When preparing for your big day, you’ve likely heard that hospitals provide everything you’ll need, including those standard-issue, not-so-glamorous hospital gowns. But, what if you want to bring your own birth gown?

Many expectant moms ask this question. Comfort, style, and personal preferences are important during labor.

The good news? In many cases, you can absolutely wear your own birth gown. Here’s what you need to know about hospital policies.

Why Consider Bringing Your Own Birth Gown? 

First, childbirth is a very personal experience. Wearing something that makes you feel comfortable and confident can really help. Here are a few reasons why bringing your own gown might be a great idea: 

Comfort and Fit: Standard hospital gowns are often one-size-fits-all, which can feel awkward or ill-fitting, especially during labor. A delivery gown made for labor and delivery, like our Lila Laborwear, is designed to fit your body well. It also gives you the freedom to move easily. 

Style: Hospital gowns aren’t exactly known for their fashion-forward designs. Bringing your own delivery gown can help you feel more like yourself. It can also give you a boost of confidence during labor.

Modesty and Accessibility: Many birth gowns on the market, including our styles, are specifically designed for labor, with features that allow easy access for IVs, epidurals, and breastfeeding while still maintaining modesty. You can look good and feel good without compromising on the functionality that healthcare providers need.

Hospital Policies on Wearing Your Own Birth Gown

Before packing your birth gown in your hospital bag, it’s important to check with your hospital or birthing center on their specific policies. Most hospitals will allow you to bring your own hospital gown for labor as long as it meets certain criteria. Here are a few things to consider:

Medical Access: Hospitals prioritize access to your body for procedures such as epidurals, fetal monitoring, and IVs. Ensure the gown you choose has openings or is designed to provide easy access for your medical team. 

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Hospitals have strict cleanliness rules. Make sure your labor gown is freshly washed and made of a material that can be easily cleaned. 

Hospital Regulations: Some hospitals have specific guidelines about what you can wear during labor. Always call ahead to confirm whether wearing your own labor and delivery gown is allowed. 

Will My Nursing Team Be Upset?

Many expectant moms worry about how their nursing team will react if they bring their own gown. Most nurses want you to feel comfortable and support your choices. They will help as long as your gown does not interfere with their care.

Many nurses appreciate when a mom takes control of her birth experience. They know that comfort is important. It helps reduce stress and promotes a positive labor experience.

If you’ve chosen a birth gown specifically designed for labor, it’s highly unlikely that your nursing team will have any objections. Gowns like ours at Lila are designed by a Labor and Delivery nurse. They focus on the labor and delivery process. This makes them both functional and beautiful. Communicate your plans with your care team when you arrive, and let them know you’ve chosen a gown that allows full medical access. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Personalize Your Birth Experience Bringing your own birth gown can be an empowering way to take charge of your labor experience. While it’s important to check your hospital’s policies ahead of time, most are flexible and supportive of moms choosing to wear something that makes them feel comfortable and confident. Your nurses are there to support you, and as long as your gown meets medical needs, you shouldn’t fear any resistance.

So, go ahead and pack your favorite gown in your hospital bag—after all, this is your birth experience, and you deserve to feel both comfortable and empowered.