Restore your comfort and confidence after childbirth with the best postpartum underwear. Discover the perfect style and fit with our postpartum underwear guide. Find comfort and support for your postpartum period today.
Postpartum underwear is among the most undermined pregnancy essentials yet plays a vital role in the postpartum healing process.
Getting the wrong postpartum underwear can delay your healing.
Why?
Because you will experience wetness on your stitches, discomfort, and irritation during the critical postpartum recovery period.
And not just that.
Ill-fitting or non-supportive underwear can exacerbate pain, hinder mobility, and potentially lead to complications, especially if the mother has had a cesarean section.
New mothers must choose the right postpartum underwear for their needs to ensure a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.
Whether you’re a soon-to-be mom preparing for what’s to come or a recent mom navigating the postpartum journey, you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of postpartum underwear, exploring why it’s a must-have in your post-baby wardrobe, what to look for when shopping, and our top picks for the best postpartum underwear on the market.
Let’s get started!
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What Should You Look for in Postpartum Underwear?
Choosing the right postpartum underwear is essential for comfort and recovery support. The best postpartum underwear will depend on your needs and preferences.
Having a mix of styles and sizes on hand is a good idea, as your body will change in the days and weeks following childbirth. Here are some factors to consider when selecting postpartum underwear:
- Absorbency. You will experience vaginal bleeding after birth regardless of the birth type. Ensuring that you have a full coverage absorbency postpartum underwear is crucial for preventing leakages.
- Breathability: Postpartum underwear should be breathable to prevent excessive moisture buildup. Excess moisture can lead to discomfort or infection. Look for options with moisture-wicking properties to keep you feeling fresh and dry.
- Support: Some postpartum underwear has built-in support for the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. This can help provide extra stability and comfort after delivery.
- Comfort: Comfort is paramount during the postpartum period. Look for soft, breathable, and stretchy underwear like pure cotton or a blend of quality materials. Ensure the fabric is gentle on sensitive skin, especially if you have a C-section.
- Fitness: Choose underwear with a supportive fit. High-waisted or full-coverage styles can provide extra support and coverage for the abdominal area. Ensure the elastic waistbands are not too tight to avoid unnecessary pressure on your incision site or sensitive areas.
- Disposable vs. Reusable: You can choose disposable or reusable postpartum underwear. Disposable options are convenient, but they generate more waste. Reusable underwear, often designed to accommodate sanitary pads or liners, can be more eco-friendly.
- Leak Protection: If you’re concerned about postpartum bleeding, consider underwear with extra layers or pockets for holding sanitary pads. This can help prevent leaks and keep you feeling dry.
- Seamless Design: Seamless postpartum underwear can reduce friction and prevent irritation against sensitive areas.
- Size Adjustability: Some postpartum underwear comes with adjustable closures or bands that can be resized as your body changes in the postpartum period. This can be particularly helpful as your body gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
- Style: Choose a style that suits your preferences and clothing. Some postpartum underwear is designed to look like regular underwear, while others are more functional in design.
- Easy Care: Consider how easy the underwear is to care for. Many postpartum garments are machine washable, but check the instructions to avoid damage.
- Medical Recommendations: If you have a C-section or other medical conditions requiring special care, consult your healthcare provider for the best type of postpartum underwear.
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Best Postpartum Underwear for New Moms
1. Best Disposable Postpartum Underwear Vaginal Delivery -Frida Mom
If you are looking for stretchy postpartum underwear designed to hold the numerous layers of pads after vaginal delivery, then this will be your best fit. Frida’s mom’s postpartum underwear is breathable and sturdy enough to hold the weight of pads to prevent leakages. The tagless boyshorts also provide full coverage for utmost comfort.
Pros
- 100% Cotton
- Super Stretchy for a perfect fit
- offers total coverage for comfort.
Cons
- Some women find the material to be thick and slightly abrasive
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2. Best Disposable Postpartum Underwear C-Section– Frida Mom
Unlike the postpartum underwear for vaginal delivery, this one is designed with a supportive high waistband that restricts it from rolling down over the incision bandage after a c-section. This protective waistband is also breathable and soft enough to promote quick recovery without causing blisters on your incision.
Pros
- Breathable and comfortable for C-section moms
- It has a supportive high waistband to prevent rolling down over your incision bandage.
Cons
- Some moms feel they run small, so it’s best to select your size cautiously.
3. Best Under Belly Postpartum Underwear: Intimate Portal
This Low-rise waistline is all you’ll need for your postpartum recovery. It doesn’t matter whether you had a vaginal birth or c-section. The Intimate Portal underwear won’t irritate c-section incisions, making recovery much easier.
This underwear fits nicely under the bump without pressure. It’s also great for crossover and may aid your last trimester.
Pros
- Best for crossing over your pregnancy journey to motherhood.
- No pant lines as it provides full coverage
- The low waistline fits nicely under the bump without causing much pressure.
- Soft and stretchy cotton fabrics for utmost comfort
Cons
- It is not suitable for moms who dislike under-the-belly pants.
- Some moms feel these pants do not provide full coverage on the other side of their lap.
4. Best High Waisted Postpartum Underwear: Wirarpa Underwears
Wararpa underwear consists of a soft, stretchy wide waistband that is comfortable for postpartum moms. The double-layer waistband holds your underwear in place thus, preventing rolling down or pinching. The high-waist design offers light tummy support and reduces the appearance of a muffin top thus making you feel comfortable in your postpartum body.
Pros
- Provides full coverage for utmost comfort.
- The wide waistband is suitable for postpartum c-section and abdominal surgery recovery.
- Made of 90% cotton for breathability.
- The high-rise waist offers a bit of tummy compression thus relieving pressure on your tummy during recovery.
Cons
- Some moms feel that they shrink when washed.
5. Best Breathable, full-coverage Postpartum Underwear: Pokarla
Pokarla is postpartum underwear made from Stretchy cotton material for maximum breathability during your recovery. This postpartum underwear comes with flat seams that ensure no pilling or pinching. Their wide edges allow your legs to fit snugly without cutting. The Superior elasticity is quite comfortable even for the recovery of postpartum c-section and abdominal surgery.
Pros
- Preshrunk for lasting fit
- Bind-proof leg openings
- Slight structure in the belly area
Cons
- The sizing isn’t consistent as it seems to run very small or too large.
6. Best Compression Postpartum Compression Underwear C- Section: UpSpring C-Panty
This underwear is made of upward compression to help in postpartum c-section recovery. The compression mechanism helps to push fluids away from the incision area for a quick recovery. It also consists of a built-in silicone panel that provides targeted support for your tummy and the incision.
Pros
- The built-in silicone panel is excellent for providing targeted support of the incision
- The higher waistband helps hold everything up and in
Cons
- Seem to run small
7. Best Underwear Girdle Panty High Waisted Body Shaper
These Shaping Panties are a must-have for every woman’s closet after vaginal birth. It will help flatten the tummy, level the love handles, and streamline the silhouette in a woman’s waist slimmer.
Pros
- lightweight, soft, and less irritating.
- Comfortable and invisible under your skirts, dresses, and jeans.
- It consists of built-in flexible steel bones to prevent rolling down and has an anti-slip silicone strip design to prevent slipping.
Cons
Some people feel that the sides hurt and thus need a little improvement.
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8. Best Low Rise Body Shaper for Women Tummy Control-Samiya
Samiya tummy control shapewear consists of soft, breathable, and stretchy mesh fabric for ultimate comfort. It helps to enhance and contour your body’s natural shape after pregnancy while staying comfy all day.
Pros
- It consists of cross bands in the front to offer targeted compression that can flatten your tummy.
- a low rise that perfectly sits below your jeans or dress, thus giving your waist a discrete comfort
- lightweight and doesn’t shoe lines
Cons
- It may run small. Ensure you double-check the sizing
9. Best Washable postpartum Mesh Pants
Mesh underwear consists of a giant net that can hold those enormous maxi-pads you’ll need after delivery. They are also stretchy and can comfortably support your tummy.
Pros
- Less irritation
- Economical as they are reusable
- Great for postpartum recovery both for natural and cesarean-type births.
Cons
- Some women find them to be too thin, not true to size, and lightweight
10. Best Disposable Underwear with Build-in Pads-Momcozy
These postpartum underpants consist of built-in pads suitable for heavy bleeding or incontinence times. It features an instant and all-round absorption core which prevents leaking or back seepage when bleeding.
Pros
- Excellent for night use
- The built-in pad version is much easier to use than the postpartum disposable underwear without a pad.
- Three-Dimensional Leak-Proof allows you to sleep without leakage.
- Ultra-Thin for maximum comfort
- Super-absorbent with an instant absorption core
Cons
- Quite pricey
11. Best Plus Size Postpartum Underwear: Always Discreet Size XXL
Always Discreet underwear is designed to fit all sizes while offering bladder leak protection all day. The underwear which comes in XXL for plus-size women consists of a unique absorbent mechanism that turns liquid to gel thus preventing leakages. Ensure you check for your perfect fit on the Always Discreet My Fit size chart.
Pros
- Super absorbent thus keeps your skin dry for long hours
- Made of stretchy and Comfortable fabric for maximum comfort.
- It comes with Odor Lock Technology thus can keep you smelling nice all day long.
Cons
- Some women don’t like the lightly scented
When Should I Buy Postpartum Underwear?
How Many Postpartum Underwear Do I Need?
The number of postpartum underwear you need can vary from person to person and may depend on factors like the heaviness of your bleeding, length of your postpartum bleeding, and comfort.
Having 2-5 reusable postpartum underwear can suffice your needs. If you are wearing only disposable underwear, consider having 2-4 pairs per day in the first few weeks.
However, depending on your hygiene level or lochia, you may increase or decrease the number.
Please note that you’ll need to wear postpartum underwear daily for at least the first few weeks after childbirth. You will likely need to change your underwear frequently, especially if you experience heavy bleeding or discharge.
Expect to change them as often as you would change regular underwear during a heavy menstrual cycle. This could be every 2-4 hours initially and then less frequently as the bleeding decreases.
How Long Do You Wear Postpartum Underwear?
The duration for which you wear postpartum underwear can vary from person to person and depends on the type of delivery and the rate of postpartum bleeding.
You will typically wear postpartum underwear immediately after giving birth. This is usually during your hospital stay and the first few weeks at home.
During this time, postpartum underwear is essential because you may experience heavy bleeding, known as lochia, which can last for the first 1-6 weeks after birth.
As your postpartum bleeding decreases and becomes more like a regular menstrual flow, you can return to your regular underwear.
TAKE AWAY
From C-section recovery to managing postpartum bleeding, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to uncomfortable, ill-fitting undergarments, and say hello to a more comfortable, confident, and stress-free postpartum experience.
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DISCLAIMER The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. I’m not a health practitioner and as such, this information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your professional service provider.
