Last updated on June 20th, 2023 at 02:20 pm
Coming out of the hospital, you’re going to be in some sort of discomfort. Regardless of how you gave birth, you will be healing! So it’s important to plan ahead for your postpartum going home outfit, and what to wear at home afterwards.
Postpartum Going Home Outfit
Your postpartum going home outfit isn’t the time to try and be fashionable. Comfort is key when you’re healing from giving birth, and essentially running a marathon!
Going into labor, unless you have a scheduled c-section, you truly don’t know how your baby is going to be delivered.
Side note: As long as mom and baby are healthy, do not stress about the way you gave birth. And if you have a birth plan, please be prepared that things can change at any time. Don’t hold on too tightly to the notion that you have to do this or that, no matter what. Baby has their own plan!
When packing your bag for the hospital, make sure you have one outfit that can accommodate either birth scenario, or two different options.
Top:
Coming out of the hospital, you’re still going to look pregnant. It sucks, i know. Pack one or two of your maternity tops depending on the weather. It’s going to be very disappointing trying to put on a pre-pregnancy top, and seeing how it fits.
Bottom:
If you listen to one thing I say, please let it be this – do not wear jeans. Your pre-pregnancy jeans will not fit, and you’re going to be all sorts of uncomfortable. It’s not worth it!
When picking out a pair of sweatpants or joggers, keep the rise in mind. You don’t want to pick a pair of low-rise pants that might sit right on a potential c-section scar.
Make sure they’re a looser fit, and can be worn higher up if needed.
If you’re not wearing maternity pants, order a size up so they’re not too tight. Similar to your baby, you’re also going to be wearing a diaper on your way home from the hospital!
Your postpartum going home outfit should feel comfortable for the drive home, especially if your significant other is going to be driving under the speed limit!
Postpartum Outfits at Home
At home, there’s going to be two areas of focus: comfort and accessibility. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, your boobs are going to be out a lot. Same if you’re going to be pumping too.
Breastfeeding and pumping can be mentally and physically draining. And the last thing you’re going to want to do is remove 5 layers of clothing to get your boobs out.
Make sure you’ve got an easily accessible nursing bra on to start. You’ll be surprised how heavy your boobs feel, so you’re going to want some sort of support.
If you’re pumping (in addition to nursing, or exclusively), wear a bra that is designed for pumping. Easily put the flange right into your bra.
Top:
The easiest item of clothing to wear is a tank top. There are a lot to choose from, and they have a clip to easily pull it however far down you need. A lot of them are camisole styles, so if you’re healing from a c-section, it may or may not be the most comfortable option.
Get a lightweight, comfortable robe and wear that on top of your tank if you’re a bit chilly or need more coverage.
Or, skip the tank entirely, and wear a nursing bra with your robe around the house. Guests shouldn’t show up unexpectedly anyway!
Other tops might take a little finagling and getting used to, but you got this mama! A lot have two layers, either on the side, or across the top. Lift up one layer, and pull down another, and ta-da! Easy access!
These tops are great for going out of the house, and maybe when you’re not in such a hectic, exhausted haze anymore.
Button down tops, or henleys are an easy option too for quick access!
Just do what’s easiest for you in those first couple weeks! Your brain is going to be all over the place, and make your tops something you don’t have to think about.
Bottom:
Comfort is still key when it comes to the bottoms you’re wearing! You’re still going to be wearing some sort of pad for a little while, so loose bottoms will likely be more comfortable.
However, still keep in mind if you’ve had a c-section and what you need to heal. A couple weeks out from surgery, you may want to start wearing a binder to aid the healing process. And/or some sort of compression leggings.
Compression, a belly band or binder will help support healing after a c-section. This isn’t a waist trainer! And won’t encourage weight loss.
From BellyBandit.com, here are some of the benefits of using a belly band:
- May help reduce recovery time
- May help reduce the the risk of Diastasis Recti
- Provides comfort and compression
- Help increase mobility
- Provides support for your core muscles as they adjust to pre pregnancy size.
- Help improve posture
- May help offer natural pain relief
- Help reduce swelling
- Help relieve back pain
Belly bands aren’t just for healing from a c-section, but can help with healing from a vaginal birth too!
Just keep in mind how you’re healing, and what additional layers you might be wearing (a binder or pad) when deciding what bottoms to wear!
Your postpartum going home outfit and at home outfits need a little thought beforehand, but it’ll be one last thing you have to think about once your baby is here!
Looking for more info? Check out the full maternity series!
