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20 Comfy Postpartum Underwear Options To Help You Recover After A C-Section

Because your C-section incision needs a gentle touch.

by Jennifer Parris
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Before you had a baby, you probably put on your panties without a second thought. Maybe if you were wearing a pair of pants that would show a panty line, you might have opted for a thong. Or if you had your period, you searched your underwear drawer for those lived-in undies that offered extra room and stretch. But when you deliver a baby via C-section, underwear takes on a totally new meaning. That’s why you need to know about these comfy postpartum C-section underwear.

Delivering a baby is difficult enough on the body, but when you factor into the equation a C-section incision that is roughly four to six inches long, you’ll need c-section underwear that makes the healing process easier, says Jada Shapiro, a postpartum doula and founder of boober. People who have given birth by cesarean want to give additional thought to the postpartum underwear they choose, since their scar needs extra protection from chafing and rubbing while it heals,” she tells Romper in an email. “High-waisted underwear will be more comfortable for most people since they won’t irritate the scar.”

While you’re healing, you should probably avoid bikini-cut panties. Why? Well, the waistband on your underwear might irritate your incision, and the last thing you want is for extra friction to hamper your healing. And because you’re going to be bleeding for the next six-ish weeks, you want undies that will be able to be able to withstand the extra blood flow for now.

These postpartum C-section underwear options can offer an alternative to those mesh hospital panties, and can give your belly some much-needed support until you’re ready to rock your pre-baby undies again.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

1Undies that offer soft support

Just because your primary concern is about your C-section incision doesn’t mean that you want the rest of your tummy to be all wiggly jiggly, either. The All-In Panty from Bodily protects your incision, thanks to its high rise fit, but also offers gentle support to your body — and in particular, your belly, too. The soft and stretchy material will feel like your lady parts are getting the love and attention they deserve. You can wear these undies for your nine months, postpartum, and even long after Baby’s birth.

2C-section postpartum undies that control odor

You’ll feel as good as gold, (er, silver), when you slip into these Belly Bandit c-section postpartum panties. Silver-infused fibers wick away odor and bacteria, all while protecting your skin from chafing. As the panties protect your incision area, they can also help reduce swelling and the achy feeling you might experience after surgery. And with its breathable fabric, you’ll stay cool and dry. Simply size up to get the best fit for your postpartum body.

3C-section postpartum undies that look like boy shorts

The mesh panties you get from the hospital might be super comfy, but since most of them come either in white or nude, they’re not the best at hiding leaks. (And when you’re postpartum, there are a lot of leaks.) The seamless mesh C-section postpartum panties on Amazon are awesome for a few reasons. First, they’re black, which means you won’t be embarrassed by any staining or spotting. Second, if you’re home taking care of a newborn and can’t bother to put on pants, you don’t have to, since these mesh undies look like boy shorts. They also don’t have an elastic waistband so you won’t have anything digging into your already-sensitive skin. You can wash and wear them a few times, or toss them into the trash if they get soiled.

4High-waisted postpartum underwear

Cut like a high-waisted boy short, the UMMISS C-section underwear can be worn after delivery and beyond. It has a double layer of stretchy, soft fabric that sits at the waist — and not by your incision. It’ll keep your tummy feeling protected as you heal. And the undies have a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 25,000 reviews.

5Disposable undies

Let’s say you’re looking for a pair of postpartum panties you can wear without having to wash. The disposable ones from Frida Mom make recovery a lot easier (and less messy), thanks to this 8-pack. The high-waisted, brief cut design is comfortable without crushing your new mommy curves. And when you’re done wearing them, simply toss them into the trash.

6Postpartum underwear that looks like regular undies

Even if you’re not a fan of belly bands, you might not mind the cute ones from Cassney. The full coverage underwear has elastic that doesn’t dig, and sits at the waist without feeling constricting. The double-layer crotch offers breathability and protection in case you leak.

7Postpartum underwear that can hold a lot of liquid

You’ll be feeling the love with the CoreLove High Rise postpartum underwear. It can hold a whopping four tablespoons of blood, sweat, or pee, making it pretty leakproof. Its high rise design with velvet compression bands give your belly the support it needs. And woot, it’s machine washable, too.

8Postpartum underwear that’s like those mesh hospital panties

Sure, those mesh hospital undies sometimes get a bad rap, but once you put them on, you might not want to take them off. Enter these washable mesh panties from Junfan, which are breathable, comfortable, and high waisted to keep your incision safe. You’ll have enough room to put on a pad, and can be used up to 3-5 times with the proper care. But at $12.99 for a 4-pack, you might not feel guilty about tossing them in the trash if they get messy.

9Designed by moms who know what moms need

Who better to design a pair of C-section panties than a mom, amiright? This pair from UpSpring offers medical grade high compression without being binding. The silicone panel ensures that your scar won’t be scratched or irritated.

10Reduces moisture & bacteria

These panties offer not one, but two areas of compression so that you feel protected. Silver-infused fibers work to reduce bacteria (and a possible infection) from forming. The lower area (where your scar is) has moisture wicking capabilities to keep you dry.

11Lovely & lacey, with a soft, high waist

Pretty panties can make the postpartum period that much easier, thanks to Kindred Bravely. These high-waisted panties (which, woot, come in a 5-pack) are perfect for when you want to feel a little like yourself again. They sit above your incision and are made from super stretchy fabric, so you’ll feel comfortable as you recover.

12Optimal for extra coverage

Whether you have a C-section or vaginal delivery, you can wear the Nyssa FourthWear Postpartum Recovery Underwear. An outer pocket means you can place an ice or heat pack anywhere you need it. The panties also have a widened gusset for extra coverage... and comfort.

13Disposable after 5 times of use

A 5-pack of postpartum undies for under $20? Yes, please. Although they’re mesh, they’re not your hospital granny panties. The airy fabric allows for healing, and since the underwear doesn’t have an elastic waistband, you won’t have to worry about it rubbing up against your incision. They go right in the garbage after wearing them up to five times, which means less laundry for you to do.

14Super stretchy boy shorts

Microfiber and spandex are a match made in postpartum heaven. These disposable boy shorts offer enough coverage to keep everything, well, in place, while protecting your C-section. They’re super stretchy, conforming to your body without losing their shape — while helping you to keep yours.

15Postpartum panties that work for your period, too

These “period panties” from Thinx can act as postpartum underwear as well. They’re made from nylon and elastane and help keep everything pulled together, thanks to their high-waisted design. There are four pairs of panties in the set (the Super Hip Hugger holds up to 2.5 regular pads worth of blood), which you can choose from depending on how heavy your postpartum bleeding is. The undies can be worn well past your postpartum days, too, especially when Aunt Flo comes to town again. Period.

16A stretchy wide waistand to protect your incision

A wide, stretchy waistband is what sets these panties apart from regular postpartum undies. Unlike other drawers that droop, these will sit right at your waist, and away from your incision. The 100% cotton crotch helps wick away moisture and sweat from your girly bits.

17Compression undies that aren’t restricting

If you’re looking for panties that protect your C-section incision but are still soft like buttah, this pair from Belly Bandit is a good choice. They offer 360 degrees of compression without compromising your incision. They’re also leak-resistant, and (woot) don’t have a visible panty line.

18Hi-rise undies that wick away moisture

The Wirarpa Women’s High Waisted Cotton Underwear are high-rise... without the worry of rolling back down. They offer compression on the tummy without crushing your scar. A wide, breathable, sweat-wicking crotch can keep you cool and dry for days when you might not get to see a shower.

19Drawers that don’t droop

Panties that stay in place are definitely what you need after a C-section. These adjustable undies from Motherhood allow you to pull them up over your bump during pregnancy, and keep them there to help your incision heal once your baby is born. The cotton/lycra blend will feel soothing on your sensitive skin.

20Undies that offer extra belly support

Whether you want to call it a girdle or not, it’s all a wrap with this pair of panties from Leonisa. It offers a constant amount of compression (which can be adjusted so you can breathe) and without cutting into your incision site. It will help protect your C-section and protects from panty lines, too.

Your body has been through so, so much after a C-section. Give it the TLC it so desperately deserves by picking out postpartum underwear that cater specifically to your incision. That way, you can be comfortable and safe while wearing undies that will allow you to heal properly... and might even be pretty, too.

Source:

Jada Shapiro, a postpartum doula

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