Postpartum Hospital Outfits: What You ACTUALLY Need
If you're totally lost on what the heck you're supposed to pack to wear to the hospital to give birth, then I am here to help! And yes, your postpartum hospital outfit (or outfits depending on how long you stay!) can be cute AND comfortable.
So listen up new moms because we are going to dive in to what is necessary clothing-wise (and what is not) for your postpartum clothes during your hospital stay.
Types of Moms Postpartum
So the good news is you totally have options and you'll likely fall into one of a few categories which I will list below. The postpartum period is wild, so don't be surprised if you think you'll fall into one category and then post-baby you find yourself in a different category! Motherhood changes you.
I thought I would be dressing to the nines and doing my makeup and with my first born I think I just stayed in the hospital gown with my hair all matted and zero makeup the whole time.
1. The IDGAF Postpartum Mom
This mom quite literally is all business and does not really care about looking cute during her hospital stay! She wants to know the absolute basics: best nursing bra, easy access / nursing-friendly tops, and the most comfortable outfit ideas and necessities possible.
She's all about the stretchy waistbands and does not care for aesthetics. She's focused on the new baby and transitioning into the first day of motherhood and has zero time to think about her outfit or changing body. She just wants what is absolutely necessary to be comfortable and get the job done!
2. The Comfy But Cute Postpartum Mom
This is the category I thought I would fall under my first time (but failed), and I feel like I ended up being my second time around! (Honestly because my recovery was easier and I actually knew what I was doing the second time).
The comfy but cute mom is all about packing the right things to ensure comfort, but she will take it to the next level and make sure it’s cute! She’s not grabbing her significant other’s pajama pants to wear, she is grabbing a cute matching set that is nursing-friendly.
3. The Put-Together Postpartum Mom
She is beauty, she is grace and maybe she is feeling a bit out of control, so having something that is totally IN her control (like planning her outfit, ensuring she has a full face of makeup, etc) makes her feel at ease. The way I wish this was how I coped! Those postpartum photos would have turned out much cuter for me (LOL).
But the put-together new mom's postpartum clothing game is unmatched! She looks chic the entire time she is there and might even bring her own custom hospital gown to really make a statement! She brought options and likely has a matching outfit with the baby as well.
So keep in mind what type of mom you are as you read through these suggestions and pack what feels right to you! No judgement here, if you want to pack the bare minimum or you like to over-prepare and look your best- whatever is going to make you feel most comfortable and in control is what is best!
Vaginal Delivery Postpartum Hospital Outfit Tips
If you’re planning for a vaginal delivery, your postpartum hospital outfit should prioritize comfort, breathability, and easy nursing access (if applicable). After giving birth, your body will go through major changes, and the last thing you want is tight clothing or anything that makes you feel restricted. Keep in mind you might end up staying more than one day so you might want to pack enough
Here are some hospital bag essentials when it comes to packing your postpartum outfits:
1. Hospital Gown or Robe (Optional)
Pretty much all hospitals provide a delivery gown, but if you prefer to wear your own, a soft, loose-fitting cute labor gown or robe is a good option. Choose something made from breathable fabrics that allows for easy movement.
This is totally optional, since after you deliver, they'll usually have a clean gown for you to change into that is also easy to nurse in. I ended up wearing that until I was able to take a shower and change into my own clothes which honestly wasn't until the next day both times I delivered!
Here are some cute options if you want to bring your own:
2. Nursing-Friendly Tops or Bra
If you know you are going to breastfeed or pump, you'll likely want a comfortable nursing bra or top. Opt for nursing tank tops or flowy loose tops with easy nursing access. Button-down shirts are also a great choice, as they offer full coverage while allowing you to breastfeed or pump hands-free.1
I swear by these nursing bras from Amazon - they get the job done and come in a 3-pack!
But if you want to upgrade I have heard amazing things about this brand (a little more expensive, but if you plan on nursing or pumping for a long time, then it's worth the cost per wear for sure).
3. Comfy Sweatpants
Your postpartum body will still look and feel pregnant in the initial days, and you will be rocking a nice pair of hospital underwear with ice packs and a giant pad stuffed in there for all the fun postpartum bleeding that will happen.
You'll definitely want something on the looser side, so opt for pajama bottoms or comfy sweatpants with a soft waistband. Avoid anything with a tight waistband, as it may put pressure on your lower abdomen. Trust me, the less pressure on your uterus the better!
4. Cute Matching Set (Optional)
Loved having this set in the hospital and then also as a comfy option for all the baby snuggles, visitors, and recovery when I got home!
Kill two birds with one stone and instead of bringing separate tops and bottoms, opt for a matching set! I loved having this because it made me feel cute, cozy and it was something that easily found it's way into my postpartum wardrobe rotation for after the hospital too. Bonus points if the top is nursing friendly.
Of course if you're more of a no frills kind of girl, you can grab a random pair of looser sweatpants and comfy sweatshirt or t-shirt (you might want both depending on time of year you give birth or the temperature in your hospital room!).
Here are some cute ideas that I love. Bonus points if you coordinate with your baby!
5. Slip-On Shoes or Flip-Flops
Trust me you don't want to be braving the hospital floors (especially the bathroom/shower) in your bare feet or the grippy socks they give you. You will be spending a lot of time in bed, so bringing all the yucky-ness from the floor into the bed will not be what you want!
A cheap pair of toss-away shower shoes or flip-flops are perfect for this occasion. I snagged a random pair from Amazon my first pregnancy and then found a super cheap pair on sale at Target for my second time. This is one item that definitely does not need to be cute!
6. Nursing Friendly Nightgown (Optional)
This is totally another option if you like the freedom of a gown but want to be able to also use it when you go back home. I loved having this in my postpartum clothing rotation for my summer baby since it was a cooler option, but opted out when I had a winter baby.
Here are some cute options if you want to bring a nightgown:
7. Maternity Underwear
Hospitals usually provide mesh maternity underwear, but bringing your own can offer extra comfort. Look for postpartum underwear made with soft fabrics that provide full coverage and will accommodate a large maxi pad and ice packs.
I ended up using what they gave me in the hospital, then used adult diapers at home, and then eventually switched to Thinx (the period underwear- it's great!) and a panty liner when the bleeding finally slowed down around week 2. But it's totally up to you whatever your comfort level is what you want to wear down there during your hospital stay.
8. Hair Accessories
Don’t forget the little things! Hair ties, headbands, or whatever you like to pull your hair back with or keep it out of your face somehow.
I find that you don't want your hair down if it's long because labor is pretty intense and hair in your face is not fun during that. And then breastfeeding or pumping or even bottle feeding keeping your hair up and out of the way is key so you can focus on your nourishing your baby!
C-Section Delivery Postpartum Outfit Tips
So all of the advice above applies to you if you're having a C-section, but definitely prioritize sweatpants with a loose fit and waistband that won't irritate your incision! OR opt for a nightgown option.
I've also been told that getting underwear that’s specially made for C-section recovery is worth it!
Also important to note- even though you did not deliver vaginally you still get to enjoy all that postpartum bleeding too! (Womp womp) So definitely prepare to wear clothing that accommodates you wearing a pretty thick pad.
What NOT to Wear Postpartum
It’s your life, but if you want to be comfortable then I would definitely skip the following in the hospital and even in those first weeks of the fourth trimester:
1- Jeans
The time will come for you to wear jeans again, but you want to be comfortable, and you’re going to be mostly laying in bed and not wanting anything tight or restricting around your abdomen. So jeans are a big fat no.
2-Leggings
Maybe unpopular opinion, but I would include maternity leggings in this category too! You really don’t want to be wearing anything too tight. You want easy-on, easy-off and sometimes leggings can be a b*tch to slide on and off. Also you’re going to be wearing a huge pad and your underwear line will most certainly be anything but flat and smooth- so leggings just aren’t the vibe quite yet IMO.
3- Clothes you care about
There will be lots of blood, breast milk, baby spit up/poo/pee in your life now. So if you have clothing you don’t want to get stained, I would definitely leave that out of your newly postpartum wardrobe rotation!
4- Large or Hard Accessories
Big dangly earrings, claw clips, etc- just leave at home! Any piece of jewelry or accessory you wouldn’t sleep in- I say forget about it!
Packing the right postpartum hospital outfit is all about comfort, ease, and personal style. Whether you prefer maternity pants and a nursing tank, a flowy dress, or just the hospital gown, the best choice is what makes you feel comfortable during this transformative time. Be sure to include hospital bag essentials like maternity pads, slip-on shoes, and soft fabrics to ensure a smooth postpartum recovery.
No matter your personal style, having the right hospital clothes will help you navigate the initial days of motherhood with confidence!
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