to wonder why some women give birth naked?

[sparklyknittedmacaroons]

Just seen a video of a woman doing this, and I know a couple of friends who have chosen to. Am about to give birth to my 4th and personally couldn't bear the thought of being naked in a room of strangers, also don't understand why there is the need...not criticising anyone who does it, just genuinely asking the question so no rudeness or flaming please!

Infact, in light of the fact that we are being so uttely undignified, I have hit upon an idea for a gap in the maket:

Crotchless bloomers. I wouldn't call them that, of course, because that would be marketing suicide given that 'crotchless' anything is ovetly sexual. I would name them... Birthing Undercrackers. With a tagline Because you can preserve your dignity at all times.

£20 a throw, no, wait, anything birth or newborn related is always twice the price £40.

This time next year, I'll be a millionaire. Or on dragons den. How long before Bannatyne says 'I'm in!'?

Ladies please do not forget to keep your hair neat at all times. Perhaps take some heated rollers into hosptial with you? Or book a visiting hair dresser if you are opting for a homebirth?

There really is no excuse for a slovenly appearance.

I wouldnt recommend heels whilst in active labour but a wedge gives a bit of height and is suprisingly comfortable.

I need hardly remind you of the importance of a a good manicure, french will do.

Oh, just go for a burkha.

I find the idea of giving birth with clothes on a bit odd. I did have a huge T-shirt on for DD1's very crowded birth, but certainly for DD2's I got naked. I like being naked.

Birth is animal. Like sex. Although less fun, obviously6.

How would you manage if you needed a section? Because, if you want a shower with 24 hours of the (bloody, sweaty, emotional) birth, you will need a HCP to supervise, or at least be nearby. Plus you will need a catheter, midwives checking your scar etc. One hospital even wanted me to wee in a jug, even after I had the catheter out.

That is less dignified than simply being naked, IMO. But still not all that undignified, given that it is in a hospital, and the only people involved have seen endless nudity.

"Birthing undercrackers"

pmsl

The baby is naked. You might as well join in.

Did i mention the need to avoid sweating?

Ladies glow

MrsDV - nn about swearing! I tried to be all yogic with DS1s birth, failed miserably. Decided to swear liberally and vociverously (sp?), whilst mooing, with DS2. Helped considerably. I think I may have said "Oh Bloody Hell Not Her" when the 'orrible registrar came in to do the delivery itself, of which I'm not proud.

I think the op is Tom Cruise.
Why are people so stupid about labour? Your body takes over. 90% of what is happening is stuff you wouldn't chose.

jamie I said SWEATING. Swearing is compulsory and will be covered in chapter 4 of my book 'How to give birth without flashing your chuff'

Where is the OP?
I hope you are not wearing the same outfit for DC4 birth, but something new, with feathers this time, otherwise it would be 'oh-so-common'...

It never crosed my mind for one moment that it would be appropriate to be anythig other than naked. You are so uncomfortable I certainly didn't want to be hot too. I was born naked, sleep naked, what else?

I'vewas naked for all four births. My dignity got left at the door on the way into the labour ward and got picked up when I left. I was hot, sweaty, sore and all manner of icky stuff was going on. Having my clothes on was inconvenient and made me uncomfortable. They were all born in the water in the end so clothes were just superfluous. Strangers being there didn't bother me. I'm sure they've seen it all before.

This thread is a little sad really.

What is undignified about giving birth? Its the single most amazing thing I have ever done, it wasn't undignified.

I was naked, sweating and a little bit loud but it wasn't undignified.

Hmm read your latter comment you are very judge aren't you?

My friend also wore clothes during all her three labours. Well until her dp pointed out that this was not in fact the case

Her face was brill and she went "really? REALLY?!"

Her Dp pointed out that she had a tshirt for Ds on and she was stark naked for the other two dds.

She had always assumed that as she is wearing a nightie in the photos she gave birth in it

OP, are you from a cult or a kind of sect?
Perhaps this is a cry for help?

Blimmin' heck, OP, judgy and defensive much? Why on earth do you care what other women wear to give birth? I haven't had my baby yet but frankly don't care if I do it naked or wearing a bear costume as long as the baby comes out safely and hopefully causing minimal damage to me along the way...

I wore a huge t shirt/nighty thing. But not out of modesty, just because I put it on when I went up to the labour suite and was so off my face on morphine by the time it came to second stage I could have been draped in fairy lights and tinsel and not noticed. It was dragged off over my head for skin to skin and to attempt to feed anyway so the MWs, consultant and paeds team who ended up present when DS stopped breathing got a good eyeful but I'm fairly sure they've seen it all before. I then needed approximately four million and seven stitches and had a finger shoved up my bum so clothing was the last thing on my mind.

I also spent the next three days in hospital flashing everyone who'd look my boobs while we tried to crack feeding. I must truly be an exhibitionist

I was totally naked, not least because I spent most of the labour in the pool. I was so desperate to get in that when they said it was ready I literally threw off the carefully chosen "old T shirt and pj trousers to give birth in" of the hospital bag lists and practically leapt in. I didnt give my modesty a second thought. And I did have a tankini top with me but no way did I want to wear a stretchy tight swimsuity type thing. I was uncomfortable enough as it was.

DS was born on land eventually and of course i was still naked. I didn't give a monkeys, in fact I have only just remembered really that I must have been starkers. Male midwife too.

i very nearly bought this but got a button down night shirt instead (at a fraction of the price) that was long enough to cover my bum.

i did reach a point during 3rd labour when i realised i reallly should get my knickers off, having put them on after getting out the bath cause things were heating up. ankle socks as well which got so covered in fluid they went in the yellow clinical waste bag.

i did consider waterproof makeup for the photos that are taken immediately after, before you have time to freshen up

OP, if a woman is naked its probably not cos she "feels the need" and it probably wasn't that conscious a decision. She was probably off her head on G&A and pain/endorphins and just whipped it all out.

I don't really see the problem with giving birth starkers, after all they do say 'leave your dignity at the door' when in labour (though personally I think dignity is abandoned as soon as you get that BFP). Each to their own, mw's don't really care.

With DS I think I would've preferred to be naked to how I ended up. I had an epidural so was lucid throughout, I was actually a bit embarassed about having to wear those sexy support stockings and hated the surgical gown it was so itchy. I think though because I was very aware of everything I would've repulsed myself a bit being sweaty and naked (body issues) so maybe it was for the best. Plus I really didn't want to see the head crowning or anything so the gown acted like a screen for me.

That said before I had the epidural they could've stripped me naked and painted me green and I really wouldn't have cared.

naturalbaby I like the justification of the wrap on the site being that every woman needs a lbd to give birth in :o

YABU - All 3 times I've been naked. I couldn't stand the feel of fabric on me and was boiling.

'I stand by my belief that being naked during birth is a bit weird and undignified. We are human beings, not animals' - just read this, made me chuckle. You do realise OP that we are animals - mammals in fact.
Clearly your weird and undignified are very different to mine.