Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Flip

Original poster

Water Birth

23 replies

MrsRV · 27/12/2011 20:16

So I'm probably being really naive but what do you wear? I'm guessing there will come a time during the labour where I just won't care about having nothing on but what do you start with? Bikini top? Tankini top? Vest? And do you start off wearing bottoms and take them off in the pool?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Gapants · 27/12/2011 20:23

I went in naked- I was 6cm when I arrived at the hospital and spent about 2 hours in the bath. I was not bothered to be naked and no MW would be either. Mate wore a tankini as she felt more secure (less self conscious) in it. No bottoms, makes it easier for examinations, and for the big event later anyway

Original poster

MrsRV · 27/12/2011 20:24

oh good, tankini is acceptable then and they won't think I'm a knob

OP posts:

sleepevader · 27/12/2011 20:27

First time round- a vest top. Not ideal at all.

Second time round nothing.

Second labour more relaxed and progressed quicker hence why I probably didn't care!

LittleTronkey · 27/12/2011 20:28

I wore a tankini but took the bottoms off after about 5 mins.

I didn't have any internal exams but I was in no fit state to take them off myself by the end. I would suggest going bottomless.

LittleTronkey · 27/12/2011 20:28

I wore a tankini but took the bottoms off after about 5 mins.

I didn't have any internal exams but I was in no fit state to take them off myself by the end. I would suggest going bottomless.

Oeisha · 27/12/2011 20:30

I'm taking a knee length (ish) t-shirt nightie for initial in pool (if one's free) stuff just in case I get all weird about it. I can't imagine I'll want to be wearing anything in the pool mind you.
Don't think I'll be bothering with bottoms regardless of birthing method once I'm there. It's frankly as pain in the arse to get pants on and off now (36+6) let alone when I'm also in labour.
MWs won't bat an eyelid, unless DH decides to go comando in the pool with me...

strawberrie · 27/12/2011 20:31

My water birth as a bit of a spur of the moment thing so I hadn't planned any pool wear! I kept my bra on as I didn't really fancy my boobs flapping about and getting on my nerves but the midwives said it was totally up to me. In the end I kept my bra on until after he was born. If there is a next time I will pack a bikini top!

MrsHuxtable · 27/12/2011 20:32

For those of you having used tankini tops, did you get a pregnancy one or just a normal one in a bigger size?
All the pregnancy ones I've seen are a lot mor expensive and I don't really want to spend that money for a single occassion, not even knowing if I get to use it at all.

strawberrie · 27/12/2011 20:33

oeisha my midwife said that was her only rule - any partners who want to get into the pool must have their trunks on!

Oeisha · 27/12/2011 20:35

Hehehe, DH has rules out that already... "I'm not getting in there, what with potential floaters and gunky stuff from your uterus"...ah, the romance of childbirth...
If anyone's DH is thinking of getting in, the advice is to not wear too baggy shorts either...in case said floaters float somewhere not desired...

4madboys · 27/12/2011 20:48

i got in with my bra on, starkers apart from that and at some point i took it off, probably within mins of getting in, i would have taken it off before i got in but i was desperate to get in,m full blown labour, ds4 was born 40mins after i got in the pool :)

LittleTronkey · 28/12/2011 05:32

I didn't bother with a maternity tankini. Just wore an old one I had here. Tbh I wasn"t that big and they are very stretchy.

GusTheOneEyedPolarBear · 28/12/2011 06:24

I took my maternity tankini with me as i really didn't like the idea of being naked in front of the midwife but when it came down to it, i was so out of it on gas and air that i really didn't care. Ds2 arrived an hour after getting into the pool so didn't really have time to feel self conscious about it.

Rrrrayray · 28/12/2011 09:00

Wore a sports bra top! good luck.

FessaEst · 28/12/2011 09:26

I've worn a tankini top (maternity off ebay) both times, not bothered by bottoms either time. My tankini was halterneck, which was great as it could just be untied when dds born for them to have skin to skin.

Good luck!

ShesAStar · 28/12/2011 11:27

I wore a cotton black vest top without a bra and felt really comfy in it. The fabric was quite thin so I didn't even notice it. I have kept it and will wear it again this time round.

hermionejgranger · 28/12/2011 11:38

sleepevader why was your vest top not ideal? Sorry to gatecrash - I have a similar question to the OP and was planning on wearing a vest top or one of those crop top things like these...any suggestions?

emski1972 · 28/12/2011 19:18

Nothing..just slipped off my robe and climbed in I couldn't wait to get in the pool and frankly I thought well they have seen or are going to see bits of me I never have so what does it matter. They have a mirror underwater so they can see the babies head and boobs well who cares everyone gets to see those on a daily basis. Good luck its amazing in the pool!

emski1972 · 28/12/2011 19:19

Oh and sorry another thing..when the baby is born they will pass him/her straight to you to put on your chest (aahhh) and so do you want to be faffing around with a shirt/bra/vest?

LittleTronkey · 28/12/2011 20:32

When dd2 was born in the water I delivered her myself, mw was completely hands off, I wore a halter neck top that I just undid before she was born

I have pic's but can't put them on tonight if you want to see let me know and I can add to my profile tomorrow

OneLieIn · 28/12/2011 20:35

Starkers and it didn't even occur to me to wear anything. What I would say us if you want to bring your baby out of the water and hold to naked skin, then starkers works well :-)

sleepevader · 29/12/2011 20:07

Hermoine- when I got out For any period of time it was cold as damp.

Seriously just wear nothing- you inhibitions soon gone and means you can have instant skin to skin

hermionejgranger · 31/12/2011 11:46

Thanks ladies! Will rethink my plans! :)

Flip