Planned your hospital bag and got the long list of products for your newborn? Well, when stocking up on your essentials, don't forget postpartum underwear. We know not the most glamorous purchase, but absolutely essential.
Here's our guide on how to pick the best postpartum underwear for every need.
What is postpartum underwear?
You may be wondering why you need postpartum underwear. Well, they are specially designed to support your recovery after giving birth, whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. In the first days to weeks, you will probably want to use "adult diapers" or extremely absorbent leakproof underwear to deal with lochia, the blood and discharge you lose as a natural part of recovery after birth.
Beyond that, there is a wide range of postpartum panties, briefs, corset-style underwear, and other styles that provide you with plenty of choices. Whether you're looking for compression, comfort, or leak protection, there are options available to meet your needs after having your baby.
When should you start wearing postpartum underwear?
When you start wearing postpartum underwear will depend on the type you choose. In fact, I know many moms who are told to take as many of those gauzy hospital panties as possible. What you are looking for, most importantly, is comfort while you heal and manage bleeding needs.
Do you really need postpartum underwear?
Many new moms are surprised by how much—and how long—bleeding can occur after delivery. (We’re talking weeks!) Having leakproof postpartum underwear on hand after you give birth provides a comfortable alternative to adult diapers and postpartum mesh underwear.
How long should you wear postpartum underwear?
You will likely want to wear leakproof postpartum underwear until your postpartum bleeding stops, which can be anywhere from a few days to six weeks. You’ll often find range of absorbency options to meet your unique needs; with light pairs often absorbing up to a light pantyliner's worth of liquid, while the most absorbent undies can handle 10+ teaspoons of liquid. Though some women feel comfortable switching to pads and mesh or supportive underwear, depending on their delivery type, just a few days after birth.
Things to Consider When Picking The Best Postpartum Underwear For You
Material & Style
- The most important factor to look at when it comes to material or fabric is it being breathable.
- Dr. Twogood recommends choosing an option that has a “stretchy, breathable fabric like cotton or a cotton blend.”
- You should also decide whether you want an option that is either reusable or single-use since most postpartum undies are only meant for single use.
- The style you choose depends on your preference, but you should always opt for one that gives you more coverage.
- Stick to styles that are not only breathable but also absorbent, especially during your postpartum period.
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Compression
Some practitioners suggest new moms are to look for postpartum underwear that has compression, especially if they’ve gone through a C-section. Though it really depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Some people hate the way it makes them feel and cannot tolerate the constriction but others find it supportive and eases pain. If you have any concerns about compression consult your care provider directly.
Absorbency
In terms of what you should be looking for when it comes to absorbency, postpartum bleeding can change quite significantly week by week.
Read more about what to expect from postpartum bleeding, with our guide from a Midwife: How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last? Midwife Hayley Oakes Shares What You Need to Know.
Leakproof postpartum underwear is designed to help with postpartum bleeding and bladder leaks—two issues you might encounter after delivery—and can be worn as soon as you like.
For those using pads and just wanting something soft and supportive while your body recovers we recommend:
Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum
How to Choose The Best Postpartum Underwear Material
Here are the top options depending on your needs:
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Cotton: Breathable and soft, cotton is an excellent choice for maintaining comfort and preventing irritation, especially for sensitive postpartum skin. For a great choice.
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Microfiber: Super absorbent and quick-drying, microfiber is perfect for new mothers experiencing heavier lochia, offering an added layer of security and comfort.
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Bamboo: Eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial, bamboo fabric is soft against the skin and effective in odor prevention. Bamboo underwear is a soothing choice for postpartum wear, promoting comfort and hygiene.
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Modal: Celebrated for its softness and breathability, modal provides a luxuriously comfortable fit. It’s less prone to shrinking or fading, ensuring durability and sustained quality over time.
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Mesh: Ideal for the initial days postpartum, mesh underwear facilitates excellent ventilation, crucial for healing, keeping the area cool, and preventing moisture buildup.
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Spandex or Lycra: These materials add stretchability to postpartum underwear, allowing them to flex with your body's changing shape. The elasticity ensures a snug fit without constricting movement, offering both support and flexibility during recovery.
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Polyamide: Known for its strength and ability to retain shape, polyamide combines durability with a soft feel. It’s a comfortable yet resilient option for new moms seeking reliable postpartum underwear that withstands frequent use and washing.
While various materials are used in postpartum underwear to address different needs, cotton is often recognized as the best natural choice during recovery.
The Best Postpartum Underwear Styles
Selecting the right style of postpartum underwear can greatly enhance your recovery experience by catering to specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick look at some top styles:
- Cotton Briefs: These provide comfort and support by covering the belly, making them ideal for post-birth recovery. Like: Pact, Maternity Foldover Brief 4-Pack
- Seamless Boyshorts: With a smooth silhouette under clothing, these minimize irritation and discomfort. Like: Bodily, Mesh Undies
- Compression Shorts: Offering mild compression, they support abdominal muscle recovery and improve mobility, aiding the body’s natural healing process. Like : Blanqi, Seamless Postpartum Hipster Compression Panties
- C-Section Recovery Underwear: Designed with higher waists and softer materials to protect and support C-section incision sites. Like : Bodily, The All-In Panty
- Leak-Proof Underwear: Featuring additional absorbent layers, these manage postpartum bleeding with confidence and security. Like : Proof. Period Underwear Brief
- Adjustable Waist Underwear: These allow for size adjustments to accommodate post-birth body changes, ensuring a perfect fit throughout the recovery period. Like: Leonisa, Women's High-Waisted Firm Compression Postpartum Panty with Adjustable Belly Wrap
Considering Disposable Postpartum Underwear
In the weeks immediately following childbirth, disposable underwear proves to be a practical solution, eliminating laundry concerns and providing a fresh, hygienic option with each use. Especially if you are dealing with a lot of bleeding.
However, even the best disposable postpartum underwear may not match the breathability and comfort of organic cotton underwear, meaning you may want to start with a disposable option but then switch to natural fibers for the rest of the recovery period.
Some of our favorites are:
Frieda Mom High-Waist Disposable Postpartum Underwear
Rael Disposable Underwear for Women
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you wash postpartum underwear?
Some postpartum underwear is single-use, so decide which option you prefer first. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for washing or hand-washing reusable options to help them last longer.
For reusable options, keep a few key things in mind:
- Avoid bleach, fabric softener, ironing, and high temperatures.
- Pre-soak the items to help remove blood stains before washing.
- If machine-washable, place the underwear in a mesh intimates bag to protect it from other items in the laundry.
- Air drying is recommended when possible.
When can you start wearing normal underwear after birth?
Many people opt to wear postpartum underwear for the first four to six weeks after giving birth, as these types of underwear help absorb more liquids. The timing depends on many factors, such as the type of birth (vaginal or cesarean), the recovery needed for the vulva and vagina in the case of a vaginal birth, and the amount of bleeding.
There is no ‘right timing.’ It's common for postpartum women to use the typical postpartum mesh underwear for a week or two before transitioning to wearing pads with regular underwear.
What size of postpartum underwear do I need?
Whether you're looking for traditional or plus-sized underwear, you may need to experiment with a few different sizes, as you won't be the same size as your maternity clothes after giving birth. Women often see a reduction in their stomach size during the postpartum period. Typically, the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy state around six months after giving birth.
How many pairs of postpartum underwear do I need?
This depends on a number of factors, in particular what type of underwear you're thinking of getting. Many women find that they only need to use disposable underwear for the first week or so after giving birth, after which point they switch to regular underwear with a pad. So if you're going the disposable route, you may find that you just need enough for a few weeks. (Assume you'll be changing them often in the first few days.) After that you would want enough to be able to have time to wear and wash in a similar way to you do with your regular laundry.
Are disposable underwear good for postpartum?
As we mentioned earlier immediately after delivery, if you had a hospital birth you'll likely wear the disposable underwear provided by the hospital. In fact, doctors recommend taking home as many of these as you can. “I highly recommend the mesh panties that the hospital gives you after delivery. They are comfortable and can hold the maxi pads in place since you should not use tampons,” says Jill Hechtman, an OB/GYN based in Tampa, Florida. “If you ask the nurses, they will give you some to take home.” Alongside this you can also get super absorbent
If you prefer disposable mesh underwear, you can buy additional pairs for use at home during the first few weeks. While disposable postpartum underwear reduces the amount of laundry, it also means purchasing more packs.
Did you know that some of our highest levels of depletion can occur during the postpartum period? Needed Postpartum Supplements are designed to help support you during this time of recovery.
