The Best Postpartum Underwear of 2024

Postpartum Underwear: A Buying Guide

Postpartum underwear is crucial for mothers after delivery as they deal with heavy bleeding while their uterus heals. Having a comfortable pair of underwear can make a big difference in recovery. Our medical expert Dr. Illa Dayanda explains why postpartum underwear is so important:

“From a medical perspective, it’s the support that postpartum underwear offers to the abdominal and perineal areas that is the greatest benefit. The abdomen typically becomes weakened during pregnancy, and postpartum underwear can offer additional support to the weakened area. The perineal area, which is the area between the thighs extending from the vagina and the anus, can suffer from soreness and tears following childbirth. Postpartum underwear typically includes pads or liners to offer additional padding to the sensitive area while it heals.”

So, here’s a quick guide explaining the factors you need to consider when choosing one.

What to Consider When Buying Postpartum Underwear

Fabric

Postpartum panties should be made with breathable and soft fabric like cotton, which is what I prefer. Nylon-spandex blends are also great because they are stretchy and provide the necessary support to weak abdominal muscles. 

You can also find postpartum underwear with light compression material that gives your belly a sucked-in feeling. While the compression factor is preference-based, maternity panties’ fabric must be comfortable and stretchy.  I suggest going through the customer reviews on a product’s page to get a good idea of the underwear’s material. 

Cut and shape

Scratchy and uncomfortable underwear is the last thing you want after delivery. Your underwear’s cut and shape play a vital role in determining its comfort level. High-waisted and full-coverage cuts are ideal for postpartum underpants. They support the belly and keep everything in place, especially if you wear maxi pads. 

Size

After childbirth, the baby bump doesn’t disappear immediately. This means you may need to size up your panties, or they won’t fit. Another benefit of sizing up is that you can easily fit pads and ice packs inside.

Choosing the Right Postpartum Underwear

Absorbency

Period panties provide built-in absorbency, but postpartum underwear is different. These undies don’t absorb blood and other fluids like a sanitary napkin or period panty do. In my book, that doesn’t mean they don’t have to be absorbent. While you use pads during the postpartum period, the chances of leakage are still there. So, your undies should be absorbent enough to provide some level of protection.

Softness

Postpartum underwear must be gentle on your skin. They should be made with skin-friendly materials that don’t cause any itching or inflammation. While soft panties are essential in all cases, they are particularly important if you’ve had a C-section. Undergarments made with rough fabric can chafe against the surgical site, inflame incisions, and may even lead to infection.

Breathability

Having breathable undergarments is essential during the postpartum period. Due to hormonal fluctuations, you may sweat a lot, experience vaginal discharge, and bleed continuously. All these fluids can make it harder to prevent infection, especially if you’ve had a C-section. Thankfully, cotton and other natural materials are used in making underwear to wick moisture and keep the body sweat-free, preventing infections. In my own experience, gynecologists have recommended cotton underwear to avoid infections or discomfort.

What Are the Different Types of Postpartum Underwear?

Disposable postpartum underwear

The hospital often provides disposable underwear after you give birth. These are made with expandable mesh and fit like high-waisted boy shorts. This type of underwear is suitable for the beginning days when your flow is excessive and you have to wear enormous pads. If leakage occurs, you don’t have to worry about washing them, as you can throw them out.

Postpartum c-section underwear

C-section underwear is specially designed for mothers who underwent surgery. They have a specialized design to prevent irritating the incisions. Some underwear has non-binding waistbands, while others feature special panels at the front. I love that these panels are made with smooth materials, like silicone, to stay in place and avoid hurting the healing incision site. 

Compression postpartum underwear

Swelling is common after childbirth, and compression underwear helps reduce swelling in your midsection. These are designed to provide light support to your weak abdominal muscles. Some compression underwear also comes with adjustable elements, allowing you to loosen or tighten the underwear as you like.

What Is Postpartum Underwear Made From?

Postpartum underwear are usually made with blended fabrics. These are the most commonly blended materials. 

Cotton

Cotton is a soft and light natural fabric. Since it is a chemically organic material, it doesn’t contain any synthetic compounds. I like that it’s a breathable material, making it perfect for postpartum periods, because it wicks moisture to prevent infections. Plus, it offers decent absorption, so you don’t have to worry about leakage all the time.

Spandex

When it comes to spandex, there’s no match for its stretchiness and flexibility, but spandex lacks breathability. Due to this, spandex is often blended with cotton to combine the qualities of both materials and give you the best of both worlds.

Nylon

Nylon is a silk-imitating material offering an alternative to silk’s lightweight and smooth feel. It is a moisture-resistant and quick-drying material. It doesn’t shrink when wet, and you can easily wash it in the washing machine. However, you do have to find high-quality nylon underwear if you want to prevent chafing, which is definitely something I’ve experienced with low-quality nylon.