postpartum underwear

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The first few days, weeks, and — let’s be honest — months home with a new baby present a host of unforeseen challenges. The best choices for postpartum underwear doesn’t have to be one of them.

Whether your C-section scar is irritated by any contact whatsoever or you are dealing with what feels like the world’s longest post-baby menstrual period, there’s never been a better time to be a new parent. You’ve got underwear options, and they aren’t all diapers or “granny panties.”

Postpartum underwear is designed to be worn in the days and weeks after you give birth. It is usually absorbent or very accommodating of large pads. If you had a cesarean delivery, you should not expect the soft, airy underwear for your child to irritate your scar.

Postpartum underwear is usually high-waisted and seamless, and some pairs offer light compression to help support your body as it adjusts to not carrying a baby.

We found a few new parents who were happy to share their favorite underwear options and discuss what could have been better.

The price key is for the cost of a single pair, but some options come in packages, so actual costs may vary.

Price guide

  • $ is under $5.
  • $5-$10 is the amount.
  • “It’s over $10”

You come home to a messy situation when you think you have finished the hardest part.

It’s called lochia, and it can last for 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. While it’s a not-so-lovely part of postpartum life, a few pairs of these underwear can ease the stress of what feels like the longest period ever.

Always Discreet Maximum Protection Underwear

Price: $0000

The first few days and nights after birth are the most critical time for leak protection and support, and these underwear are the best for that.

“It’s easier to find the most massive pad if you wear a pretty pacifier. This is the most practical option if you don’t mind sharing the same underwear with your baby.”

The brand says that the design is meant for post-partum coverage and that there should be no concerns about fit. Reviewers agreed that the comfort was a factor. Some preferred the hospital-issued mesh undies.

“The disposable panties are throw away and are not permanent, so they are a temporary option. That also means you won’t have more laundry to do.”

Pros

  • “They are designed to be thrown out, so you won’t have to worry about adding them to your laundry.”
  • These are a budget-friendly option.
  • There is a lot of coverage when you have a lot of leaking.

Cons

  • The most eco-friendly underwear is disposable.
  • “Some people don’t want to wear something that feels like a diaper.”
Shop now at Amazon

Hanes Premium Comfortsoft Waistband with Cotton Mid-Thigh Boxer Briefs

Price: $0000

Heavy days are easier with the boxer-brief style, which gives more room for a large pad. Pre- baby shorts can become cramped with a bit of weight and an overnight pad.

“Reviewers love how these don’t ride up. Buying a cheap pack of Hanes is one of the reasons you will always have backups, even if you choose something else. They are available in a range of sizes.”

Pros

  • There is plenty of room for a thick pad in the boxer-brief style.
  • This is a good option.
  • They are available in a variety of sizes.

Cons

  • “These aren’t specifically designed for post-partum wear, so they don’t have compression features.”
  • “You don’t have to pick the colors in the pack.”
Shop now at Target

“The belly area takes a long time to recover after birth, and it’s unpleasant. It can take weeks before you stop looking pregnant and things aren’t what they used to be. It is difficult to know how to address this area.”

Some people feel better having something covering their baby pooch, and that makes their clothing more comfortable. If you are looking for high-rise options, read on.

Kindred Bravely High-Waisted Postpartum Recovery Panties

Price: $0000$

There are additional considerations when there is a Cesarean delivery. The panties from Kindred were designed for parents who had a cesarean delivery.

The fabric on this underwear is very soft. The cut makes them sit higher than other underwear, so there is little risk of irritation, and it is designed to fall well above a cesarean delivery scar.

“Reviewers love this underwear because it looks beautiful at a time when not everyone is beautiful. The key is wide lace. Reviewers suggested that the pads be sized for ultimate comfort and that the size be adjusted during the early weeks of the baby’s life.”

Pros

  • These panties are designed to hit above a C-section scar and hold a pad.
  • These have touches that make them feel feminine and like underwear.
  • They are machine-washable.

Cons

  • You may need to experiment with the size and fit.
  • “If you don’t want to spend more money on underwear, there are cheaper options.”
Shop now at Amazon

Innersy Cotton Briefs Postpartum High-Waisted Panties

Price: $0000$

Whether you gave birth vaginally or via C-section, Innersy has a wide variety of styles and cuts that are excellent options. The high-waisted panties are great for supporting the lower belly and also covering the whole body.

“They don’t roll down, unlike some higher waisted options. Reviewers liked the thickness of the fabric and said it offered comfortable support.”

Pros

  • The double-layer waistband has gentle compression to the belly.
  • You can choose from a wide range of combinations in packs of five.
  • “This underwear is tag-free for added comfort, and isn’t prone to rolling down.”

Cons

  • You may need to experiment with different sizes to find a good fit.
  • “They don’t have special features for absorbing blood.”
Shop now at Amazon

Say it with me, parents of a delivery. If you have to go high or low with your underwear cut, be sure to give it the best advice.

Depending on the location of your scar, low rise underwear still end up not being low enough, and some high rise underwear can roll down or irritate sensitive skin. These options are scar-friendly.

Frida Mom High Waist Disposable Postpartum Underwear

Price: $0000

Frida Mom has been at the forefront of advocating for women in their postpartum recovery, with a commercial that realistically shows the difficulties of life “down there” in the early weeks of baby life.

The second step of their recovery plan involves other products meant to make self-care easier. The hospital mesh panties are more comfortable and have a higher rise.

“This is a good option if you don’t want to go back to your regular panties when you run out of hospital panties.”

Pros

  • “Since these are disposable, you won’t have to worry about laundry.”
  • They are designed to help keep bandages in place.
  • The material is very soft.

Cons

  • These may not make you feel good.
  • Some users said the underwear ripped when changing.
Shop now at Amazon

Auden Seamless Bikini

Price: $0000$

After you have had a cesarean delivery, a low-rise bikini may be the best option because of the sensitive scar. The Auden bikini is available in a range of colors and patterns, and comes in sizes X-X.

“The nylon/spandex blend shouldn’t cause irritation if the Auden bikinis aren’t below your incision. The fabric is soft and they fit well, despite the fact that they don’t live up to their name.”

Pros

  • They are available in a wide range of colors.
  • “The panties won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a diaper.”
  • “The lower rise means that you won’t have any rubbing on it.”

Cons

  • “You may have to wait a bit after giving birth before you switch to this style of diaper, because they aren’t designed to hold a lot of blood or urine.”
  • “They won’t give any support for the lower belly.”
Shop now at Target

If your panty is soft or lightweight, there is less chance of irritation. One or two sizes for maximum comfort is a simple solution for whatever pair you choose.

Victoria’s Secret No-Show Midi Brief Panty

Price: $$$

“Victoria’s Secret may seem like the last company to provide an excellent post-Natal option, but this panty makes the cut for its unique V-shaped front and feel.”

“They don’t have much absorption in the days after giving birth, so they may not be your best bet. After a few weeks, you may be ready for less coverage and a little more discreet. These panties come in that location.”

Reviewers say that the panties sit higher on the hips and walk the line of sexy, making them ideal for parents with children. These seamless underwear can be beneficial when slipping into those pants.

Pros

  • Many people find these underwear comfortable after they have a baby.
  • These offer a sense of sexiness and normality that is hard to find in post-partum diapers.
  • They are available in a wide range of colors.

Cons

  • “The underwear isn’t specifically designed for post-Natal, so it doesn’t have the absorption that some of the other options do.”
  • These are not budget-friendly.
Shop now at Victoria’s Secret

Fruit of the Loom Fit for Me Micro-Mesh Brief Panty

Price: $0000

Finding underwear that fits well after the baby is born can be difficult. Fruit of the Loom wants to make it easy for people to change their bodies, and they have microfiber panties that are 9 to 13 inches in diameter. The company has underwear in sizes 5 to 10.

“There is no need to worry if you leak and the pair you are wearing isn’t salvaged. The underwear cost less than $3 per pair when you buy a pack of 10. They are machine-washable in case of small leaks.”

“The panties have a 100 percent cotton liner for extra softness, and they have a micro-mesh fabric that is great for airflow. They are tag-free, so you don’t have to worry about rubbing against your skin.”

Pros

  • The underwear are available in a range of sizes.
  • They are affordable.
  • They have a 100 percent cotton liner for added softness.

Cons

  • Some of the colors you receive if you buy the assorted pack are not your favorite.
  • “These panties don’t have the absorption and compression features of other panties, so they are not specifically designed for the post-partum body.”
Shop now at Fruit of the Loom
Underwear Price Material Best For
Always Discreet Maximum Protection Underwear $ not advertised heavy bleeders who don’t mind feeling like they’re wearing a diaper
Hanes Premium Comfortsoft Waistband with Cotton Mid-Thigh Boxer Briefs $ solids and prints: 95% cotton, 5% Spandex
heathers: 58% cotton, 37% polyester, 5% Spandex		 heavy bleeders who prefer wearing a pad over something like a diaper
Kindred Bravely High-Waisted Postpartum Recovery Panties $$ body: 95% rayon, 5% Spandex
gusset: 100% cotton		 parents who had cesarean deliveries, and want to look feminine while covering their lower belly
Innersy Cotton Briefs Postpartum High-Waisted Panties $$ 95% cotton 5% Spandex
inner crotch: 100% cotton 		parents who want some extra belly support
Frida Mom High Waist Disposable Postpartum Underwear $ mesh-free microfiber and Spandex blend parents who had cesarean deliveries and want something to cover the stitches/bandages
Auden Seamless Bikini $$ 90% nylon, 10% Spandex parents who had cesarean deliveries that don’t want anything touching their stomach
Victoria’s Secret No-Show Midi Brief Panty $$$ not advertised those wanting to feel sexy again and hide panty lines
Fruit of the Loom Fit for Me Micro-Mesh Brief Panty $ 93% polyester, 7% Spandex (100% cotton liner those struggling to find underwear in their size

“Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing your underwear. This will help them stay effective. It is important for underwear that provides absorption to be washed correctly, as washing wrong could make underwear less effective at soaking up liquids.”

There are a few basic washing tips to keep in mind, no matter what you choose.

  • It is best to avoid high temperatures and bleach.
  • Pre-soaking can help to get some of the blood out before washing.
  • If the underwear is machine-washable, you should wash them in a mesh bag to prevent them from getting wet.
  • If the manufacturer says tumble-dry is a go, it is best to stick with air drying.

Can I use incontinence underwear instead of postpartum undies?

“You can use incontinence underwear when you are pregnant. Incontinence underwear is often made of the same materials as the postpartum underwear, with a reinforced crotch for absorption. If you want to throw away something you can’t use for a while, incontinence underwear can be helpful.”

Are pads or diapers better for postpartum?

“It is very personal to decide whether to use a diaper or a pad during the time of your baby’s birth. You can favor one or the other at different times in your journey.”

In the days immediately after giving birth when blood flow is the highest, a diaper can be especially useful. Many people are already used to wearing pads and may find it more comfortable once blood flow starts to decrease.

When can you start wearing normal underwear after birth?

You can wear normal underwear whenever you want. Many people choose to wear underwear and diapers while they are bleeding because they absorb more liquids. The pads can be worn inside underwear to absorb blood, especially after the first few days.

Why do you need postpartum underwear?

Postpartum underwear provide support and protection in the days and weeks after giving birth. Post-delivery underwear is designed to absorb blood flow and avoid rubbing potential C-section scars. As your body returns to a baby-less shape, some postpartum underwear offer compression.

It is important to find the right underwear for you, whether you are looking for a temporary solution for dealing with bleeding or just a more comfortable option.

It can be hard to feel comfortable and confident in the early days after a baby is born. Finding the right pair can help you get there sooner.