I know it shouldn't matter, but one small thing I would have considered a little more if I had my time again, is what to wear when giving birth. In amidst making sure I'd packed enough tiny outfits, nipple cream and nappies, I neglected to think much about what I would wear and more importantly, how it would make me feel.
For the actual giving birth part, I was kitted out in one of the NHS' stunning tie-back gowns. For the bit right after, though, they're not ideal. For one thing, they don't provide easy access to your chest for skin to skin, or if you choose to breastfeed. For another, they don't make you feel particularly incredible during one of the most special and memorable moments of your life.
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What to consider
My biggest piece of advice around what to wear when giving birth, is to consider practicality (of course), but also to find something that's going to make you feel good and hopefully something you'll want to continue wearing after (AKA, that'll become your best maternity nightwear). Here are a few things to think about…
Temperature
Maternity wards in hospitals are notoriously hawttt to help regulate your baby's temperature. You probably won't want a full flannel PJ set, or a thick towelling dressing gown. I'd recommend a lightweight nightie or shorts set, with a cotton or muslin robe for extra coverage when you need.
Shape
Regardless of how you give birth your midwife will be checking how you're doing for the first few hours after, so easy access will make things, well, easier. If you have a C-section, you'll require a catheter for around 12 hours after surgery, so again, you'll want something un-obstructive like a nightie. After this, anything loose like a PJ shorts set (sized up) will work.
If you've had a C-section you might want to skip anything with a waistband, or just ensure it's roomy and doesn't rub. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need boob access, so look for nighties and tops that can pull down easily. Some maternity styles even feature drop-down clips (like maternity bras), or you might want a t-shirt and shorts so you can tuck your baby under for more privacy.
Colour
Directly after you give birth, you might want to stick to dark colours (it's a bit messy ngl), but once you've made it into a giant pair of knicks and a jumbo pad, you should be pretty safe to wear what you like.
Aesthetics
Here's the part you shouldn't sleep on. Bear in mind that you're going to remember this moment forever, and you'll probably want pictures from it, too. There's no shame in wanting to feel nice. If I could have done one thing differently, I would have packed a nightie or PJ set that made me feel 10/10. You might not have the time, bandwidth or inclination to do your hair and makeup, but getting into a fresh, pretty outfit can make you feel soooo much better when you're (understandably) a bit frazzed.
Why you can trust us
Glamour's senior beauty editor, Elle Turner, has just returned from maternity leave after having her little girl. She made a note of everything that helped make her delivery outfits (and those early post-partum days) easier and more comfortable – from the feel of the fabric to form and function.
Here is what to wear when giving birth (so you still feel cute)
H&M Mama Cotton Muslin Pyjamas
Why we love it: This is super soft, it looks pulled together, but it's comfy and breathable. It offers up the cutest ditsy floral print and provides chest access with a button down front. Plus the muslin fabric is a cute nod to the baby muslins you'll no doubt be stocked up on.
- Made from: 100% Cotton.
- Colours available: Cream Floral, White Strawberries, White Hearts.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Striped Short Chemise
Why we love it: This is breezy, breathable and stylish. The strappy shoulders are easy to pull down if you need access to your boobs and the price is so reasonable for the soft pure cotton style.
- Made from: Pure Cotton.
- Colours available: Pink, Blue.
- Sizes available: 6-26.
Save when you shop with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Skims Soft Lounge Sleep Set
Why we love it: If you run cold and reckon you'll need a little more warmth on the maternity ward, this is perfect. I lived in my Skims sleep set (which I sized up in) for weeks post-partum. They're the softest, cuddliest pjs I own, they're nice and warm, but they still feel light and breathable. They machine wash like a dream and the black colour is stylish, timeless and also very forgiving if you're worried about post-natal bleeds, baby voms and poonamis. I still wear mine regularly and they look perfect, even though they've been through it.
- Made from: 91% Modal / 9% Elastane
- Colours available: Marble, Heather Grey, Onyx, Cocoa, Cherry, Hearts.
- Sizes available: XXS-4X.
JoJo Maman Bebe Pink Frill Sleeve Maternity Nightdress
Why we love it: Lightweight and breathable with pretty broderie frill details at the shoulder and a half button front which you can leave unbuttoned for easy boob access.
- Made from: 100% Cotton.
- Colours available: Pink, Yellow, Cream Floral.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
Save when you shop with these JoJo Maman Bebe discount codes at checkout.
Tu Black Broderie Trim Cami Co-ord Pyjama Top
Why we love it: This sweet broderie cami looks smart but is loose and comfy. It's easy to tuck baby underneath if you're breastfeeding and the dark fabric (which is 100% cotton by the way) will help to hide any leakages. You can pair with any shorts you like, but we love the matching shorts (sized up). Beyond your hospital stay these would look great for summer days and vacays.
- Made from: 100% Cotton. Exclusive of Trims.
- Colours available: Black.
- Sizes available: 6-25.
Save when you shop with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
H&M Muslin Dressing Gown
Why we love it: My friend bought me one of these ahead of giving birth because she lived in hers for the hospital and post-partum period. I can testify that I did exactly the same. It's the perfect temperature for the maternity ward and helped to protect my modesty during a revolving door of check-ups. It's so soft, it washes well and it comes in 12 stylish shades. It still hangs on the back of my bedroom door for those midnight wakes and feeds.
- Made from: 100% Cotton.
- Colours available: White, Light Mole, Sage, Brown, Old Rose, Light Blue, Anthracite Grey, Beige, Mole, Light Khaki Green, Light Greige, Light Dusty Pink.
- Sizes available: S/M-L-XL.
Boux Avenue Nursing Ribbed Bow Embroidered Bralette
Why we love it: How cute is this bralette? I struggled so badly to find nursing bras that didn't look frumpy and hideous, but Boux Avenue came through. As it happened, I went braless for the most-part in the hospital so I could do skin-to-skin because my milk was slow to come in, but once it did, I needed to wear bras (with nursing pads) through the night so I wouldn't leak everywhere. These made me feel good, even when I would otherwise be feeling grotty and they're so comfy, I still wear them now.
- Made from: 93% Polyamide and 7% Elastane.
- Colours available: Pink, Blue.
- Sizes available: XS-XL.
Save when you shop with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
Jojo Maman Bebe Black Lace Maternity & Nursing Nightdress
Why we love it: This is designed specifically with new mamas in mind. It has a clip-down chest for easy breastfeeding and it's soooooo soft. I wore this on my second day in hospital and felt pulled together thanks to the pretty lace detailing. The length gives good coverage and the colour made me feel extra secure.
- Made from: Main 95% Viscose, 5% Elastane. Trim 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
- Colours available: Black.
- Sizes available: S-L.
Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Muslin Floral Dressing Gown
Why we love it: Soft, breathable and beautiful. I love the dinky pink floral print, but it also comes in plain pink or white. Size up and keep it way past your delivery.
- Made from: 100% Cotton.
- Colours available: White, Pink, White Floral.
- Sizes available: S-XL.
Save when you shop with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Tu White Double Cloth Dressing Gown
Why we love it: With the dobby texture and lace trim, this is so pretty and affordable. The midi length is perfect and the breathable material is 100% cotton. It even comes with a matching night dress that looks far more expensive than £15 (just size up).
- Made from: 100% Cotton. Exclusive of Trims.
- Colours available: White, White Floral.
- Sizes available: S-XL.
If Only If Elle Pink Gingham Nightie
Why we love it: This is bougie, but it's a beautiful investment piece that's floaty enough to fit your full and post-partum bump, and it can also work with you further into parenthood. We love the dinky gingham, the button down front (to accommodate breastfeeding), the puff sleeves and the pretty ricrac detailing around the neckline and cuffs. Even better, when baby is big enough (age 2 and onwards), they have matching pieces, too. Adorable!
- Made from: OEKO-TEX Certified Linen Cotton
- Colours available: Pink, Blue.
- Sizes available: 6-24.
More maternity content
For additional maternity content, we've rounded up the best body pillows, and the best maternity jeans. We've also got nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for you to shop.
