Giving birth is one of the most intense experiences in every mother's life. Although we know a lot about it, we can never fully prepare for everything that awaits us in the delivery room. Nevertheless, it is worth focusing on a few aspects that remain within our control. One of them is the right, comfortable clothing that will provide us with maximum freedom. Check what to consider when choosing the perfect labor shirt.
Comfort above all
The right labor shirt should be primarily comfortable. It is important to remember that during the entire labor process, the expectant mother will have to change positions quite often – standing up, sitting down, moving from the bed to the ball, etc. Therefore, the first issue to consider is the length.
What length?
There is no single correct answer here – the length of the labor shirt should mainly suit the expectations and needs of the expectant mother. However, it is worth following some proven advice. Ideally, the shirt should reach about the knees – a shorter one may cause discomfort, ride up, and restrict movement during labor. On the other hand, a longer one will limit movement, get tangled, and may hinder the medical staff’s work. Knee-length seems to be the most reasonable choice.
Sleeves or straps?
When choosing the right shirt style, it is also worth considering the sleeve issue. Just like with the length, the decision will depend on the personal preferences of the woman giving birth, but we recommend narrowing the choice to straps or short sleeves.
These are definitely the two most practical options. Long-sleeved nightshirts are increasingly being abandoned because during labor, a woman is usually connected to an IV drip, blood is drawn, blood pressure is checked, and other parameters are monitored. Long sleeves can be quite problematic in this case – they will have to be rolled up every time, and for some measurements, it may be necessary to remove the shirt.
As for straps or short sleeves, both options are equally practical. They allow easy access to veins and leave the arms uncovered. Importantly, it is worth remembering that labor is a huge effort for the body, so despite the initial chill, women in labor usually do not complain about low temperatures. A sensible solution is also to adjust the sleeve length to the season – in summer, a shirt with straps works great, while in autumn and winter, you can opt for short sleeves and prepare an additional cardigan to cover yourself if needed.
Good material is essential
When choosing a labor shirt, besides the cut, special attention should be paid to the material. It is worth thinking ahead – there is a high probability that the shirt will also be used after birth for everyday nighttime nursing. Therefore, investing in the right material is fundamental. Just like with underwear, the best choice is cotton blended with elastane. This way, the shirt will breathe, the material will be pleasant to the body, and the fabric will drape well. Remember that labor is a huge effort, and synthetic fibers only increase sweating and may cause irritation. A good-quality material should also handle blood and other stains – in that case, just rinse the stain with cold water and then proceed with regular washing. Still, it is worth considering investing in a shirt in a darker shade.
Cutouts and neckline
Although the neckline may not directly be associated with labor, when choosing the right shirt, it is also important to consider the moments shortly after birth – in the case of natural delivery, the baby is often immediately given to the mother. A deeper neckline not only allows skin-to-skin contact but also facilitates the first feeding. Many labor shirts also have additional cutouts, such as discreet buttons or zippers that make it easier to breastfeed the baby or a back opening useful during epidural administration.
Price
When buying a labor shirt, it is also worth keeping your budget in mind. Although it is easy to forget, preparing for the arrival of a baby can be really expensive. After all, expectant parents need to prepare the nursery, buy appropriate accessories and clothes. Therefore, when investing in a labor shirt, it is wise to keep a healthy balance. Focus on the basics, meaning good, breathable fabric – this should not be compromised. However, keep in mind that often the shirt after birth may not be suitable for further use – sometimes stains cannot be removed or, in more extreme cases, the material may be cut. Therefore, it is best if the labor shirt is mid-range in price, while you can spend more on shirts you will use daily.
Aesthetics
Although appearance is the last thing on your mind during labor, before it happens, the expectant mother will probably spend several hours in the hospital with staff and loved ones. It is worth taking care of your well-being during this time. An aesthetic outfit will not affect the course of labor but will certainly have a positive impact on the mother's mood. Many people also want to capture not only the baby but also the waiting period and the first shared moments, such as feeding or kangaroo care, in photographs. A shirt in which a woman simply feels good will surely make these moments even more special – the new mom will be able to focus on remembering this beautiful time without worrying about whether her outfit looks appropriate.
How many shirts for the hospital are enough for labor?
When packing a hospital bag, many women wonder not only which labor shirts will work best but also how many outfits should be included in the luggage. There is no clear answer here – one shirt is enough for the labor itself. Even if something happens to it in the meantime, the staff will provide a disposable shirt offered by most hospitals. However, usually, the new mom stays in the hospital with the baby for about 48 hours, so it is worth preparing two or even three additional shirts. Newborns often spit up, so it is good to be prepared for more frequent outfit changes. Remember, you are buying shirts not only for the hospital – you will be able to use them for many months. A good-quality nursing shirt is also an investment for the pregnancy period itself – its loose cut will adapt to the growing belly.
Remember to avoid two-piece pajamas – they are not only unsuitable for the delivery room but can also cause problems shortly after birth. During the postpartum period, many doctors encourage avoiding pants – in that case, a loose, flowing shirt works much better. You can find a wide selection of high-quality shirts, for example, here: https://www.bagatelle.sklep.pl/koszulka-nocna-c107.
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