The Going Home Outfit: A Guide to Staying Stylish & Practical Post Delivery

Give me freezing weather. Give me a zipper that won’t budge. Give me a run in my tights.

No fashion challenge is as difficult to overcome as what to wear home from the hospital.

During my first pregnancy, I spent a significant amount of time planning my going home outfit. I spent a monetary amount that I’m not willing to disclose where my husband can see it on a stylish postpartum dress that Kate Middleton sported. I imagined sweet photos of us leaving the hospital with our newborn, darting blissful smiles to the paparazzi.

I got those sweet pictures that I will cherish my entire life, albeit, I wouldn’t post them on Instagram- let alone on Page Six. And that’s OKAY (I know now)! Elephantitus level swelling, epic nose bleeds, and a good old fashioned springtime Chicago snowstorm went ahead and set different plans for my post delivery going home outfit.

Of all the times in your life where its understandable to scramble for what to wear, after delivering a baby has got to top the list. You don’t know what will fit, you don’t know how you will feel. You don’t even know when you’re going to be approved to leave. But, your heart is going to be so filled with love and your body so filled with fatigue that no matter what you wear, your valorous postpartum glow will be all the look you need. However, since you can’t leave naked and might want some keepsake photos, here are some considerations for your going home outfit.

Sizing: Two words- Postpartum Belly. Your belly has been stretched out for the last 9 months. It’s going to take more than a hot second for that belly to bounce back post birth. You won’t be back to pre-pregnancy sizing immediately, no matter the amount of weight you did or didn’t put on. How quickly your milk does or does not come in affects your chest size, and swelling is an unpredictable but potentially startling factor to toss into consideration. When it comes to the postpartum body, you can really only be certain of one thing- its not going to be a body you’re used to. So make sure that whatever you pack has a relaxed fit or a good amount of stretch.

Comfort: Whew, your body just went through a whirlwind! Every labor is different, but smooth or bumpy, your body is doing a lot of work to get that baby to you. And its going to be rightfully tired and uncomfortable. If you were like me and pictured leaving in a borderline ballgown, you might want to shake those expectations and start envisioning something a little more comforting. You can absolutely still look stylish and be comfortable. Consider easy looks like black on black, jersey dresses, cozy cardigans, and black leggings for comfortable options that read pulled together.

Nursing: For most moms and babies, the first days of nursing are a learning curve. Everything is unknown- when the baby will want to eat (other than always), how quickly your milk will come in, how the baby will do with latching, you name it. You don’t always leave the hospital at the start of the day, either by choice or medical approval. And when you do get home, you won’t necessarily want to change immediately, especially if there is family waiting for you at home. So instead of picking an outfit that you would have to change in and out of, pick something that you can wear without a nursing issue.

Color: You can’t have an honest talk about postpartum without a few TMI moments. The reality is, it’s messy. And the postpartum bleeding, especially the immediate days after labor, is a lot. By the time I left the hospital and was walking around, yes, it was manageable. But I’ll tell you this, there is no way you would have caught me dressed in white. Even though you will probably be fine, choosing a print or darker color will help alleviate fear of mishap. One less thing to stress about on a monumental day!

Shoes: Depending on your labor, your body may incur varying degrees of swelling- largely occurring from the waist down. This is very common in longer labors when you are sitting forever and being pumped with fluids. Open sandals are the ideal plan here. However, weather is a finicky thing. My first baby was born during a snowstorm and my feet inflated to 4 sizes larger than usual. Flip flops were not an option, nor were any shoes living in my closet. Wearing my husbands boots home was my option… a proud fashion day for me. Baby two? Swelling again, snow again- but I was ready this time with indoor/outdoor slippers that could handle foot size fluctuation AND fair okay getting in and out of a car in the elements. If you don’t get hit with too much swelling you could very well be fine to wear the shoes you want- but from experience I recommend a back-up plan just in case!

Battle scars: Whether its planned, you’re against it, or its unlikely, a c-section is always a possibility. I have delivered naturally with three babies, and with all there were complications mid-labor that had me being assessed for emergency crash c-sections. Regardless of your delivery path, you are going to want to be comfortable, but a c-section does throw in additional considerations. Loose and flowy dresses are an ideal option to mind your battle wounds. If the weather calls for you to wear pants, make sure it is a soft, smooth, high elasticity fabric and be mindful of the rise. Some lower rises may land too close to your scar location resulting in unwelcomed pressure and friction.

Under Garments: Nursing bra, plain and simple, period. For your bottoms, most hospitals will provide you with oversized mesh underwear. These are great because they are truly one size fits all, they feel secure, and they are meant to be disposed. If you are not wanting to use these for whatever reason, or your hospital does not provide, go ahead and pack the biggest cotton granny panties you can find. No one is getting lucky anyway.

Top length: If you opt for leggings, you will probably find yourself most comfortable in a top that has a longer length and covers your bottom parts. You will be wearing a large pad and sporting panty lines. There is no modesty in labor, so you might look forward to just a touch of it as you head home!

Hopefully these guidelines give you a little food for thought for a successful going home outfit! Below I’ve included a few fail safe silhouette directions you could go to look lovely but also maintain that comfort you oh-so-deserve.