, and now she’s talking about packing warm socks?

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (8)

See on Amazon

Well, it’s not necessary that you will feel hot, but the majority of postpartum women do. But there will also be a time when you might feel cold. So, instead of the robe, put on the stretchy pants, a warm pair of socks, and slippers to go on and about.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (9)

See on Amazon

What should I wear for the trip from the hospital?

Well, in my sister’s case, she preferred and felt comfortable wearing the same stretchy pants and nursing top back home.

But for me, I wanted to feel good about myself after the painstaking 16 hours of labor and waking up every 2 hours in the night to breastfeed. I chose to wear a nursing dress, put on a lip and cheek tint, and I was good to go.

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (10)

See on Amazon

I walked down the stairs of the hospital like it was my runway, kidding!

FAQs

What do newborns wear in the hospital after being born?

If it’s warm, then dress your newborn in a onesie. If it’s cold, put on footie pajamas, a t-shirt or a onesie and a hat.

Can I shower in the hospital after giving birth?

Yes. You can shower, bathe and also wash your hair in the hospital after giving birth. Make sure there’s someone present in the room with you in case you need assistance.

For how many days will I bleed after giving birth?

A woman typically bleeds for around 24 – 36 days after giving birth. Consult your doctor if you’re too much worried about any excessive bleeding.

Conclusion

You can pack all of the above if you’re unsure whether you’ll change your mind about wearing something.

But make sure that the outfits you pick out are incredibly comfortable for you to move around and feel relaxed in.

If you’re just starting to pack, go on and search for various clothing brands that offer a wide variety of options.

Happy packing!

Postpartum Outfits! Best Thing To Wear In Hospital After Giving Birth - 1happykiddo (2024)

FAQs

What should I wear to the hospital after giving birth? ›

Clothing:
  • A robe, pajamas, and slippers with grip soles. "In most cases, it's okay to wear your regular clothes postpartum. ...
  • A comfortable outfit or two. Some moms prefer changing out of their PJs during their stay in the hospital, especially if they're expecting visitors. ...
  • Postpartum underwear. ...
  • Nursing bras.
Jun 7, 2023

What is the best thing to wear postpartum? ›

5 Postpartum Fashion Must-Haves
  • Nursing-friendly tops.
  • Elastic-waist bottoms.
  • Easy layering pieces.
  • Basic tank tops.
  • Comfortable shoes.
May 19, 2023

How many outfits to bring to hospital for mom? ›

Too many clothes.

You'll likely be in your nightgown for most of your stay, so you won't need a lot of clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose shirt.

At what week should I pack my hospital bag? ›

Get a few things ready at least 3 weeks before your due date.

How long do first time moms stay in hospital? ›

If you have a totally smooth vagin*l birth, you're likely to head home within 24 to 48 hours of delivery. You'll have to rest a bit after pushing out baby and wait for any anesthesia to wear off, and your doctor may want to monitor you and baby for the first day or so to make sure no problems develop.

Do they shave your pubic hair before giving birth? ›

Pubic or perineal shaving is a procedure performed before birth in order to lessen the risk of infection if there is a spontaneous perineal tear or if an episiotomy is performed.

What to avoid during postpartum recovery? ›

Expect vagin*l discharge. Avoid stairs and lifting until your doctor says these activities are OK. Don't take a bath or go swimming until the doctor says it's OK.

How long should I wear postpartum belly? ›

Postpartum belly wraps are your sidekick, especially during those first few weeks. It's recommended that belly bands are worn between two to 12 weeks postpartum for the best possible results. Check in with your body and take its cues to guide how long you wear your belly band in those first few months.

What do you wear when postpartum bleeding? ›

You need postpartum underwear as it is designed to absorb the discharge of uterine lining of blood and mucus (lochia) which can last for four to six weeks after birth. This will be heavy and bright red blood for the first few days then should ease up over the next few weeks.

Do you wear a bra during labor? ›

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

How many baby outfits do I need at the hospital? ›

Here's what not to bring to the hospital when you're ready to deliver: Too much clothing for you or the baby. Choose one outfit each and leave the rest at home. Valuables.

How many baby onesies should I bring to the hospital? ›

A coming-home outfit.

Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don't know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate, to keep baby warm.

What should you not pack in your hospital bag? ›

A Maternity Nurse's Guide to What NOT to Pack in Your Hospital...
  • Diapers and wipes. The hospital will provide for all diapering needs a baby may have.
  • Multiple outfits. The hospital will provide swaddling blankets and onesies. ...
  • Wipe warmers. ...
  • Video gaming systems. ...
  • White pillow cases and linens. ...
  • Valuables.
Oct 3, 2022

Should I pack my hospital bag at 32 weeks? ›

Pack your bag in advance

Try to have your bag packed by 8 months or 32 weeks. That way you'll be ready to go when you go into labor. Don't forget! Partners should also pack a bag of their own to ensure their time at the hospital is comfortable as well.

What do you need in a maternity hospital bag? ›

What essentials shall I pack in my hospital bag for after the birth?
  • large sanitary or maternity pads.
  • large comfy knickers (or disposable ones)
  • towels.
  • dressing gown.
  • slippers or flip-flops.
  • comfy, maternity-sized outfit to wear home.
  • cash – you might need it for parking or to grab a magazine or emergency chocolate bar.

Do you have to wear hospital gown after delivery? ›

Some women stay in the hospital gown their entire time at the hospital. That's totally fine. If you would rather slip into some loose clothing of your own — that's cool, too. Think dark-colored yoga pants, nursing or button-down shirts, and other loungey clothing, like a robe, with easy access for breastfeeding.

Do you wear your labor gown to the hospital? ›

Although the hospital will provide you with a paper gown to wear during labor, some women prefer to bring their own gown that offers more comfort and style. Regardless, you will need to wear some sort of labor and delivery gown so your birthing team has easy access to your body for necessary medical care.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 6644

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.