Comfort is key when it comes to choosing your labor attire, and for many people that involves a supportive undergarment. Here are some tips to help you select a bra for the big day.
Your regular bra, with or without an underwire, is just fine to wear during labor. In the event of a Cesarean birth, you may be asked to remove your bra. Different hospitals and birth teams may have different preferences, but they’ll need access to place the ECG pads.
Many birthing people choose a nursing-style bra or tank top as they tend to be more comfortable. These styles also offer easy access for skin-to-skin time, which you might want to do as soon as your baby arrives.
Your tank top or bra will need to be either pushed up or unhooked if you choose to have an epidural, so be sure that whatever garment you wear is loose enough to accommodate this. If you plan to use hydrotherapy during your labor or birth, you’ll also want to pack a bathing suit top.
Be sure to pack extra bras. Labor can be a physically demanding and sweaty business—you’ll want to have a couple of clean bras or nursing tanks for your postpartum stay.
