Okay, so I am going to be that annoying person and stage a little photoshoot when we leave the hospital after giving birth. With James, I legit wore sweats and glasses home (I did not pack a proper hospital bag) and felt really embarrassed while waiting for Andrew to get the car. I did not want any photos of myself looking like such a hot mess, but I’m sad we didn’t document that moment, not just for the Insta likes, but because it’s such a special and life-changing event that you never forget. It would be nice to have a pic from it, but I was so embarrassed by my appearance, I just wanted to get out of there asap. I wish someone had given me some instruction for what to wear when you leave the hospital after giving birth because honestly, I was clueless. I didn’t know what would fit, what my body would do post-birth, that I’d be wearing a diaper, or that I’d want to take pics.
Of course, you live, you learn. My second time around, I did not make the same mistake. I came prepared with a cute outfit to wear home from the hospital after giving birth, and I’m glad I did. I didn’t get dressed to the nines by any means, but I looked a lot more put-together and felt much better. We got some cute pics and while I didn’t share them on the gram because I still didn’t feel my best, I love looking back at them and don’t cringe when I see them.
I thought it would be helpful to put together some ideas for what to wear when you leave the hospital after giving birth because it’s a little trickier than just throwing on a dress or cute sweatsuit. And if you don’t care, feel free to skip this. I’m not trying to add any pressure or things to do, but this is something I wish I had had more guidance on in advance. With that said, I’m not advocating that we all try to be Kate Middleton. I’m not going to be calling the Glam Squad for a blowout (though I am slightly tempted), but I do want to have the opportunity to throw on something cute for that pivotal moment as we take home our new bundle of joy. I may still end up wearing sweats home, but at least I’ll have the option of a cute matching sweatsuit if I so choose. TMI but with both my previous births, I had a lot of stitches so I was wearing a diaper and wee pad (yes, like you use to potty train your dog) home from the hospital, and that complicates your outfit choice. If you have a c-section you of course don’t want anything constricting around your middle because your incision will still be healing, so those are practical considerations to keep in mind when deciding what to wear when leaving the hospital.
My last two times I gave birth during the summer. This time it will be early spring, so I’m going to pack a roomy dress, one that I can wear now at the end of my pregnancy but also when I leave the hospital. That will be easier than pulling on pants if I have the whole diaper/wee wee pad situation again. Plus, dresses are so easy to throw on and feel pretty. I’ll definitely include a cardigan to toss over since it’ll likely be a bit chillier this time and the hospital is always frigid. But I’m also going to give myself the option of something more casual and comfy and pack a matching sweatsuit. I feel blessed that athleisure is still having a moment and I can look on trend and put-together while essentially wearing sweats out of the house. I may treat myself and splurge on a cashmere set in a neutral color I can mix and match. Another easy option are leggings and an oversized sweater. That’s becoming my go-to outfit as I get bigger, and I find it can look comfy and put-together and a stretchy waistband is a must so it’s a win.
I’ve rounded up my favorite ideas for what to wear when you leave the hospital after giving birth:
Comment