I haven’t gone so far as to pack my bags for the hospital yet; but, with my due date only about six weeks away now, I am definitely thinking about what I’m going to take to wear during my stay (and, maybe, buying a few cozy things too)…
Since we don’t know if I will have another c-section or not, I’m planning as if I might have to stay three or four days in the hospital. But, of course, all of these things will be great to wear once I’m hanging out at home recovering/ adjusting to life with a newborn again as well. In addition, despite all the things I read on the internet before having Sam about what to take to the hospital etc., I still felt pretty clueless the first time around when it came to dressing my post-delivery body. This time, however, I’m feeling a lot more prepared about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to hospital/nursing access, and I feel like I have a lot more realistic expectations about how swollen and, sadly, not much smaller I will be right away.
The name of the game for me this time around is COMFORTABLE (and easy access for nursing) with a few little things to make me feel decently cute – gotta look good for my girl, of course. 😉
Here’s the (always tentative) plan:
Day 1 (Labor & Delivery): Hospital gown and all the lovely accessories they give me!
– This one really doesn’t have much flexibility; except, I’m lucky enough have a homemade gown with my monogram on it that a sweet friend’s mom made me before Sam’s birth. I can’t wait to wear it again!
Day 2: Button-up pajamas
– I’m crossing my fingers that the similar JCrew ones I got for Christmas will fit! I tried on the top a few days ago and it barely buttoned; but, I’m banking on a slightly softer stomach at the very least. #wishfulthinking
Day 3: Leggings, nursing tank, and comfy graphic tee.
– I ordered a similar tee on Jane.com last week. It says “I Already Want to Take a Nap Tomorrow” – which I thought was appropriate. Ha! I’m hoping that, as long as it is big enough, I can wear it over a nursing tank and just pull it up for feeding.
Day 4 (Going Home): Leggings, nursing tank, long maternity chambray blouse, flats, and initial necklace
– I just ordered this blouse on sale from Old Navy in hopes that it will ride me through the end of my pregnancy and into the first few weeks at home nursing (and cuddling) a newborn. The reviews said it was mostly “too big,” but I’m hopeful that this will translate into “super comfy” instead of just making me look like a tent. We’ll see.
– My sister gave me this necklace with the new baby’s initial on it for Christmas (it isn’t ‘A’). I’ve been saving it for her birth and can’t wait to pair it with the ‘S’ I already have for Sam. Paired with flats, I’m hoping it will dress up my otherwise very casual “going home” outfit just enough without looking like I tried too hard. 😉
Extras: Robe, cozy socks, my favorite slippers, and plenty of comfortable nursing bras, & granny panties (not pictured because nobody needs to see that)
Been there done that? What are your wardrobe necessities for the postpartum hospital stay?!? What’s the “rule” for how big your stomach will be after giving birth – 6 or 7 months pregnant, right? Please straighten me out if I’m making any major errors here!
E
Super cute! I love the t-shirt =)
The only addition I would suggest —- Depends! Although not an ideal wardrobe choice 😉 you do wear them, so I thought I would share. After 4 kids, they were the best thing post-baby for me for the first few days. They are easy to put on, cover a large area, are tossable and do not feel like your wearing a GIANT pad. The elastic band is very forgiving (no bands digging in) and they are actually quite thin (relative)and really do the job!
Anyway, just my two cents =)
I was super hot after the birth of my second baby, so I was glad to have nursing pjs with tank tops. Good luck!
Those look awesome! I am never a huge fan of pants immediately postpartum unless they are sweatpants and have super soft waist bans. Not sure if it was me but I found my recovery the second time MUCH easier. Maybe it was because I had choice and had to keep up with my 21 month old when I got home. My going home outfit both times was a dress, very loose and comfy and forgiving. Nursing friendly is essential. I loved nursing tanktops. I would wear them under a maxi dress for a super easy and flattering outfit.
You’ll be the cutest new mama on the block 😉
I hung out in nursing tanks and button up pajamas the whole time I was in the hospital. Granted I didn’t button the pj top at all (easier access to the boobs which were already covered up in the tank) but they kept me nice and warm for my January delivery. I switched to yoga pants when I was discharged. I also rocked the mesh undies the whole time and even stole some for home.
Super cute options! I lived in yoga pants/leggings and my nursing tank while I was in the hospital. Oh, also that great black belted “fleece” we both have from Old Navy – definitely bring that. Once I was home, I found that a good pair of high waisted running tights (mine were from Old Navy) were awesome to hold in my tummy!!