Childbirth is one of the most intense experiences in every mother's life. Although we know a lot about it, we can never be fully prepared 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 these is the right, comfortable clothing that will provide us with maximum freedom. Check what to consider when choosing the perfect shirt for childbirth.
Comfort above all
The right shirt for childbirth should above all be comfortable. It is worth remembering that during the entire labour, 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 in this case – the length of the childbirth shirt should primarily suit the expectations and needs of the expectant mother. However, it is worth following a few proven tips. It is good if the shirt reaches roughly to the knees – a shorter one may cause discomfort, ride up, and restrict movement during childbirth. On the other hand, a longer one will limit movement, get tangled, and may hinder the work of medical staff. Knee-length seems the most sensible.
Sleeves? Or maybe straps?
When choosing the right style of shirt, it is also worth considering the sleeve issue. As 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 shirts are increasingly being abandoned because during childbirth a woman is usually connected to an IV drip, blood is drawn, blood pressure is checked, or other parameters are monitored. A long sleeve will simply be quite troublesome in this case – it will have to be rolled up each 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 childbirth is primarily a huge effort for the body, so despite the initial chill, women in labour usually do not complain about too low a temperature. 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, we can opt for short sleeves and prepare an additional cardigan to cover up freely if needed.
Good material is fundamental
When choosing a shirt for childbirth, besides the cut, special attention should be paid to the material. It is worth thinking ahead here – there is a high chance that the shirt will also be used after childbirth – for everyday night feeding. Hence, investing in the right material is essential. As with underwear, the best choice is cotton with a touch of elastane. This way, the shirt will breathe, the material will be pleasant to the body, and the whole fabric will drape well. Remember that childbirth is a huge effort, and synthetic fibers only increase sweating and may cause irritation. Good quality material should also cope with blood and other stains – then it is enough to rinse the stain under cold water and then proceed to 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 childbirth, when choosing the right shirt, one should also keep in mind the moments shortly after birth – in the case of natural childbirth, 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 childbirth shirts also have additional cutouts, e.g., discreet buttons or zippers that make it easier to bring the baby to the breast or an opening at the back, which is useful when administering an epidural.
Price
When buying a shirt for childbirth, it is also worth keeping our budget in mind. Although it is easy to forget, preparing for the arrival of a baby can be really expensive. After all, expectant parents have to prepare the nursery, buy the right accessories and clothes. Therefore, when investing in a childbirth shirt, it is wise to keep a healthy balance. It is best to focus on the basics, that is, good, breathable fabric – this should not be compromised. However, it should be remembered that often a shirt after childbirth is not suitable for further use – sometimes stains cannot be cleaned, or in more extreme cases, the material may be cut, for example. Therefore, it is best if the childbirth shirt is mid-priced, while a larger sum can be spent on shirts that will be used daily.
Aesthetics
Although appearance is the last thing on the mind during childbirth, before it happens, the expectant mother will probably spend several hours in the hospital in the company of staff and loved ones. It is worth taking care of good well-being during this time. An attractive outfit will not affect the course of childbirth in any way, but it will certainly have a positive effect on the mood of the expectant mother. 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 certainly make these moments even more special – the new mother will be able to focus on remembering this beautiful time without worrying about whether her outfit looks appropriate.
How many shirts for the hospital for childbirth are enough?
When packing a hospital bag, many women wonder not only which childbirth shirts will work best but also how many outfits should be in the luggage. There is no clear answer here – one shirt is enough for the birth 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 mother and baby stay in the hospital 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 that 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 giving up trousers – then a flowing, loose shirt works much better. A wide selection of high-quality shirts can be found, for example, here: https://www.bagatelle.sklep.pl/koszulka-nocna-c107.
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