To labour in my nightdress

[Coolsummer25]

I’m due a baby girl late July. I’m a very private person so would like to labour in a nightdress and with my knickers on. Dh thinks I’m being ridiculous and says he’s never heard of woman doing labour this way and that I will be too hot etc.

Obviously you have take your knickers off for obvious reasons

Your baby will get stuck in your knickers otherwise in case that's not clear for some reason

Bout other than that of course you'll be wearing a nightie or hospital gown

No one wants you lying naked on the bed

I got incredibly hot and thirsty in labor, and ended up stripping off completely (and drinking pints and pints of water)- but had planned to wear a strappy cotton knee length nightie.

whatever you want is absolutely fine. The midwives have seen literally everything. If you have strong feelings about wearing your pants then make sure they’re aware- you don’t want to be explaining about that every time they ask to check you. But do also be aware that once in transition and beyond, getting pants on and off may not be very easy- or even possible- so I’d make sure whatever else you’re wearing, you feel covered “enough” in that you won’t be too worried about being exposed.

Good luck!

That is a no. No midwife will catheterise you for that reason. If you had an epidural or urine retention or a medical reason, but it carries a risk of infection and they won't do one for that reason.

It is very rare for a 1st baby to fly out. Most 1st time mum will be pushing for at least 30 minutes or so. Even subsequent babies, you have the urge to push so people get up if they have that urge. Even if kneeling in bathroom. I have never had a baby born in the toilet (in bathroom yes) and I have assisted 300+ babies and been present for at least double that! It us very very rare. Had more babies in the carpark (but never a 1st baby).

So keen to know what your husband suggests a labouring woman wears 🤣 crotchless knickers maybe ?

Take him to a prenatal class and ask these questions to the teacher.
He needs to understand better
No ones gets a catheter to give birth

Sounds like your DH has a lot of issues needs to unpack, saying he wants you to have a catheter to prevent you giving birth on the toilet is not normal :/ Why would anyone even think of that? It’s plain odd.

😅 Why wouldn’t the midwives want someone naked in the bed ?

I was naked roaming the room, on the bed, leaning on the windowsill… the midwives did not care one iota either way.

You can't wear knickers, your HCP will need to be able to examine you. Also once your waters break it's a constant trickle of water so they'd be soaked through every 10 minutes. It will be fine to wear a nightie but you'll want to be comfortable so I'd suggest a big soft t-shirt style one.

Just wear a button down nightdress that you are happy to bin if it gets too bloody.
I did this with my four then the last was so quick I was still in the clothes we'd driven down to the hospital in.

Take a lot of pants. I was covered in blood as I had a massive show and also my waters went and kept going etc. If baby's in distress they will keep checking you etc. Just take around 10.pairs of pants

I bought a big cheap! shortish nightdress (it will get messy) to wear.

Wear what you want. Pyjamas would be inconvenient obviously but there's nothing wrong with a nightie.

I was still in my work clothes! The trousers and knickers had to come off - they were wet from waters leaking. Think I kept my blouse on for some odd reason! Either way you honestly won't care about modesty as you'll be in the zone focused on the task in hand.
Also knickers would've been pointless as they'd only end up soggy with waters, plug etc and changing knickers repeatedly wasn't something I wanted to be doing.
You probably will want to go to the loo a lot as your body gets rid of any waste prior to birth - I recall pooing a lot. And I can see why your husband might be worried the baby will end up in the toilet but it's highly unlikely - you get some warning before it pops out!

It’s fuck all to do with him what you wear/don’t wear OP. Tell him to give himself a shake.

It’s weird behaviour tbh.

And once in transition you REALLY won't care about knickers!

This takes me back to being 15 and having my appendix removed. I was going down to theatre and still had my knickers on, no one had mentioned anything about it. I remember taking them off and stuffing them down the side of the bed. I wish someone had made it clear from the outset. This was some time ago so hopefully communication is clearer now.

I agree with wearing whatever you are comfortable in.

You'll need to take your knickers off before the baby crowns. The midwives need to be able to see as soon as you start pushing so nightdress is fine but it will be up higher nearer your waist. You will not want to have to think about knickers in between contractions, and by that point you'll be too distracted to care anyway.

I wore a night dress to labour in, didn’t realise women laboured naked, other than in a pool. 🤔

If he thinks you should just get a catheter in he’s really showing off his ignorance! The catheter would make it harder to move around and moving around reduces your chance of needing interventions.

I wore a very baggy nightie and knickers for my second labour. First time around it all went too fast and I think I was still wearing a t shirt.

If you want to wear pants take LOADS of spares. They just get wet all the time.

Tell him to piss off and mind his own business, unless you’re going to insist he wear a three piece and tie at the time!! You won’t give a shiny shit what you’re wearing when it starts. I’m an insanely private person and my dignity got left at the labour room door. Good luck!

I'm an extremely private person and normally dress very modestly. However, during labour I ended up in just a bra, and I literally did not care at all. It was so intense I don't think I gave a single thought to what I looked like.

Also, until your husband pushes a person out he gets no opinion. Zero. DH learnt very early on that he was unlikely to survive labour if he tried to tell me what might help.

Did I read this right? He's discussing your birthing plan with his sisters?

I wore a long top/t-shirt the entire time (although I ended up hitching it up for most of the time).

I wore underwear initially but they have to keep checking how diliated you are and it’s easier to keel them off.

Someone told me that you leave your dignity at the door and they couldn’t have been more right!
But the midwives are amazing and honestly don’t care.

Your DH needs to chill out with his anxiety else he’s going to make you a nervous wreck!

Tell him that you will wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and that if he carries on trying to scare you or tries to tell you what you should do, then he can stay outside and not be present during labour/the birth.

It’s really important to have someone supportive during labour and birth.
If you don’t have that person then it’s better to go in alone.