Many expectant mothers like to bring a sense of comfort and personalization to the hospital when preparing for childbirth—and one way to do that is by bringing their own birth gown. While hospital-provided gowns are always available, having your chosen labor and delivery gown can offer a feeling of control and familiarity during a time of unpredictability. And often, they’re way more comfortable (and less scratchy!) than the hospital grade option once you check-in to the labor and delivery unit.
However, it’s essential to choose one that meets the needs of not only your birth plan—but your medical team, too.
According to OB/GYN Dr. Michelle Arms, MD, “A well-designed birth gown should allow easy access for monitoring, medical procedures, and post-delivery care. Doctors and nurses will need access to key areas of your body throughout labor—so features like snaps, buttonsor adjustable ties at the front and back are essential.”
While labor and delivery gowns should meet your care team’s standards and provide functionality, they can do that while still being cozy, cute and unique to you. With so many beautiful options available, you can choose a gown that reflects your style while ensuring it supports your needs during labor and delivery. Picking your gown is all about finding that balance between functionality and feeling good about what you wear during such a special moment.
What to look for in labor and delivery gowns:
Your birth gown should be designed with multiple easy-to-open panels—both front and back—to ensure your medical team can do their job while you remain comfortable and covered.
Consider the following:
- Monitoring access: Throughout labor, your healthcare providers will need to monitor your baby’s heart rate and your contractions. Many hospitals use external fetal monitors, requiring frequent abdomen access. A birth gown with front openings, such as snaps, flaps or buttons, will allow the medical team to easily attach and adjust these monitors without completely disrobing you.
- IV and epidural placement: If you choose or require epidural or intravenous medications, your back and arms must be easily accessible. Look for a gown that either ties, snaps, or opens in the back to allow the anesthesiologist quick access for epidural placement. Similarly, sleeves that have easy snaps or are loose enough will allow access for IV lines.
- Examinations and delivery: Internal examinations are performed regularly during labor to check the progress of dilation. A gown with sufficient flexibility or openings at the bottom will make it easier for your doctors or midwife to perform these exams without making you uncomfortable. Some birth gowns are designed to open completely from the front or have overlapping panels, making it easy to move aside for pelvic exams.
- Post-delivery care and skin-to-skin contact: Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged immediately after delivery, and many hospitals prioritize this bonding time between you and your baby. A gown that opens or unsnaps in the front will facilitate immediate skin-to-skin without having to remove your gown entirely. Additionally, front access is important for early breastfeeding efforts.
The Best Labor and Delivery Gowns:
Kindred Bravely Universal Labor and Delivery Gown for Hospital
This highly-rated Kindred Bravely labor and delivery gown (with more than 1.7K 5-star reviews!) offers comfort and functionality for expectant mothers. Designed with medical accessibility in mind, the gown includes features that allow easy access for monitoring, epidurals, and post-birth care while also keeping mom comfortable and covered. Whether in labor, delivery, or recovery, this gown ensures a sense of control and dignity without sacrificing functionality, providing you with a reliable and high-quality option for your labor and delivery needs.
What we love:
- Full access to the back for epidural placement and full access to the front for skin-to-skin and fetal monitoring.
- The velcro fold-over feature gives easy access while preventing unwanted scratches to you and your baby.
- Two pockets on each side are great for holding your phone or accessories.
What we would change:
- Reviewers online wished the fabric was softer after washing.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton, front and back Velcro openings
- Sizes: S/M/L, XL/XXL, and 1X/2X
- Colors Available: Black, Evergreen Blossom, Heather Gray, Honeyleaf Yellow Floral Pattern, Lilac Bloom Floral Pattern, Navy Paisley Pattern, Rosewood Polka Dot, Blue Pinstripes
Buy now on Amazon; $41.99
Frida Mom Labor and Delivery Gown for Hospital
Frida Mom’s products provide comfort and relief for pregnant and postpartum women. Their delivery gown is no different! The Frida Delivery and Nursing Gown is a great choice for moms who want coverage, to feel cozy—and to be convenient for medical professionals during labor. With a soft, breathable fabric and easy button-down design, it feels like a regular nightgown, allowing doctors and nurses to access everything they need quickly. Plus, the front buttons make it super simple to switch to nursing once your baby arrives. It’s designed to keep you comfortable from labor through postpartum without sacrificing style or practicality, giving you one less thing to worry about during this special time.
What we love:
- The fully accessible back for epidural placement
- The folded-down front panel snaps for skin-to-skin bonding and breastfeeding
- The accessible price point makes comfort affordable for laboring moms.
What we would change:
- Because the gown is one size fits most, it runs large for those who usually wear a size XS or S.
- We wish there were more color options than gray.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: Made of 100% viscose
- Sizes: One size fits XS-XL (Waist 36″ – 48″ and Bust 36″ – 50″)
- Colors Available: Charcoal Gray
Buy now on Amazon; $29.99
Ekouaer Women’s Nursing/Delivery/Labor/Hospital Nightdress Short Sleeve Maternity Nightgown with Button
The Ekouaer Delivery and Nursing Nightgown is all about keeping you comfortable while making things easy for your medical team. With soft, stretchy fabric, this gown moves with you during labor and postpartum, keeping you cozy. The double snap-front design is super convenient for skin-to-skin and easy breastfeeding access. The button-down back gives full access to the epidural. And with 23 color and print options, you can still pick something that feels like you, ensuring you feel confident and stylish even during labor.
What we love:
- How this labor gown can easily serve as a postpartum gown with easy access for breastfeeding.
- The easy snaps in the gown’s front and back are perfect for epidurals and post-birth skin-to-skin contact.
- The availability of color gives moms-to-be a way to express their unique individuality when picking out a birth gown.
What we would change:
- Not having full frontal access for easier access to fetal monitoring.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: Made from 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex
- Sizes: Small – XX Large
- Colors Available: Navy Blue, Army Green, Black, Blue, Caramel, Dark Grey, Dark Purple, Dark Red, Dirty Pink, Grey, Lake Green, Pink, Rose Pink, Rose Red, Royal Blue, Teal, Lavender, Wine Red, Black Floral Print, Black & White Stripes, Black Moon & Stars, Brown, Blue & Pink Florals.
Buy now on Amazon; $33.99
Ekouaer 3 in 1 Labor/Delivery/Hospital Gown Maternity Dress Nursing Nightgown Sleepwear
The Ekouaer 3-in-1 Labor, Delivery, and Nursing Gown is a great option for moms who want to stay comfortable during labor and postpartum. Its soft, stretchy material is gentle on sensitive skin and provides plenty of room for movement. The deep V-neck makes it easy to breastfeed and do skin-to-skin without fumbling with snaps. However, it’s important to note that this gown isn’t ideal for moms planning on an epidural, as it doesn’t open in the back. The split front makes fetal monitoring easier, and the elastic waist provides a comfortable fit throughout pregnancy and recovery.
What we love:
- The availability of size 3XL makes comfort more accessible to moms-to-be.
- The elastic waistband gives you coverage without pressing on your stomach.
- A split front flap with easy tummy access is great for fetal monitoring.
What we would change:
- Having no access to the back makes this labor gown only an option for those planning on not getting an epidural.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
- Sizes: Small – XXX-Large
- Colors Available: Green Floral, Light Blue Floral, Army Green, Black, Brown, Celadon Green, Dark Green, Dark Grey, Lake Blue, Light Pink, Lilac Purple, Maroon, Navy Blue, Peacock Blue, Aqua Blue Floral, Black Butterfly, Navy Flower Vine, Charcoal Grey, Wine Berry, Wine Red.
Buy now on Amazon; $34.99
Baby Be Mine Labor and Delivery Gown for Hospital
The Baby Be Mine maternity hospital gown is designed to give moms comfort and support during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Made from 100-percent breathable cotton, it’s soft and lightweight, perfect for long hours in the hospital. The gown features full-back snaps for easy access during medical procedures, and the front flap allows fetal monitoring without needing to undress fully. It’s stylish enough to look like a dress you could wear out and about, combining functionality with a flattering fit to help you feel comfortable and confident.
What we love:
- Full-back access with snaps makes it wearable with an epidural.
- The shoulder buttons allow easy access for skin-to-skin or breastfeeding and are discrete enough to make the labor gown wearable beyond pregnancy and postpartum.
- The 100% Cotton adds layers of comfort and wears well over time.
What we would change:
- Reviewers commented that the elastic drawstring, if not tied properly and secured, can get in the way of labor if it hangs low.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: 2 sizes, Small/Medium & Large/Extra-Large
- Colors Available: Pink Floral, Black, Light Blue Polka Dot, Teal & Pink Florals, Light Green Florals, Light Blue & Pink Florals, White & Pink Florals, Luna Navy Blue Pattern, Merlot, White and Green Ivy, Natalia Blue Pattern, Navy Blue, Navy Blue Stripes, Olive Green, Grey & Pink Florals, Pink Polka Dot, Rose Florals, Sage, Serra Blue and White Plant Pattern, Sloane Blue Plant Pattern, Teal, Lilac Florals, White & Grey Plant Pattern.
Buy now on Amazon; $32.99
Kindred Bravely Ruffle Strap Labor and Delivery Gown
The Kindred Bravely Ruffle Strap Labor and Delivery Gown combines style and comfort with the practical features every mom needs for labor and postpartum. Made from soft, T-shirt-like fabric, this gown feels cozy while offering adorable ruffle straps and a flattering curved hem that will have you feeling far from the typical boxy hospital look. Designed by moms, it features snap closures for easy fetal monitoring, C-section checks and breastfeeding, while Velcro at the back provides quick access for an epidural. With large pockets and a thoughtful design, this gown is perfect for your hospital stay.
What we love:
- Front and back are available for opening to give access to monitoring, skin-to-skin, and epidural access.
- Ruffle straps add a delicate detail for a more flattering labor gown
- Velcro chest straps make for ease of use with skin-to-skin or breastfeeding
What we would change:
- Reviews say the gown is not plus-size friendly
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: 95% Viscose, 5% Spandex
- Sizes: X-Small, Medium-Large, X-Large
- Colors Available: Black, Burgundy Plum, Navy Blue, Spice Floral, Honey, Pink Hydragenga
Buy now on Amazon; $45.99
MaisMa Store 4 in 1 Labor/Delivery/Nursing Hospital Gown Nightdress
The MaisMa 4-in-1 Labor, Delivery, and Nursing Hospital Gown is about making moms feel comfortable and prepared. It is made from 100-percent cotton and feels soft and breathable, just like your favorite T-shirt. This gown has everything you need for labor and is designed with practical features like a button-down back for epidural access and side buttons to make breastfeeding easy. This gown is perfect for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, ensuring you feel supported and comfortable every step.
What we love:
- Full back opening for easy epidural access.
- Double-sided neck snaps for easy skin-to-skin access and breastfeeding.
- The affordable price point makes comfort accessible to more moms-to-be.
What we would change:
- Have full frontal access or flaps for easier fetal monitoring.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: Small – XX Large
- Colors Available: Dark Blue Stars, Black, Dark Grey, Graphite with Feathers
Buy now on Amazon; $26.98
Lila’s Amelia Labor & Postpartum Gown
The Amelia Labor and Postpartum Gown by Lila’s Gowns is designed to be a modest yet highly functional alternative to their best-selling Lila gown. Created by a Labor and Delivery Nurse and Doula, this gown is specifically crafted with real labor needs in mind. Made from buttery-soft stretch material, it’s perfect for women who experience heightened sensitivity during labor. The gown features an unsnappable back for epidural access, opens at the belly for fetal monitoring, and includes unsnappable sleeves for IV placements. With thoughtful details like inside ties for privacy and a chest that fully opens for skin-to-skin contact, the Amelia gown ensures comfort and accessibility for you and your medical team. Plus, you can even match with your baby by adding a Baby Swaddle Set!
What we love:
- The gown is size-inclusive, fitting up to size 30.
- The complete accessibility, whether the full-back, front, or arms, with easy-to-use snaps.
- Matching swaddles are available for your baby to match your labor gown.
What we would change:
- Make the labor gown more affordable to ensure more moms can experience it.
Quick Facts:
- Fabric: Made of 8% spandex and 92% rayon
- Sizes: Petite (size 0-4), Standard (size 6-14), Full Figure (size 16-22), Curve (size 24 – 30).
- Colors Available: Colors vary on seasonality, but a wide range is always available.
Buy now on Lila; $69.99
One Last Thing: FAQ
Will my labor gown get dirty?
Your labor gown may get messy due to fluids and other aspects of childbirth. If you’re hoping to take photos or feel refreshed afterward, it’s a good idea to have a backup gown to change into after delivery.
What if I need or plan to have a C-section?
If an unplanned C-section is required, work with your medical staff to determine the best next steps. You may need to change out of your gown for surgery, but it can always be ready for post-delivery comfort. For scheduled C-sections, follow your doctor’s recommendations, but keep your labor/delivery gown handy for after your baby’s birth to help you feel more comfortable.
Can I wear my gown during an epidural?
Many labor gowns are designed with back openings or snaps to allow epidural access. If you’re planning on an epidural, look for a gown that accommodates this need without having to remove the entire gown.
What if I need an IV?
Many labor gowns offer shoulder snaps or un-snappable sleeves, making it easier to accommodate IV placement without having to fully remove the gown. This feature ensures flexibility and comfort, especially if an IV is placed as a precaution.
How soon can I do skin-to-skin contact?
Most labor gowns have front openings or flaps that allow for immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby. If this feature is a priority, look for it, as it simplifies the bonding process right after birth.
Are labor gowns machine-washable?
Most labor gowns are made from machine-washable materials, like cotton or soft blends, so you can easily clean and reuse them during postpartum or future pregnancies. Always check the care label for specific instructions.
Finding the best labor and delivery gown comes down to your personal comfort and the specific needs of your birth plan. When shopping around it’s important to look for a gown that provides easy medical access, accommodates procedures like IVs or epidurals (if you’re choosing to have one), and allows for immediate skin-to-skin contact. The right labor gown can help you feel more comfortable, covered, and confident during this important time. Choose what makes you feel best while supporting your medical team’s needs.
