The Best Postpartum Underwear for Comfort and Support

In the busy final days of your third trimester, chances are you’ll be pretty preoccupied. Between reviewing your birth plan, setting up gear and planning baby’s coming home outfit, you may forget to pick up a few post-birth essentials—like postpartum underwear. While you can certainly grab a few free pairs of disposable panties at the hospital, it’s a good idea to stock up on some more comfortable underwear for the weeks ahead. Here, we’ll discuss why you’ll want them and what to look for—plus our picks of the best postpartum underwear available now.

Do you Need Postpartum Underwear?

Yes, new parents will need some form of postpartum underwear after labor. Every person’s postpartum recovery is different, but bleeding after birth is par for the course. Lochia—aka postpartum bleeding—occurs after both vaginal and c-section deliveries. “Bleeding can be heavy, like the first few days of a period, for a week or two. After that, it usually ends up looking like the last few days of your period,” explains Heather Bartos, MD, an ob-gyn and medical director at Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas. The bleeding can last for up to six weeks, but most women find that it greatly diminishes by week two or three, she says. Having disposable underwear on hand means you won’t have to worry about staining. Moreover, postpartum underwear is soft and stretchy enough to accommodate large maxi pads, which you’ll definitely need at this stage of recovery.

Types of Postpartum Underwear

Different underwear styles can be useful at different stages of postpartum life. To help you choose the best option for your needs, here are the four main types on offer.

• Postpartum mesh underwear: Mesh briefs are super-stretchy and designed to hold heavy-duty sanitary pads. The soft material and high-waisted cut won’t aggravate vaginal soreness or irritate a c-section incision. Typically, mesh underwear is disposable but some brands create styles that can be washed and worn multiple times. This type is freely available at the hospital when you give birth, so it’s worth stashing a few pairs in your bag to use at home. Bartos is also a big fan of these “magnificent mesh panties,” as they’re seriously comfortable and practical.

• Postpartum compression underwear: Intimate-wear that offers light compression can be helpful for some people in the postpartum period, especially after a c-section. Similar to belly bands, this type of shapewear offers gentle support to the abdominal muscles; just don’t use anything too restrictive.

• Disposable postpartum underwear: Designed to be worn once and thrown away, disposable panties are sure to come in handy during postpartum recovery. Aside from bleeding and discharge, urinary incontinence is a typical side effect of pregnancy. “Imagine that 8-pound head sitting on your bladder for the last month of pregnancy—and then delivery as well. Incontinence isn’t even common postpartum—it’s expected,” explains Bartos. Can’t face the thought of washing pee-soaked undergarments? You’re in luck—many brands create disposable undies with an absorbent core to keep you feeling fresh, even if you do pee a little when you laugh.

• Absorbent postpartum underwear: Absorbent underwear has changed the game when it comes to sanitary products. They look just like regular undies, but the moisture-wicking material actually absorbs blood, discharge and bladder leaks. While most brands market these products as period panties, there are options designed specifically for new moms too.

Things to Consider when Shopping for Postpartum Underwear

Still not sure what to look for? Here are a few things to consider when shopping for postpartum panties.

• Cut and fabric: Swelling, tenderness and pain are common during the postpartum recovery period, so the last thing you want is scratchy, uncomfortable underwear. If possible, opt for soft, breathable fabrics and a full-coverage cut. Intimate-wear with a touch of spandex is also a good option, as it offers plenty of stretch. “Don’t expect to wear your thong or ‘cute’ underwear during the postpartum period,” says Bartos—as you’ll be disappointed when they get ruined. “Anything high waisted (for tummy support) and breathable (ahem, cotton or bamboo) will do just fine,” she adds.

• Size: It can take some time for your uterus to shrink, meaning your bump won’t immediately disappear. With this in mind, you may want to size-up when purchasing postpartum underwear. Plus, roomy undies can easily accommodate sanitary towels and ice packs. When in doubt, check the brand’s size guidelines for more information.

• Cost: Weigh up your needs and decide how much you’d like to spend ahead of time. Although disposable mesh undies are cheap, you’ll need a fair few pairs so the dollars can add up. On the other hand, washable postpartum panties are more of an investment, but they offer better cost per wear. While absorbent underwear tends to be the most expensive option, they may save you money on sanitary products in the long run—and they’re better for the environment.

The Best Postpartum Underwear for Every Need

When it comes to intimate-wear every person has different needs, so we’ve done the research and selected the best pair of postpartum undies for every type of recovery. From affordable panties you can chuck in the trash to top-of-the-line recovery underwear.

About the expert:

Heather Bartos, MD, is an ob-gyn and the medical director of Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas. A navy veteran, she spent 12 years serving the women and spouses of the armed forces, and was an associate professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine, and earned her medical degree at the University of Texas.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Maternity Underwear for Ultimate Comfort

The Best Maternity and Nursing Bras for Every Need

Sexy Maternity Lingerie Looks to Spice Things Up