Postpartum Underwear Buying Guide

6 min read

Written by Suma R P

Suma R P

Postpartum underwear is specifically designed to suit the needs of a woman who has just been through labor. These underwear are soft, not itchy, very flexible, and have good coverage. They have good absorption capacities and offer support to the abdomen as well. These can be used well after your postpartum period too. Comfort always supersedes anything fancy.

Many people are caught off guard by how long it takes for their stomachs to return to normal after giving birth. In the aftermath of giving birth, women who have had caesareans need special care for their incisions. Postpartum undergarments are made specifically for use in the weeks after childbirth. It’s usually very absorbent or has a lot of room for big pads. Moreover, postpartum underwear is often constructed from soft, breathable fabrics and is cut in a manner that, ideally, will not aggravate your scar if you had a cesarean birth.

In This Article

Why You’ll Need Postpartum Underwear?

A new mother undergoes many changes physically, even after the pregnancy comes to an end. While everyone focuses on maternity gowns and baby-related products, the most important and intimate piece of clothing for the mother takes a back seat. Just as  

Here are five reasons why you will need postpartum underwear:

  1. Shrink Uterus The uterus has to get used to the empty space and should be pushed back in. Postpartum underwear is tight around the midsection and offers some compression.
  2. Offer Support  Without the baby, the midsection is bound to be loose and hanging, which is why it needs extra support. Postpartum underwear can help hold the belly in tight.
  3. C-Section Delivery  After a cesarean delivery, a woman finds it difficult to wear her regular underwear, where the seams and elastic can end around the scar region. She cannot wear such underwear until the scar heals well. Postpartum underwear comes in handy and in fact, has many benefits too.
  4. Absorb Bleeding  A woman can bleed up to 6 weeks after the birth of her child. You need underwear dedicated to absorbing all that liquid.
  5. Soft On Skin Fresh after giving birth, a woman’s skin can be sensitive and raw from the sutures. Regular underwear may be rough on the skin, causing it to itch.

Types Of Postpartum Underwear

How To Choose The Best Postpartum Underwear For You..

Postpartum underwear is mostly high-waisted and made of soft, breathable fabric which expands more than usual underwear. They can be a little tight around the stomach to offer compression and support to the mid-section and seams are usually absent.

There are many varieties of postpartum underwear to choose from. Some of your options are:

  • For C-Section Moms

These are soft, with a high rise around the hip area. They set well above the C-section area so that the elastic does not touch the scar. The scar needs room to breathe and heal. If the underwear is tight or made of non-breathable fabric, it can lead to infection of the scar.

  • For Heavy Bleeders

Many women bleed profusely for days after delivering their child. Though sanitary napkins can be used, the plastic layers can irritate the sensitive skin of a new mother. Postpartum underwear has many layers to absorb the bleeding without causing any rashes.

  • For Tucking In Belly

A new mother needs sufficient support to hold her belly in. The underwear has to be tight to push the expanded uterus back into shape. This type of underwear has a tight elastic fabric covering most of the abdomen region. The tight elastic helps to hold the loose belly in. Over time, the uterus will shrink back, reducing the size of your tummy. This underwear can be used as shapewear too, even months after delivery.

  • For General Comfort And Softness

Postpartum underwear is designed for the utmost comfort of a new mother. The material is soft; the stitches don’t irritate the skin. Right after birth, the new mother’s abdomen area can be tender to touch. You may not be able to wear pants yet. Such underwear can do the trick while keeping you feeling soft.

How To Choose The Best Postpartum Underwear For You

Types Of Postpartum Underwear..

There are many postpartum underwear models available. Sometimes you can even opt for regular underwear, based on the size. If you are not sure about choosing the right postpartum underwear for you, here are a few tips.

Material

The material has to be soft, breathable, and itch-proof. Scratchy materials will make you scratch and that is something you ought to avoid until you recover from your delivery.

Size

It may be tempting to go back to the size of the underwear you wore before the pregnant tummy started growing. However, buy a size that fits your hips after the delivery. You may need to opt for a bigger size if you had a cesarean delivery. Your sutures need enough room to heal.

Fit

There are multiple fits for postpartum underwear. You can choose soft ones without a visible seam, for utmost comfort. You can opt for tightly elasticated underwear if you want to shrink back your uterus ASAP.

Flexible

The material must be flexible. You must be able to use it as the pregnant belly grows. This is because on day one when you use this underwear, soon after giving birth, your stomach is going to be as big as it was a few hours ago. The underwear must be able to stretch over the pregnant belly. Pull the underwear a bit to see how flexible they can be. 

Seams

Seams can be very irritating and can cause marks on your skin too. Your skin will be very sensitive soon after giving birth. Seamless postpartum underwear can be very comfortable.

Waist

Always opt for high-waisted underwear, so that the elastic does not sit on your C-section scar. Do not buy the low-waist options as they might increase the pressure on the scar area.

Comfort

The design, material used as well as fit must be comfortable overall. Postpartum is a very sensitive period emotionally and physically. You cannot settle for something average.

Budget

Postpartum clothing including underwear can be expensive. While some brands can have reasonably priced options, some can be very expensive. Choose underwear that falls within your budget. You will need more than 2 such underwear, so budget accordingly.

3 Best Postpartum Underwear Brands In India

After you’ve given birth, your body becomes more delicate. Within the first six weeks after giving birth, it’s normal to have some bleeding and discharge (also known as lochia). Throughout the healing process, women need underwear that is soft, stretchy, supportive, and absorbent.

Here are the best brands of postpartum underwear in India.

1. NewMom Seamless Caesarian Panty

The Newmom Caesarean Panty is designed to help you feel comfortable and supported after a C-section. This is because Newmom’s C-section panties are both breathable and non-restrictive, making it ideal for post-C-section recovery. It aids in the reduction of edema, gives weak muscle support, and flattens the bulge caused by the incision. These are the most comfortable underwear to wear after a C-section since there are no seams or bands that might irritate the incision.

2. Morph Maternity

The unique crotch layer of Morph maternity hygiene pants for both prenatal and postpartum use is treated with antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-odor agents, and also has moisture management technology. As a result, germs that cause UTIs are kept at bay. The fabric is 100% cotton, so it’s comfortable and breathable. As a result of their extreme comfort, they are ideal for use after a cesarean section.

3. Mummamia

Mummamia maternity pants may be worn both during pregnancy and after giving birth. After having a C-section, the anti-stain technology in this panty is quite beneficial. Thanks to these pressure-free pregnant briefs, waist chaffing is a thing of the past. They have a non-elasticized, unique crossover front design that guarantees exceptional comfort. Easy to wear and suitable for healthy pregnancies. The exceptional suppleness of the waistline is especially beneficial after cesarean delivery.

 

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Suma R P,M.Sc (Organic Chemistry) Rayalaseema University B.Sc (Biotechnology) Sri Krishna Devaraya University.

Suma is a passionate content writer with a strong keenness to understand the miracle of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Suma has successfully transitioned into a full-time content writer and a key contributor at Being The Parent. She leverages on her experimental background in chemistry and experience in writing to come up with well-researched content that helps parents struggling to deal with various medical conditions of their children.Read more.

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