10 Breastfeeding Gowns For The Hospital

To help you find the best breastfeeding hospital gown to fit your body type and needs, I’ve compiled this list of the ten best gowns I could find.

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Do I Need A Hospital Gown?

Having your own hospital gown is a great idea for a few reasons:

• It’s tailored to your size.
• It will provide full coverage for modesty.
• The fabric will be more comfortable than the hospital.
• Easy skin-to-skin access after birth.

Spoiler alert: after you deliver in the hospital, there is a constant stream of nurses and doctors coming through your room to check on you and the baby. A breastfeeding hospital gown at least lets you stay covered up when unexpected healthcare professionals enter.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about hospital gowns:

1. Hospital gowns are one-size-fits-all.
2. They close in the back.
3. You practically have to undress to breastfeed.
4. They do not provide modesty and leave you feeling exposed.

Can I Wear A Regular Robe?

Yes, but only after delivery.

While laboring, you have to wear a gown that allows the nurses and doctors to access all of your sensors and wires. Most hospitals will not allow you to wear a standard robe during this time.

Types of Hospital Gowns

• 3-In-1 Labor, Delivery, And Nursing Gowns: You can wear them while laboring and for breastfeeding after delivery. These are great, so you don’t have to pack a huge hospital bag.
• Matching Set: You might also want to look for a breastfeeding hospital gown with a matching newborn outfit for a cute mother-and-baby hospital photoshoot.
• Standard Hospital Gown: This is the unisex, one-size-fits-all gown provided by the hospital.

Note: You don’t have to stay in a hospital gown just because you are there. 

Many women choose a breastfeeding hospital gown because it is easy and comfortable to wear, but you could choose to wear other postpartum clothing that is great for nursing if that is what you are most comfortable with. 

Breastfeeding Hospital Gown Sizing

I know this is not super helpful… But each manufacturer that I looked at based their sizing differently:

• Some want your pre-pregnancy size.
• Others want the size of your bump.
• Some are based on height and weight.

Make sure to check the sizing chart. I would also shop at a store with free shipping and returns, like Amazon or Target, since sizing can be tricky.

Breastfeeding Hospital Gown Features

There are a lot of nursing hospital gowns available to choose from these days–but not all breastfeeding dresses and postpartum robes are created equal. So, how do you choose the best one for your needs?

Some of the features you might want to look for are:

• Shoulder snaps (for easy access to your breasts)
• Access to fetal monitors (if you’re also going to wear them for labor and delivery)
• Length (especially if you are tall)
• Fabric (for breathability and comfort, easy to clean, stretchy enough for skin-to-skin contact with baby)
• Pattern or color
• Style (empire waist is flattering on all silhouettes)
• Breathable fabric that doesn’t cling (especially if you had a c-section)
• Easily able to do skin-to-skin
• Easy to put on and take off
• Hidden pockets for breast pads and nipple cream (a must!)

3-In-1 Breastfeeding Gowns For The Hospital

These are meant to be worn:

1. During labor
2. During delivery
3. Postpartum and in recovery

Just know that labor and delivery can be messy! So, if you plan on wearing one of these gowns for your entire stay, you better pack a backup. 

Pro Tip: Ask your OB at your next appointment whether you can wear your own labor and delivery gown and whether there are requirements to bring your own. Most hospitals allow this, but some have strict policies where you have to use their gowns. 

 

Design-wise, this isn’t the most flattering shape–I’ll admit–but Kindred Bravely has thought of everything when it comes to function.

This gown has easy velcro closures to open the front and back of the gown completely. There are also shoulder snaps that allow for easy breastfeeding. 

With all the benefits of their standard 3-in-1 labor and delivery gown, this breastfeeding gown has a cute sleeveless design with ruffled straps.

I also like that it has front snaps instead of velcro… This seems a little sturdier to me!

Mom Tip: Did you know you can score hundreds of dollars worth of free breastfeeding supplies from major brands?

I love the empire waist design of this gown. It also has a cute tie to cinch around your waist, accentuating your baby bump. 

It is flattering in all of the right places. I like the elastic neckline that makes it easy to get on and off.

The wrap in the front means that doctors have easy access to fetal monitoring without worrying about tricky closures.

It does snap up the back, so it would not be easy to do that without a partner to help you. 

The same labor and delivery gown (with many different colors to choose from!) with an adorable matching newborn swaddle and hat. This is a must for an after-birth photo shoot. 

Frida Mom is my pregnancy and postpartum spirit animal. Seriously! Everything they make is simple, affordable, and does exactly what you need it to do.

This gown is made of stretchy t-shirt material, so it’s super soft for you and your baby. It closes in the back but has snaps at the shoulders to allow for breastfeeding and skin-to-skin. The back closure goes all the way down, so you don’t have to worry about your ? hanging out.

Breastfeeding Gowns For The Hospital 

These gowns are made for breastfeeding postpartum, not for labor and delivery. They are a great option to pack in your bag for your hospital recovery.

Nursing gowns also provide gentle support without needing to wear maternity bras. This is so nice as your milk starts to come in because wearing any bra can be painful while your breasts are engorged.

It is a staple for new moms who want something easy to take on and off. These are especially great to wear postpartum if you’ve had a c-section because they are loose around your stomach. They are made of a stretchy jersey material.

Pro Tip: You can wear this as a maternity lounge dress or sleeping gown.

This dress offers more coverage for new mothers than the Motherhood Maternity gown.

It is a simple cotton dress, perfect for staying comfy in the hospital and wearing around the house postpartum.

Bonus: the deep pockets are great for stashing breastfeeding supplies.

If you’re delivering in the winter or a cold climate, this breastfeeding hospital gown is for you!

Enjoy the simplicity of this design, along with the luscious bamboo fabric, long sleeves, and pockets.

BONUS: Because this gown doesn’t have a fabric overlay or nursing clasps, no one will ever know it was a breastfeeding gown! You can keep wearing this design long after you’re done with your breastfeeding journey.