Water birth - what to wear?

[Iamnotloobrushphobic]

Probably a daft question, but here goes:
I'm just trying to finish packing my hospital bag (currently 37 weeks) and I am wondering whether I need to pack anything to wear for birthing in the pool. I have had 2 babies before but neither were in the pool so I just wore an old nightshirt. Is it okay to go naked in the pool of should I be wearing a tankini type top? I don't really want to buy anything to wear just once unless it is really required and there is no chance of me squeezing into any of my pre pregnancy swimwear.
What did other people wear / are planning to wear in the birthing pool?

[Indole]

It's fine to be naked. The chances are, you won't care what you are wearing or not wearing!

[Indole]

If you are worried, just take a vest top or something.

[AllMyBestFriendsAreMetalheads]

For my first water birth in hospital, I was already pushing by the time I got to the pool and I really didn't care I just wanted to get naked and get in the water. I did have a vest top with me though for that purpose but didn't bother with it.

I wore a bikini top for a bit for my home water birth, but once baby was born it was in the way as he was rooting for the breast fairly soon after birth.

I think for me it was more the actual getting naked part rather than just being naked IYKWIM? It feels a bit weird stripping off in front of people, I feel a bit strange even going for a smear test.

[Iamnotloobrushphobic]

A vest top is a good idea. I'm not too bothered about being naked as I have already had 2 children and know that my dignity will be left at the door when I enter but I was just wondering if the hospitals expected women to wear anything in the pool. I will pack a vest top just in case.
Thank you.

[Indole]

My midwife positively encouraged me to get naked. I think she could see that I would be more comfortable that way (and I was).

[CarrotPuff]

Nothing. I did take my bikini top but by the time I got in the pool I was ready to push so couldn't care less.

[Dixiechick17]

I was wearing a crop top that I had been wearing in bed, I had got mostly undressed to get in but just wanted to get in the water

[Topsy34]

I intended to be naked, but got in with a vest top on and didnt take it off. I felt a but self concious about my boobs being out as well as everything else. I wish i had just done it now, i definatley will this time round

You can wear what you want, maybe take a vest or bikini top, then decide when it happens?

[CityDweller]

I too intended to be naked (but this was a home water birth), but got in still wearing my vest top and bra and then didn't again notice or think about what I was wearing until baby was out and I was tugging down my vest and bra so I could properly get her skin to skin.

This time I'm hoping I'll at least remember to take my bra off before getting in the pool!

[Focusfocus]

I plan to be naked - but will take my bikini top.

I dont think dignity has anything to do with being naked/giving birth. Perhaps we all interpret the word dignity differently. Either way - its okay to be naked, or to be clothed if thats what you want but remember that water will weight you down if you have non swimwear stuff on.

[Nc19999992]

I stripped off and got in... I didn't even realise I was naked until I saw the photos dp had taken!

[Iamnotloobrushphobic]

Naked it is then, but I will take a sports bra or vest in case I feel the need to wear something (unlikely). Based on my previous experiences of giving Birth on dry land I don't think I will have time to think about putting anything on as both of my previous deliveries were quite quick. I am just hoping that they have time to actually fill the pool so I can use it. I think the only reason I have previously worn a nightshirt to give birth is that by the time I have arrived at the hospital I was already 10cm dilated and in too much pain to bother taking off the nightshirt that I had travelled there in

[WantToGoingTo]

I was starkers. Clothes way too uncomfortable!

[ohthegoats]

I don't even remember taking my clothes off, but I was naked by the time I got in.

[ShoeJunkie]

Both times I wore the vest top I rocked up the hospital in.