Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

4 great labor and delivery gowns that are actually comfortable

For new mothers, there isn’t much out there that could top bringing their child(ren) into this world. And when it comes to childbirth, most moms would agree that being comfortable while in labor is an oxymoron. However, easing the discomfort of labor can come in the form of a simple piece of clothing. While packing their hospital bag for that “Honey, it’s time!” moment, mothers often want to keep it simple in that department. You don’t just want the best nightgown there is to buy, you want something that will keep you cool, calm, and stylish.

Labor and delivery (L&D) gowns, also referred to as maternity gowns, are designed for expecting mothers with loose and soft fabric styles in addition to openings to nurse their new bundles of joy. Each mom has different features they are looking for when shopping for one. Because of the diverse options, we have selected the top 4 most-searched options, giving you a variety of options to start from.

Baby Be Mine Gownies

Starting things off, we have the labor and delivery maternity hospital gown from Baby Be Mine. This product is the No. 1 best-selling L&D gown, giving moms a traditional and stylish option that is available in a wide selection of colors and patterns. Baby Be Mine gowns are pretty enough to add a touch of beauty to newborn photos, while they’re practical enough to assist new moms in caring for their new additions easily — hello front-snap access for nursing, examinations, and IV access! Forget those revealing and frumpy hospital-issued gowns. Swap in a feminine pattern or vibrant and solid maternity gown from Baby Be Mine and stand out in style and comfort.

POSHGLAM Maternity Nursing Dress

For new moms who may be living in warmer-climate areas who are due to give birth in the heat of the summer, or who may simply become too warm or overheated easily, this lightweight, sleeveless L&D gown is perfect. POSHGLAM’s light and breathable gown gives moms real comfort without creating extra work simply just to put it on. This dress easily slides over the head and arms, for quick dressing and undressing. Each strap is outfitted with two snap closures, which detach for easy access when nursing. Its blend of moisture wicking rayon and spandex materials make this dress ideal to keep new moms relaxed and dry.

Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown

New mothers come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, creeds, and colors. Not all L&D gowns cater to shapely women, so we felt it our duty to seek out options for plus-sized mamas. To that end, we are proud to bring to light the Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown. This gown, made to fit sizes 0 through 24, focuses more on the size of your baby bump versus your dress size. This dress is available in several color/pattern options, is made from an uber-soft blend of polyester and cotton, and remains practical for use in labor and delivery through postpartum. Additionally, this dress is outfitted with two large pockets on the front, perfect for keeping a few personal items handy.

Ekouaer Women’s Nursing, Labor, and Delivery Gown

Just like our hot mamas going into labor in warmer weather, we have found a snug and toasty long-sleeved option for new moms in colder climates, birthing in bitter temperatures, or who just need some extra warmth. Ekouaer’s simple yet sleek design allows moms-to-be a chance of style while going through one of the most painful and equally beautiful times in their lives. This dress features front snaps for nursing or IV access, a quick-snap back, and a nice selection of color options. Ideal for later stages of pregnancy including the third trimester, labor and delivery, postpartum, and nursing.

From plus sizes to pretty patterns, and from long sleeves to sleeveless, we hope our list of top-rated and reviewed labor and delivery gowns gets you started on your hunt to finding the perfect addition to your hospital go-bag. Having on something that aides you on your journey to motherhood can be a real blessing in the delivery room. Each option has its own pros and cons; however, it’s up to you, our dear reader, to find the ideal choice to suit your needs, making it the best nightgown for delivery, just for you.

Editors' Recommendations

Emily Pidgeon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Emily's work has appeared in the Tube City Almanac, Tube City Online and our Affinity Sites. When she's not writing, she is…
Can you take cold medicine while nursing? What you need to know about what to avoid
Taking cold medicine while breastfeeding: What is safe for your baby?
Mom breastfeeding baby

So you have a cold? Taking care of yourself while taking care of a new baby is no easy task. But parents don't get the day off to nurse a sore throat or sleep away a headache. This is, of course, doubly true for nursing moms who need to buck up and offer the breast despite feeling aches, chills, and general malaise.

If you have just a common cold, try to avoid taking any unnecessary medications whenever possible. Your best bet is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and get plenty of rest -- yeah, yeah, we know that tip is a laugh. At some point, though, you may have to pop a pill or take a shot of cherry-flavored syrup to get through a rough patch in your illness. (If you have a fever, flu, or more serious symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor about treatment options.)

Read more
These funny gender reveal ideas will delight your guests
Cute, clever and unique gender reveal ideas
Couple holding boy or girl card

Gender reveal parties have become just as popular as baby showers these days. While they are definitely not necessary, gender reveals are a fantastic and fun way to get your loved ones together for a celebration. Some couples choose to learn their baby's gender by cutting into a cake that reveals a pink or blue filling while others have popped confetti-filled balloons. If you're looking for something a bit more unique for your gender reveal, you may want to try one of these more humorous options that will include your family and friends.

These funny gender reveal ideas will require you to pick your most trusted family member or friend to find out the sex of the baby before anyone else, including you! If you and your partner are just fine with handing over the reins to someone else, then let’s dive into these funny gender reveal ideas.

Read more
Give Your Baby a Name With a Nautical Twist With These Water-Themed Baby Names
Baby sitting on the beach

Choosing a baby name can be a daunting task. So many choices! You don't want your child to be saddled with a name she will later hate but you also don't want her to be one of five Hunters or Emmas in her class. Do you go traditional or modern? Unique or one of the top 10 from the yearly baby names list? It can be a lot. Sometimes choosing a theme and then choosing a name can make the task a little easier. If you're interested in water-themed or nautical names, then here's the list for you!

Take a look at our list of water-themed names for a little baby name inspiration.
Water-themed names for girls
Here's a boatload of water and ocean-inspired names for girls.
Cordelia
Cordelia is a Welsh name meaning "jewel of the sea".
Meredith
Another name of Welsh origin, Meredith means "guardian of the sea".
Nerissa
This unique Greek name means "from the sea" and is a great alternative to the more common Marissa.
Pearl
This gorgeous gem from the ocean is a beautiful traditional girl's name.
Mira
This beautiful name is from ancient Sanskrit and means "sea" or "ocean".
Delta
Meaning "mouth of a river", Delta is a lovely water name for a daughter.
Delphine
In French, Delphine means "dolphin" and is a great choice for your playful, smart little girl.
Water-themed names for boys
If you love the water, one of these water-themed names for boys might be just what you're looking for.
Troy
The name Troy is from the Irish-Gaelic and means "water". As well as garnering some fame from Homer's Iliad and the story of Helen, Troy is a well-known, but not commonly used boys' name, so your future son is likely to be the only Troy in his class.
Dylan
Dylan is a super popular name, but its meaning — "son of the sea" — isn't widely known.
Hurley
Another Irish-Gaelic name, Hurley means "seat tide".
Kai
This Hawaiian name means "sea" and is a great choice for boys but also works as a unisex name!
River
This unisex name needs no explanation.
Calder
Calder is of English origin and means "rocky water". Though it's unique it's gained popularity over the last decade.
Maxwell
This classic name is of Scottish origin and means "great stream."

Read more