Your facility will have a hospital gown for you, and you are welcome to wear it. Many parents would rather bring their own labor gown, one that feels like theirs and still works for the people caring for them.
What to Look For in a Labor and Delivery Gown
- Access for your care team. They may need to reach your chest, abdomen, or back during labor. Ask what your care plan will require.
- Access for your baby. Openings at the chest make skin-to-skin time and breastfeeding easier.
- Coverage. You will likely be moving, walking, and sitting up. Look for a gown that stays closed without you holding it.
- Washable fabric. Labor is not tidy. Choose something you can wash at home and wear again.
GIV Gowns for Labor and Delivery
- The GIV Duo has separate chest and abdominal windows and an overlapping back that opens with magnets or snaps. It suits care that moves among all three areas.
- The GIV Forward is a front-opening gown that closes with magnets or snaps. It works well for front access, breastfeeding, and recovery, while the back stays covered.
What to Ask Before Delivery
- Can I wear my own gown during labor, and at what point?
- Is there any stage when I will need to change, such as for a procedure?
- Are there closure requirements for any imaging or equipment?
Your care team has the final word for your care and your facility. Ask them early, then pack your gown in your hospital bag.
After delivery, see what to wear to postpartum and breastfeeding appointments. Shopping for someone else? Browse our patient gown gifts.
