What to wear for a hospital birth?

Question from a mother expecting her third baby (who gave me permission to post this):

"I haven't asked yet if it is even possible, but I have been thinking about what to wear for L & D at the hospital. I HATED the hospital gowns b4 and never even thought about wearing something different. Anyway I was just wondering if you had any ideas about what I could wear. I was thinking about easy access after birth too for skin-to-skin and nursing?? Thanks!"

My answer to her:

Anything goes. So long as you're not in a unitard, you should be good.

Whatever you're wearing, you can strip off or unbutton for skin-to-skin contact after birth.

Some options:

Your pjs. Your favorite Saturday-morning-loungewear (track pants and t-shirt). A long nightgown. A nursing gown.

A 2 piece swimsuit (great for laboring in tub or shower).

A long skirt (comfy cotton like a circle skirt, broomstick skirt or Binsi skirt) with a T-shirt, cami, sports bra, swimsuit top, or tank top.

Nothing at all. Many moms feel hot and don't like the feeling of clothes constraining them during labor or pushing.

Layers are good (tank top or swim top w/ shrug or cardigan) because it's common to feel too hot then too cold. Your bathrobe from home. Non-slip houseslippers. Socks with rubberized grips.

I've also heard you can go somewhere like Gabe's to the Big & Tall Men's section and buy a short sleeved button up shirt. Long enough to be modest, short sleeves don't burn you up, and easy to unbutton for breastfeeding.

If the clothes are dark (navy, black, brown, etc.), they will not stain. If any blood does get on your own clothing, it will usually come out with cool water (hot water will set the stain) and hydrogen peroxide. Don't stick it in the dryer until the stain is fully gone, or else the heat will set the stain.

For those who do want to wear the hospital gown, some moms ask for two of them and put one on frontways (it's a word, I promise) and the other one on backwards. That way the tushie is covered. Another option is to wear underthings under the gown. Some hospitals or providers balk at the idea, saying it doesn't allow quick enough access in case of an emergency, but they can cut through any fabric if they had to in a true emergency. Some moms wear any of the layering ideas from above under a hospital gown, including swimsuit top and/or bottom, bra and/or undies, camisole or tank top, whatever floats your boat.

Does this give you a springboard for ideas?

Readers: what have you worn for your hospital or birth center birth(s)?

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Watch a 2 minute 38 second video on the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after birth here.