Waterbirth

[JB86]

Hello,

I am currently buying bits for my hospital bag and am considering a waterbirth at my local midwife led birthing centre. Silly question... can I ask what you normally wear in the birthing pool?

If not a water birth are you usually given a hospital gown or can you wear your own stuff? I would like to make the experience more relaxed and would prefer not to wear a gown!

Thanks!

It's absolutely up to you - some people wear nothing, others can wear a tshirt or bikini/tankini top if they want - I did the latter as norks are massive and would have annoyed me untethered

I didn't wear anything for my first water birth. It was lovely! If I get one this time i'll be wearing a tee shirt cos I got cold shoulders 😂

I had two water births. Both times I took a tankini top, and both times I took them off within 5 minutes of being in the water and ended up with nothing on

Sorry, that was for a water birth. For other births (in my experience - only had one of each type so not a huge sample!), again it was whatever you're comfortable in - I kept my top on that I arrived in then changed after the birth.

I was naked for my waterbirth. It didn't occur to me to wear anything, I knew any clothes would annoy me

I wore a basic h and m vest. My boobs were so big by then that no bikini would have contained them. Personally, with larger breasts I didn't like the idea of being topless.

Think I wire cropped top for first water birth and just my bra for my second. Whatever undergarment I had on at the time basically.

Wear your own stuff baggy t-shirts, nighties or pyjamas are recommended as they're the most comfortable. And bring lots of clean pairs for afterwards! The only time you should need a gown is if you're being taken to theatre.

I packed an old PJ top with buttons for easy access to breastfeed. I ended up giving birth in DPs Batman T-shirt

But I've heard of a bikini top or something , or a T-shirt would be good. Whatever you feel comfortable in really. I can see how some people prefer wearing nothing. I was only in the pool for 5 minutes as he came quick so no time to even strip off.

I hadn't planned a water birth but midwife insisted (best thing ever!!) Was only in hospital 40 mins when I gave birth but wore a vest top. Took it off after baby was born. I'm not one for being that naked

I wore a crop top (huge boobs) but I ended up naked. Essentials - dark toweled dressing gown and a fluffy warm one. It gets messy in there so also shampoo and conditioner all in one...quick shower once the gorgeous newborn has had lots of cuddles and a feed. Towelled robe was perfect as I had to get out to deliver placenta.

I wore a crop top type bra thing and nothing else.

Nothing

I had a baggy tshirt on most of the time, it came off just before the actual birth.

Nursing nightie with buttons down the front is good to take with you so you can breast feed easily after. Many women report just ripping all their clothes off anyway! I’m going to pack a crop top and spare tshirt for water bit.

Obviously pyjama bottoms are pointless.

They do also give you a gown if you run out of clothes!

Dark coloured Primarni/Tesco PJs/nightie for (dry land) early labour and afterwards. Hopped into the pool at about 9cm dilated, utterly starkers - had packed my maternity tankini but didn’t even think to put it on. Midwife asked if I wanted to get in and I was like GOD at last YES . I’m not normally a nudie stripper type but is a common side effect of the birthing hormones, so I hear. Pack some (cheap, disposable) options and see how you go.

Don’t forget massive pants for afterwards (also Primarni/Tesco)

It's up to you! Wear whatever you want- t shirt, tanking, bikini, naked- whatever is best and comfortable! Obviously a swimming costume wouldn't be practical haha

'Dry land' birth- my last birth I chose to wear a cheap nightie from Matalan. I felt a night dress was easier to stay covered up between examinations but with a t shirt or vest you could just have a blanket over your waist or whatever
My first birth I had a gown on but I think that was because I went to theatre for forceps. Otherwise they can't dictate what you wear that's your choice

I wore a tankini top. Just wear what's comfy. I opted for the tankini in case I needed to get out for whatever reason. Plus there's enough skin exposed for skin to skin contact after the birth.

I started off just on my bra but it was annoying so I was naked. The water is very warm so you get hot.

I wore just my bra as I couldn't be faffed and didn't have time to change into anything else.

I packed a long black vest top (not maternity but just a few sizes bigger) but never got to use the pool- I wouldn’t spend much in case this happens.

Thanks all... I went shopping at the weekend and bought a variety of bits to take with me!

I’ve had two lovely water births. Honestly, they were fab. I wore a vest top as I too have large baps that I didn’t want flapping around, I found a top with Lycra in more comfy as I didn’t like the idea of water going up a tee shirt and making it balloon out iyswim.

Definitely second a fluffy dressing gown for afterwards as I suddenly felt quite chilly after both of mine were born. Flip flops / crocs are also better than slippers as you can wear them into the shower afterwards and rinse them off if they get blood on them (they probably will).

Best of luck and congratulations!

I wore a bikini top in the pool. Delivered on dry land, in the same soggy top! I had grand plans to wear a nightie etc but in reality I couldn’t be bothered!

I wore a bikini and took the bottoms off for pushing and top off once she was out.