Off to Primark <gag - I know> to buy some cheap bits for labour and post birth, what sort of things do I want?

[MassiveBumperlicious]

DC2 due end of September. I have flashbacks of making a mad dash to primark between feeds when DD was about 5 days old, when none of my clothes fit or were suitable.

Popping in today to get some PJs and possibly a tankini for water birth, but might pick up a few bits for afterwards, else I am going to be in trackies for weeks. Plan to be bfing, what sort of things will I want for autumn that are going to make me feel less slummy mummy and a bit yummy mummy, and won't make me still look pg afterwards.

Leggings and tunics?

Don't forget big knickers for after labour!

Why do you want a 'tankini' ti give birth?

Shes probably having a water birth!

Really cheap cotton knickers that you don't mind throwing out if they get really stained. Paper ones are OK but they don't cope well with towels with wings.

If you are getting tunic type tops get something a bit shaped - t-shirts make you feel sloppy and horrible - but with buttons.

Get some nice boots that you can just pull on over leggings

Tops with buttons if you are breastfeeding. I got myself a couple of tops in Primark last week for a few quid in a size bigger than I usually am and a lot of stretchy vests which I think are good for wearing underneath other tops.

Also perhaps a big T-shirt or nightie for the labour if you haven't already?

If you do get leggings beware of the leg length. I bought a size bigger incae I am bigger and the legs were far too long.

Not really sure moodog, someone mentioned it on my childbirth thread, am considering a water birth and it might be better to have a tankini top than a t-shirt that will get all heavy when wet.

Thanks for the tips. Where can I get a nice (cheap) jersey type scarf? I'm thinking scarves to detract from the stomach

No, I mean, why clothes at all?

Moon, I don't understand your question?!

Not everyone feels comftable being naked in front of strangers, labour or otherwise. I always wore a nighty or sports bra in labour.

How odd.
Why let it worry you when nether regions in full view to all and sundry?

Because I feel very self concious about my breasts, especially when they are huge and veiny.

My vagina has to be on show to give birth, my breasts don't.

And its not odd, many women don't strip off completely to give birth.

Primark do loads fo scarves for £3 in different colours, I have them, their cheapo vest tops and leggings/jeans as I am losing weight so only need interim wardrobes

Well, I may do moondog, I stripped off with DD, but I don't think it is 'odd' that I might choose to wear something on top. Plus if I have my first pictures of the DC in the pool that I want to show off I may not want my entire naked body to be captured for posterity! What were you trying to achieve with your question anyway? Clearly I had decided that I may want to wear something while giving birth so obviously I don't think it is odd.

Knickers, big and high.
£2-3 for 5 pairs which makes them cheaper then paper ones from Mothercare and way more comfortable.

I bought 2 packs of baby vests and got through them all before I left hospital as DD1 was always sick.

Flip flops - for on the ward/in the shower. Also, you may find you feet swell up and you can't get anything else on your feet!

Stretchy vests with floaty tunic/a-line tops to go on top great for breastfeeding.

Big knickers

oh, and lots of nighties/PJs because after you've given birth you will sweat. Alot. For weeks at night time

Ah night sweats, I remember them well. Have just bought a black towel too. Stupidly got rid of all my crap ones and the sheets etc. when I moved, but could do with them now as am planning a HB.

YY to plenty of nighties.

Also get a few packets of cheap knickers a size bigger than you are usually - those paper ones are dreadful.

Dressing gown in thin material if you don't already have one.

Flip-flops for shower and walking around the ward.

Big scarves for breastfeeding, if you think you might be self-conscious (I was).

Also agree with thin stretchy vest tops under shirts or tunics as the best way to feed without flashing your post-partum tummy.

Drawstring trousers work better than trackie bottoms, I think.

I got some really cheap (£1 a pair) slipper things.
They were brilliant and I threw them away when I got home as I didn't want crap from the ward floor in my house.

Socks for bed, I got really cold feet for some reason.