Smart Shopper is reader supported. When you shop our picks, we may receive a commission.
Postpartum recovery is often a messy and painful journey but with the right pair of underwear, new moms will get to rest comfortably while healing.
Many mothers would agree, childbirth is an incomparable experience. And while bringing a new life into the world is incredible, the first few weeks post-birth can be daunting, especially when caring for a newborn and managing your own recovery.
Along with other challenges, new mothers often feel uncomfortable moving around with fresh C-section incisions and postpartum bleeding. This is where having the right pair of maternity underwear will help.
To help ease the burden, we’ve scoured the net for the best postpartum panties that will help you with bleeding, incisions and discomfort. Read more to find one that suits you.
Read more: Get the best gifts for new parents here
Comes with two gel packs
Gentle compression
Suitable to use for menstrual pain
One reviewer says it has a bulky fit
Only available in black
Whether you just had a vaginal birth or a C-section, this incontinence underwear from Kindred Bravely is everything you need to keep you comfortable on your road to recovery.
It comes with two gel packs that can be heated or cooled in the freezer to soothe pain after childbirth. The panty has three separate pockets that are strategically placed for the gel to assist with perineal pain from vaginal delivery, stomach pain from C-section and the back for any back cramps after labor.
It’s also lightly compressed to make you feel more comfortable and you can continue to use it long after you’ve recovered as it also helps with menstrual pain.
Holds maternity pads in place
Leak-proof
High elasticity
A few reviewers say they run small
Only available in larger sizes
This postpartum mesh underwear from HANSILK makes the perfect companion for mothers newly discharged from the hospital. It’s designed to be similar to mesh underwear hospitals often provide and it holds incontinence liners, maxi pads and maternity pads in place to aid with postpartum bleeding.
It’s designed to be high-waisted so it won’t irritate any surgical incisions. It’s also leak-proof and elastic so it adapts to your changing body shape. Plus, we love that it's reusable and machine washable.
Targeted compression
Built-in 100% silicone panel
Only for use after incision is fully healed
This UpSpring C-Panty C-Section Recovery High Waist Underwear is the best underwear after C-section for new moms. It’s comfortable to be worn immediately after your C-section for up to 12 months and has a built-in 100% silicone panel to protect your incision. It can also help with reducing itchiness and scarring.
The targeted compression design reduces swelling and supports your abdominal muscles during recovery. Plus, it has no waistbands, hooks or closure to provide ultimate protection for your incision, making it the best C-section underwear on our list.
Sits above C-section incision
Machine-washable
Handle with care as lace waistband can fray
If you’re on the hunt for after-birth underwear that provides bang for your buck, look no further than this 5-pack high rise panties from Kindred Bravely. This super soft underwear is made from stretch fabric that wraps comfortably around your changing body and sits just above your waist, making it compatible even for those who just had C-section surgery.
It’s designed to leave plenty of room for your pads while still allowing you to feel stylish while wearing it. When it’s time to wash, simply throw it in the washing machine and tumble dry low.
Adjustable wrap with velcro
Firm compression for tummy
Higher price point
Looking for a high-quality postpartum compression underwear to hold your tummy as you heal? This panty from Leonisa is all you need. Designed with adjustable wrap and velcro straps, it’s focused on flattening your midsection without harming your incision.
We love that it has an inner layer of PowerSlim to help with sculpting and you can adjust the compression level to fit your changing body. It can also assist those recovering from prolapsed bladder while keeping you feeling comfortable all day long.
Absorbs five times more than regular tampon
Five different underwear styles included
Higher price point
One of the biggest worries after giving birth is dealing with messy bleeding and leaks from incontinence and postpartum bleeding. Thankfully, with this Thinx Postpartum Comfort Set, these worries will be a thing of the past.
This set comes with two super hiphugger panties, which provide maximum absorbency, two heavy hiphuggers that protect against leaks and sleep shorts that absorb bleeding even when you’re tossing and turning. With all these combined, it’s definitely a period underwear set worth buying.
Latex-free
Breathable
Affordable
Only available in two sizes
Material tears easily
The Frida Mom underwear is a must-have essential to pack along in your hospital bag prior to delivery. That’s because this high-waisted postpartum disposable underwear is a great alternative to using the mesh underwear provided in the delivery ward after childbirth.
Made from a soft blend of microfiber and spandex, these maternity briefs provide a comfy, stretchy fit — while keeping your pads in place. And because it’s disposable, you won’t have to worry about doing extra laundry when you return home with your newborn.
Available up to 3XL
Machine-washable
Some reviewers say they can ride up
We highly recommend Bodily The All-In Panty for plus-size moms who need extra support during postpartum recovery. Available up to size 3XL, it’s made with OEKO-TEX-certified material that is gentle on sensitive skin, making it a great choice for those with C-section incisions.
Its ultra-stretchy material also grows with you throughout pregnancy and postpartum while the wide gusset design is made to hold maxi pads to assist with incontinence and postpartum bleeding.
Core and back support
Gusset opening for easy toilet access
Not absorbent
Looking for underwear that will help with your postpartum belly? Look no further than the Belly Bandit Postpartum Sculpting Girdle. This girdle is made with two layers of SecureStretch fabric to provide core and back support.
It also has a gusset opening for easy toilet access so you can wear the girdle without any hassle. However, for those who’ve had a C-section surgery, we recommend seeing your OB-GYN for advice before starting to wear this girdle.
Childbirth already takes a toll on you, so researching the best postpartum underwear shouldn’t be added to your to-do list. To help you choose the right pair, we’ve got answers to your burning questions.
Hospitals typically provide new moms with disposable diapers after delivery to assist with heavy bleeding. However, these pairs are usually quite basic. If you purchase your own postpartum underwear, many available options will fit and function better. For example, some postpartum underwear have pockets for ice packs or gel pads to aid with abdominal and muscle pain — while others are absorbent to help you manage postpartum bleeding.
While everyone’s needs and recovery time will differ, we’d recommend having enough pairs to last you for two to three weeks postpartum. And you may need multiple pairs per day. Also, you’ll need to decide whether to purchase disposable or washable pairs. The former will save you time and the latter may save you money.
When shopping for postpartum underwear, consider the following factors.
Size: It’s essential to wear something that holds your pads in place without restricting your movement and causing irritation to your incisions. Some brands have a wider size range of up to 3XL while others are limited to XL. Remember to consider your body changes before making a decision.
Material: Ideally, you’lll want to look for organic materials, such as cotton and spandex — as it’s soft on your skin and stretchy enough to adjust with your body as it changes. Some undergarments also have extra features, such as silicon pads and compression, to assist with healing.
Birth type: Depending on whether you have a C-section or vaginal birth, you’ll need different features to assist with your recovery. Those having C-section birth would benefit from having silicon pads placed directly on your incision that will aid with healing or an underwear that is designed to sit below your incision to avoid irritation. Those with vaginal birth can benefit from having an underwear that is absorbent or one with pockets to place your pads.
Of the postpartum underwear we’ve reviewed, these options get our stamp of approval — and stand out among competing options.
Kindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty: It comes with two gel packs that can be strategically placed to assist with the pain that comes after childbirth. You can even place an ice pack in one of the pockets to soothe aches and pains.
UpSpring C-Panty C-Section Recovery High-Waist Underwear: Not only is it designed with a built-in 100% silicone panel, the only material approved by the FDA to help with scarring, but it also provides slimming and shaping postpartum support.
Don’t just take our word for it, try them for yourself!
Did you like this article? For more great deals and shopping ideas, find us now on your favorite social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!
Prices updated on 10/20/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
