Among the various concerns a woman should have during the postpartum period, postpartum underwear should be on your shopping list. Just as important as nursing bras with good support and absorbent pads for the heavy flow, the right underwear will help get through the first days with greater comfort and safety, especially if you had stitches. Even though the maternity market isn’t very appealing and doesn’t really cater to female aesthetics, it’s an essential item during this period, and there are many models available to try to please as many women as possible. Of course, they’re nothing like the sexy little panties we usually like to wear, but when it comes to comfort, nothing beats them!!
Some models, in addition to providing greater security when using pads during the postpartum period and at the site of stitches, whether from a C-section or in some cases vaginal birth, also help the body return to its shape. High-waisted models can even serve as a postpartum girdle and provide extra confidence day to day, promoting a much faster recovery and healing1.
If you don’t like the styles sold in stores or find them unattractive, including because of the prices, you can choose to wear your usual underwear, just buy larger sizes since comfort is most important now. Tight postpartum underwear pressing on stitches can be uncomfortable and may even interfere with healing, leading to bigger issues2.
Which Underwear to Buy?
When you visit a maternity or lingerie shop, you can find many options—different models, fabrics, sizes, and even colors (though there are fewer colors compared to regular underwear). The postpartum underwear market usually offers just a few colors like brown, beige, white, and black. Some have reinforced panels over the belly that offer stronger compression to help your body recover, others are cut higher for those who are uncomfortable with bigger panties. The best options are cotton or jersey postpartum underwear, which are not only more comfortable but allow your skin to “breathe” and heal more quickly. Avoid synthetic material panties that trap heat in the genital area—in addition to interfering with healing, they also increase the risk of fungal growth. You may prefer underwear above the belly button that goes up to the waist and shapes your body, or lower cut styles that compress the abdomen.
No matter the rise of the postpartum underwear you choose—the decision should always prioritize comfort, and each woman will have her own preference for a specific model. However, keep in mind that postpartum bleeding is quite heavy and can last many days, so your underwear must hold a pad securely to prevent leaks and unwanted stains on clothes. Some women even choose geriatric pads for safer protection against heavy flow, but in that case, less-cut underwear is best to keep the pad well positioned.
After your baby is born, not only will your belly need to return to normal, but all your internal organs will have to shift back. That’s why postpartum underwear and even a postpartum girdle make a huge difference in the recovery phase. The sensation of everything feeling loose in your belly is inevitable in the first days, and the most comfortable underwear will give you a sense of safety and help your body bounce back more quickly.
See also: Postpartum Girdle – Use With Caution
Photo: TF Personal Archive
