How to Choose a Labor and Delivery Gown for Hospital
By Kindred Bravely | Nursing Bras, Maternity Clothes & Mom Must | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to look for in a hospital labor and delivery gown, including access features, fabric, and fit, with practical decision rules to help you choose.
Quick answer
Choose a hospital labor and delivery gown that gives your care team easy access for monitoring and procedures, while keeping you comfortable and able to nurse or pump. Prioritize front and back openings, soft stretchy fabric, and practical details like pockets.
Front and back openings: what they mean for your birth
A delivery gown's openings aren't just about style—they directly affect how easily your care team can monitor you, perform exams, or place an epidural. Front snaps allow for fetal monitoring, ultrasounds, C-section incision checks, and skin-to-skin contact, while a back opening provides access for epidural placement.
Think about your birth plan: if you anticipate needing an epidural, a back opening is essential. If you want uninterrupted skin-to-skin time right after birth, front access makes that easier. Some gowns, like the Universal Labor & Delivery Gown, offer both front and back openings, giving you maximum flexibility.
Fabric and fit: comfort that lasts through labor
Labor can last many hours, so the fabric needs to be ultra-soft and stretchy to keep you comfortable before, during, and after birth. Look for materials that feel like your favorite T-shirt—breathable and gentle on sensitive skin.
Fit matters too: a gown that's too tight restricts movement, while one that's too loose can feel cumbersome. Choose a size that accommodates your growing belly without being baggy, and consider how easy it is to put on and take off, especially if you're moving between rooms or need to change quickly.
Nursing and pumping access: a feature you'll appreciate later
After birth, you'll want to nurse or pump frequently. Snap-down straps on the gown allow for easy breastfeeding and pumping access without having to undress. This is a practical feature that makes those first days easier.
If you plan to nurse, check that the snaps are easy to operate one-handed, as you'll often be holding your baby. Some gowns also include pockets for your essentials, which can be handy for keeping your phone or lip balm within reach.
Decision rules for choosing your delivery gown
- If you plan an epidural: Choose a gown with a back opening that allows easy access for epidural placement. The Universal Labor & Delivery Gown and the Ruffle Strap Gown both have back openings. Confirm the back opening is large enough for comfortable access.
- If you want skin-to-skin immediately after birth: Look for a gown with front snaps that open easily for skin-to-skin contact. Both the Ruffle Strap and Universal gowns offer front access. Practice opening the snaps one-handed before labor.
- If you plan to nurse or pump: Select a gown with snap-down straps for nursing and pumping access. The Ruffle Strap Gown includes this feature. Check that the straps don't dig into your shoulders.
- If you value convenience and pockets: Consider a gown with pockets for your essentials, like the Ruffle Strap Gown. Pockets keep your phone or lip balm within reach. Think about what you'll want during labor and pack accordingly.
Delivery gown features at a glance
- Ruffle Strap Labor & Delivery Gown | Black: The Ruffle Strap Labor & Delivery Gown in Black features front snaps for monitoring, exams, and skin-to-skin, back openings for epidurals, snap-down straps for nursing and pumping access, and pockets for essentials. This gown combines all the key access features you need for labor and postpartum, making it a versatile choice for most birth plans.
Ruffle Strap Labor & Delivery Gown | Black - Universal Labor & Delivery Gown | Grey Heather: The Universal Labor & Delivery Gown in Grey Heather pairs the functionality recommended by health care professionals with the comfort of a super-soft T-shirt, featuring front opening for monitoring and skin-to-skin and back opening for epidural access. If you want a gown that feels like home but still provides the medical access your care team needs, this is a reliable option.
Universal Labor & Delivery Gown | Grey Heather
Who each gown suits best
Best for
- Ruffle Strap Gown: mothers who want a picture-perfect look with all the functional features, including nursing access and pockets.
- Universal Gown: mothers who prioritize a super-soft, T-shirt-like feel and need both front and back openings for maximum flexibility.
Not for
- Ruffle Strap Gown: mothers who prefer a simpler, less ruffled design or who are on a tighter budget, as it may be priced higher than the Universal Gown.
- Universal Gown: mothers who specifically want snap-down straps for nursing access, as this feature is not listed for the Universal Gown.
