This past week I started (and finished) a sewing project which I just had to share with you! I made my own labour gown for when I go to the hospital to have this baby!
A few months ago, I had discovered online a variety of beautiful labour & delivery gowns for sale. When I saw the price I decided against such an investment. I would love to wear something cute on the day our baby is born, but realistically, having been through birth before, I thought the odds of a gown surviving unstained are pretty slim.
However, the thought of these cute gowns nagged at me.
My doula had taken over 50 pictures at my first daughter’s birth.
Even though it was a miraculous, beautiful occasion, I can’t help but look at those pictures and think… yuck!
I also want to go into this birth with a positive frame of mind. Women have been giving birth for thousands of years. It’s normal. It’s natural. It’s not an illness. It’s not something that needs to be “treated”. I then thought if this is the case, why should I play the role of hospital patient and wear an awful hospital gown?
I did some research and found this great hospital gown pattern online: Lazy Girl Designs
This pattern is fantastic because it is indeed a hospital gown pattern. There is Velcro along the tops of the sleeves and two ribbons that tie in the back.
I chose a great blue damask fabric with complimentary chocolate brown ribbon and dressed up the gown with some additional features including:
- snaps instead of buttons at the top of the shoulders (in all honesty… I can’t sew button holes so snaps are easier… and more convenient)
- a ribbon trim along the hem of the gown
- ribbon bow that ties under the breast to give the gown a bit more shape
I have some fabric leftover, so I think this weekend I’ll whip up a matching fabric headband. So that’s it. The gown is made and packed… awaiting the big day!
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I love it! It’s super cute and looks very comfortable.
This is so great! Your baby is probably going to be thinking, “Wow! My mommy is beautiful AND talented!!”.
Just saw your post on Bloggy Moms. Congratulations on the soon-to-arrive bundle! The gown is head and shoulders above the typical hospital garb. Well done!
@Katie M. Biittner Thanks Katie! It is quite comfortable (that’s the bonus of picking out your own fabric).
so cute!
@natalie LOL! Thanks Natalie!
This is such a great idea! I saw this idea on the Shark Tank show but like you said the prices were ridiculous! It looks wonderful!
Thanks Robin and Laura! I think my handmade hospital gown will make the birth experience that much more “enjoyable”!
Great job! Just curious, did you modify the neck opening on the pattern? It looks like more of a “V” then what I see on the pattern. I’m trying to decide if I’d like more of an opening there…
Hi Sara!
I made the neck opening a tiny bit bigger than the pattern (but not much). I would love to see pictures when you are done.
Thanks for the response! I’m going to see about starting it after the holidays…I’ve only got about 6 weeks left, so better get on it LOL!
My daughter is expecting in Sept….she wanted a hospital gown….ok….I too, saw the prices and decided…perhaps I could make it for just a little less….lol…
thank you so much!!!