Almost immediately after learning that they are pregnant, many women are already thinking about the day they will give birth to their beautiful baby. These thoughts can often cause significant stress and anxiety, especially for first-time moms. There are so many things to think about and prepare for that many women feel overwhelmed. One way to calm the anxiety a little and make the big day pass more calmly is to make plans in advance and be well prepared. An important step that is easy to miss during the planning process is the choice of clothing to prepare and prune with you for the big day. By preparing your clothes in advance, you can check an item from the to-do list just before going into labor. There are a few simple steps to follow to make sure you have all the essentials for the big day.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Learn What Basic Clothing You Will Need During Labor and Hospitalization
Becoming familiar with the basic clothing you will need when you are in a hospital or birthing center will help you make sure you are well prepared when the time comes. You should make a list of essential items before you start packing your suitcase to take to the hospital.
Step 1. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes on the way
When you go to the hospital or birth center you will want to wear a long dress or a long skirt, pajamas or a pair of comfortable sweatpants. If your water has already broken, you may want to stick to a long dress or skirt, as your pants would get drenched in amniotic fluid before you get to the hospital. If your water hasn't broken yet, sweatpants or pajamas should be fine. It is important to wear comfortable clothes on the way as comfort is your top priority. When you have contractions you should avoid wearing anything snug around your belly, as it will only increase the pain and can prevent you from finding a comfortable position for labor. Once you arrive at the hospital or birth center, you will have the opportunity to change.
Step 2. Know that even if the hospital will provide you with a nightgown to wear during labor, you have the option to carry your own and you do not necessarily have to use the one provided by the hospital
There are some pros and cons to both options, but ultimately the choice is up to you. Some women are happy to use the hospital-supplied nightgown because they don't have to worry about getting it dirty. The nightgown will become stained with blood and other liquids during labor, which may not come off with washing. Nonetheless, some women do not worry about this and prefer to wear their nightgown with which they feel most comfortable, even if they only use it once, during labor and at the time of delivery. For these women, it is worth spending the extra money on a nightgown that will be worn once.
If you decide to wear your nightgown, make sure it's not too long. A long nightgown can become a problem in the stage of labor and at the time of delivery, as it could hinder fetal monitoring or the birth of the baby. On the other hand, you will want to be sure that the nightgown you choose is not too short. When you are still in the early stages of labor and before actually starting the birth process you may want to stay well covered and not be too exposed. For long or lengthy labor, your doctor may advise you to walk the hospital corridors to speed things up. You will want to make sure that your nightgown is long enough to make you feel comfortable walking through the corridors without using a dressing gown if you wish, as women can sometimes be excessively hot during labor
Step 3. Prepare a bathrobe to take with you that you will use after giving birth
It is very important to prepare a bathrobe made with a breathable fabric that does not stick to the skin. The fabric usually chosen for a postpartum bathrobe is cotton or terry cloth. These fabrics will keep you warm, but won't overheat and won't be too close to the body. Silk or satin bathrobes should be avoided as they are slippery and can make you slip when in bed. Hospital rooms can get cold at night, and thin fabric may not be enough to provide adequate heat. You sure want to stay warm, but you don't want to overheat. Avoid fabrics such as fleece and other heavy fabrics that can cause you to sweat and overheat.
Step 4. Make sure you bring slippers and slippers with you
When it comes time to choose which slippers to wear, you'll want to be sure to get ones that will keep your feet warm while providing you with good support. Since you may need to walk during the various stages of labor, you will want to stay warm as you walk and have good support for your feet. You should avoid slippers that fit too loose as they may cause you to slip or fall as you walk.
Slippers are very important. They can be a lifeline when you are bedridden during the early stages of labor, as well as immediately after giving birth. They will keep your feet warm without being bulky or hindering. They are also perfect for giving birth when you need to put your feet on the stirrups. Most brackets have a coating but can still be cold and uncomfortable. Wearing a good pair of slippers will help you feel more comfortable and warm
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Don't Forget to Prepare Some Basic Non-Clothing Items
Remember to bring some non-clothing items that you can wear during labor.
Step 1. Bring a ponytail with you which can be useful for gathering long hair during labor
If you have short hair, an elastic headband can help keep it off your face. Most women sweat during the most intense phase of labor and delivery and keeping the hair away from the face will bring some relief to face this difficult task.
Step 2. Remember to prepare any toiletries you may need
If you wear contact lenses, don't forget your glasses and lens fluid. Also take your toothbrush and hairbrush with you. In the event of prolonged labor, you may find yourself going down to the canteen or wandering around the hospital.
