As you may have read, we are expecting our fifth baby this winter.  This time we are planning to do a home waterbirth.  Our four children, ages 3 to 13, are welcome to be present if desired.  The challenge is:  how do I give birth modestly, in or out of the water, with my children present?

I've seen a fair number of homebirth videos in which the moms aren't wearing a stitch, but I can't relate to that at all.  In my opinion it's important to be modest even during childbirth... unless it's an unassisted couple's birth, in which case nudity is a perfectly modest option.  :0)   Maybe you are like me and would just as soon give birth at least partially clothed.  Maybe your birth will be videotaped or photographed, or there will be relatives or others present, and you'd prefer not to be seen "in the altogether".

My solution, for wear during out-of-water-labor and in case of a "land birth" (as opposed to a waterbirth), is a homemade "birthing dress".  It has to be comfortable, not too short, with nursing access.  Because I sweat profusely during labor, especially when in transition, it should be sleeveless and not too high in the neck, so I don't get overheated.  It needs to have room for my big tummy, yet be something I can wear postpartum, perhaps as a summer nightgown. 

Fortunately, I have a tried-and-true dress pattern that I've used several times in the past.  It is Elizabeth Lee Designs #108.  This nursing dress can be made sleeveless, and modified to have a gathered empire waist.  I will also shorten the skirt so it falls just below the knee.  This way it will be easy to move the skirt out of the way as needed.  I'll make the dress out of a cotton-blend knit for comfort, and will use my serger so that seams and hem can stretch with the fabric.  I actually made a dress like that about 10 years ago and wore it as a nightgown for years.  I also wore it during our fourth baby's homebirth -- it worked great.  But it's gotten pretty ratty... so... time to make a new one!

Under the dress, I plan to wear a comfortable nursing bra.  Then, when it's time to get into the tub, I can still be somewhat covered (at least the part of me above water).  Bravado! Designs makes attractive, modestly-cut nursing bras that would work well.  Other good ones (for waterbirth, and the first few weeks postpartum when you are leaking milk and need to wear nursing pads a lot) would be the comfort or sleep bras sold at Motherwear.

Among the links below are some handy waterbirth links to help get you started, if you too are planning a waterbirth.