From Hospital Gowns to Postpartum Underwear: Get To Know

Postpartum underwear is an essential piece of clothing for new mothers. It is designed to provide comfort and support during the healing process after childbirth. 

These special underwear are made from soft, breathable materials that won’t irritate sensitive skin and are designed to be worn with or without pads.

One of the benefits of postpartum underwear is the added support it provides to the abdominal area. This support can help reduce pain and discomfort, especially if you had a cesarean section. 

The underwear also helps to keep pads in place, preventing leaks and providing peace of mind. With postpartum underwear, new mothers can focus on recovery and taking care of their new baby without having to worry about discomfort or leaks.

Difference between regular underwear and postpartum underwear

I can tell you that the difference between regular underwear and postpartum underwear is like night and day. Regular underwear is just not equipped to handle the aftermath of childbirth.

Postpartum underwear is designed to provide support and comfort to the areas that need it most after giving birth. The fabric is usually softer and stretchier than regular underwear, making it easier to move around in. 

The waistband is often higher and wider, providing gentle compression to the abdominal area, which can help reduce swelling and support the muscles as they gradually heal.

Many postpartum underwear options also come with built-in pads or pockets to hold pads, which is crucial in the first few days and weeks after childbirth when postpartum bleeding can be heavy. 

They are also designed to be disposable or easily washable for added convenience during a time when new mothers can already feel overwhelmed.

My experience with postpartum discomfort

After giving birth to my first child, I was not prepared for the discomfort that came with postpartum recovery. From the achy muscles to the constant bleeding, it was a challenging time for me. However, one thing that helped alleviate some of the discomforts was wearing postpartum underwear.

These specially designed underwear provided gentle compression and support to my lower abdomen while also accommodating the bulky postpartum pads. 

They made me feel more secure and comfortable during a time when I felt anything but. I highly recommend them to any new mother going through postpartum recovery.

What are the benefits of postpartum underwear?

I can definitely say that postpartum underwear has been a lifesaver for me. Not only did it provide added support during the initial recovery phase after giving birth, but it also helped to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Below are some benefits for moms who opt to use postpartum underwear:

1. Provides comfort and support

One of the main benefits of postpartum underwear is its ability to provide support to the abdominal and pelvic areas. During pregnancy, these areas stretch and can become weakened, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks and potentially leading to pain or discomfort. 

Postpartum underwear provides gentle compression to these areas, helping to alleviate discomfort and provide added support.

The high-waisted design and soft, stretchy fabric gently hugged my postpartum belly and helped alleviate any discomfort from my C-section incision. 

Plus, the discreet design allowed me to wear them under any outfit without worrying about visible panty lines or bulges.

2. Helps with postpartum bleeding

Another benefit of postpartum underwear is its ability to accommodate postpartum bleeding. After giving birth, women typically experience bleeding for several weeks. 

Postpartum underwear is designed with a higher waistline and thicker material to provide added protection and containment for this bleeding.

3. Helps with postpartum swelling

As a new mother, I can attest to the discomfort and swelling that comes after giving birth. That’s why I highly recommend investing in postpartum underwears. 

Not only do they provide support and comfort, but they also help reduce swelling and promote healing. Postpartum underwears provide the right amount of compression and support to help your body heal faster. 

4. Promotes faster healing

These specially designed undergarments not only provide support and comfort but also promote faster healing. The compression and coverage they offer can help reduce swelling and support the muscles as they heal. Postpartum underwear should definitely be on your post-baby shopping list. 

They also help to promote healing by providing gentle pressure to the perineal area. This is especially helpful for women who experience tears or episiotomies during childbirth. The added pressure can help to reduce swelling and inflammation and promote healing of these areas.

Here’s a table comparing the benefits of each type of postpartum underwear:

Type of Postpartum Underwear	Benefits
Seamless Underwear	No visible panty lines, comfortable fit with Seamless design
Disposable Mesh Panties	Convenient for immediate postpartum use, breathable
C-Section Recovery Panties	Provides support for c-section incision, comfortable high waist
Maternity Briefs	Extra stretch for growing belly, soft and breathable
Postpartum Shapewear	Provides compression and support for abdomen and back
Bamboo Underwear	Hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties
High-Waisted Panties	Provides coverage and support to the midsection
Compression Underwear	Offers targeted compression for postpartum recovery

Types of postpartum underwear is best to wear after giving birth

There are a variety of options available, including disposable and reusable styles, as well as different levels of support and compression. By choosing the right postpartum underwear, new mothers can focus on bonding with their babies instead of feeling uncomfortable. Let’s discuss in depth what they do:

1. Disposable postpartum underwear

The pain, swelling, and bleeding make it difficult to focus on anything else after childbirth. But thankfully, I discovered the wonder of disposable postpartum underwear.

These underwears are designed to fit comfortably and securely, providing maximum coverage and absorption. They are also disposable, which means you don’t have to worry about washing or staining your regular underwears. 

2. Washable postpartum underwear

After giving birth, many new mothers struggle with discomfort and pain. From stitches to swelling, the recovery process can be challenging. That’s why I’m so grateful for washable postpartum underwears. 

These specially designed undergarments are incredibly comfortable, supportive, and they make the healing process so much easier. 

3. Compression postpartum underwear

I found myself constantly searching for ways to alleviate the discomfort, and that’s when I discovered compression postpartum underwear as another option.

The difference was immediate. The compression provided support for my weakened abdominal muscles, reducing pain and discomfort. Not only did they help with physical healing, but they also gave me a boost of confidence during a time when I was feeling vulnerable and unsure of my body. 

I highly recommend compression postpartum underwear to any new mother looking for a comfortable and effective way to support their body during the recovery process.

4. The seamless underwear

This minimizes rubbing and irritation, which can be a real pain when you already have a sore and tender body. And the stretchy material accommodates your changing body size and shape, giving you the flexibility and support you need.

Other types of postpartum underwear include:

• Seamless Underwear
• C-Section Recovery Panties
• Maternity Briefs
• Postpartum Shapewear
• Bamboo Underwear

Are there any special features of postpartum underwear?

After delivery, your body goes through a lot of changes, and you need to take care of it properly. One of the things that can help you is buying postpartum underwear, which is different from regular ones.

One of the main features of these underwear is their high waist. They come up to your navel, which provides extra support to your abdomen and lower back. This is especially important if you had a C-section, as it helps to protect your incision site, reducing pain and discomfort.

Another feature of postpartum underwear is the material they are made from. They are usually made from soft, breathable fabric, such as cotton or bamboo, which is gentle on your skin and helps to keep you fresh and cool. This is important because you are likely to sweat a lot during the postpartum period.

Postpartum underwear also has a wider crotch area than regular ones, which is great for holding postpartum pads in place. This is important because, after delivery, you’ll have heavy bleeding for a while.

Finally, postpartum underwear is designed to be stretchy, so it can accommodate your changing body shape. This is important because your body will go through a lot of changes during the postpartum period, and you need underwears that can adapt to those changes.

Here’s an updated chart comparing eight types of postpartum underwear, including size, high waist, stretchiness, material, and additional features:

Type of Postpartum Underwear	Size Range	High Waist	Stretchiness	Material
Seamless Underwear	S-XL	Yes	Very Stretchy	Nylon/Spandex blend
Disposable Mesh Panties	One size fits most	No	Stretchy	Mesh fabric
C-Section Recovery Panties	S-XXL	Yes	Moderate Stretch	Cotton/Spandex blend
Maternity Briefs	S-XXL	Yes	High Stretch	Cotton/Elastane blend
Postpartum Shapewear	S-XXXL	Yes	Firm Stretch	Nylon/Spandex blend
Bamboo Underwear	S-XXL	Yes	Moderate Stretch	Bamboo viscose blend
High-Waisted Panties	S-XXXL	Yes	Moderate Stretch	Cotton/Spandex blend
Compression Underwear	S-XXL	Yes	Firm Stretch	Nylon/Spandex blend

How soon should I start wearing postpartum underwear after giving birth?

The biggest question remains: how soon should you start wearing it?

In my experience, it’s best to start wearing postpartum underwear as soon as possible after giving birth. In fact, I packed a few pairs in my hospital bag so I could wear them right away. 

The reason for this is that postpartum underwear is designed to provide support and compression to your abdominal muscles, which can be helpful in reducing swelling and promoting healing.

Of course, every woman’s body is different, so it’s important to listen to your doctor’s advice and your own body’s signals. If you’ve had a particularly difficult birth or a c-section, your doctor may advise you to wait a few days before wearing postpartum underwear. 

Additionally, if you experience any pain or discomfort while wearing postpartum underwear, it’s important to stop and consult with your doctor.

Tips for Caring for Your Postpartum Underwear

Below are some quick tips on how to care for your new wardrobe garment:

First of all, invest in comfortable and breathable postpartum underwear. You don’t want to add any unnecessary discomfort to your already healing body. 

Look for options that have a high waistband to offer support for your midsection and that are made from soft, stretchy fabrics.

Next, make sure to change your postpartum underwear frequently. It’s normal to experience bleeding and discharge for several weeks after giving birth, so don’t hesitate to swap out your underwear as needed. Keep a few extra pairs in your hospital bag and at home for convenience. 

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are taking care of your postpartum body and feeling as comfortable as possible during this exciting new chapter in your life.

Other postpartum reads:

• The Importance of Good Nutrition During Postpartum Recovery
• Creative Postpartum Intimacy Ideas: Getting Back in the Mood
• 5 Reasons You Should Join A Postpartum Support Group
• 20 Things New Moms Need for Themselves

Conclusion

I know how overwhelming the postpartum period can be. Along with the joy of having a new baby, there are also physical discomforts and challenges to face. That’s why I want to share my recommendation for postpartum underwear with other new moms.

Postpartum underwears may not be the most glamorous thing in the world, but they are a game changer when it comes to healing and comfort. Trust me, it’s worth the attention.