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If you’ve never had a baby, you’ve probably never heard of postpartum underwear. That’s because most people won’t tell you about the very-messy aftermath of the “beautiful” birthing process, and the measures new moms have to take to keep it contained. But this disposable mesh garment always has new moms raving. Seriously, one headline on the web refers to it as “secret, magical underwear only moms know about.”
Let's back up and talk about the real reason postpartum underwear is so key. Whether you give birth vagin*lly or have a C-section, you’ll have something called lochia. Lochia is a stale, musty-smelling discharge that can last up to six weeks. At first, it’ll be dark red and can include a few blood clots (no larger than the size of a plum), according to the Cleveland Clinic. After a few days, the discharge will start to thin, first turning a light pink or brownish color and later becoming creamy or yellowish.
Doesn't sound super appealing, sorry. But the good news is that you don’t have to make do with typical pads to deal with it, and you don’t have to worry about getting dark red discharge all over your good underwear. That's where postpartum underwear comes in.
What is postpartum underwear, exactly? It’s made of a soft mesh, and the style of the OG mesh stuff is like a pair of high-waisted boy shorts. But most importantly, it keeps all your junk in—and we’re not just talking about your nether bits. Postpartum underwear help hold everything in place, from C-section stitches to ultra-thick pads to that musty discharge.
The only problem is that hospitals have a tendency to skimp on how many pairs of undies you get to take home (unless you outright ask for more). So lots of new moms find themselves on the hunt when they run out of the initial supply. If that sounds like you, here are a few tips to hunt down your perfect pair.
What to look for when buying postpartum underwear
Sizing
Don't go looking for underwear that's the same size as your maternity clothes, says David Ghozland, MD, OB-GYN and cosmetic gynecologist. Typically, women see a reduction in their belly size during the postpartum period. The six-week point is when the uterus can be expected to get back to its pre-pregnancy state, so you'll likely want to size down to accommodate your slimming tummy.
Fabric
You'll want to find something that's breathable and cool, so cotton is probably your best bet, says Dr. Ghozland. "Cotton is a naturally breathable and absorbent option," he says. If you want to keep reusing it, you should also make sure its washable (many postpartum undies are single-use). Ideally, just find something you're comfortable in.
Compression
The ideal compression of postpartum underwear should be between 15 and 20 mmHg, says Dr. Ghozland, and you can find that measurement on the label. To put it into perspective, that's like choosing a sock that offers moderate/medium compression. Ultimately, go for something that feels good to wear.
Absorbency
If you're dealing with a lot of leakage, cotton is your best bet, since it's absorbent and decreases irritations and infections, says Dr. Ghozland. Some leakproof underwear features multiples layers that can absorb and pull moisture away from the body, usually with a cotton layer on top, closest to your skin. If your underwear leaves you feeling moist and icky, you might want to seek out another option.
Style
It really comes down to your preference, says Dr. Ghozland, but you want a style that offers a little more coverage and protection during this time. Ultimately, something breathable and absorbent is most important during the postpartum period. "All underwear should be stretchable, comfortable, breathable, and help keep your body temperature cool," he says.
So, who better to turn to than an ob-gyn for specific underwear recs to make your postpartum life a liiiiitle bit easier? (You've got enough other stuff going on now, ya know.) These are the best postpartum underwear options available, as well as the best and most comfortable underwear types to switch to once you’ve stopped leaking and no longer need the mesh type, according to Dara Matseoane-Peterssen, MD, director of NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital’s ob-gyn division. Stock up stat.
1
Best for discharge leakage *and* pee probs
Always Discreet Incontinence And Postpartum Underwear
1
Best for discharge leakage *and* pee probs
Always Discreet Incontinence And Postpartum Underwear
Always has been soaking up vagin*l leakage for a long, long time. You probably know the brand best for its pads, but Always also makes comfy disposable underwear designed for postpartum leakage or for urinary incontinence (another thing a lot of people deal with after having a baby).
These undies are form-fitting enough so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing an adult diaper, but roomy enough to be comfy.
2
Best for comfort
Fruit of the Loom Beyond Soft Brief Panties
2
Best for comfort
Fruit of the Loom Beyond Soft Brief Panties
While the mesh undies are great, they’re not absolutely necessary once you leave the hospital. “A pack of cheap-o cotton high-waisted briefs or boy shorts will do fine,” Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says.
Fruit of the Loom’s Beyond Soft panties certainly fit the bill. They’re cheap enough that you won’t mind throwing them away once the discharge is gone and soft enough to keep C-section stitches happy. “Underwear should be breathable and roomy enough not to irritate sensitive vulvas and/or C-section scars, so cotton is best,” Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says.
3
Best cheap and disposable option
JUNFAN Washable Mesh Pants
These are just like the postpartum underwear you get at the hospital, except that you can wash these ones (at least a few times). The undies are breathable, perfect for holding a maxi pad, and are available up to a size 4X.
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If you’re thinking that Depend-brand underwear are only for older people, you’re wrong. Lots of new moms benefit from a package of these disposable undies. While they’re not specifically made for postpartum, Depend has a range of underwear, from moderately to maximally absorbent.
5
Best wicking material
FridaBaby Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear (Without pad) | Super Soft, Stretchy, Breathable, Wicking, Latex-Free, Boyshort Cut | Regular (8 Count), 28 - 42 Inch
5
Best wicking material
FridaBaby Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear (Without pad) | Super Soft, Stretchy, Breathable, Wicking, Latex-Free, Boyshort Cut | Regular (8 Count), 28 - 42 Inch
Now 19% Off
FridaBaby's postpartum underwear boasts all the perks. It's latex-free, breathable, and stretchy, but secure enough to hold pads or other layers in place. The underwear is also tagless to ensure you're extra comfy in these.
6
Best for support and smoothing
UpSpring Baby Recovery Panty
These are clearly the more expensive among the bunch, but that’s because this underwear is basically the same as Spandex sucker-inners. The difference? These are made specifically for that special time when your bodily fluids are leaking out of your vagin* post-birth. (They also have some smoothing and slimming features if you care about that, which is totally a personal preference.)
But beware: While these say they’re good for C-sections, Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says support garments like these are best if you don’t have a scar. “Covering the scar with thick material may cause sweating and the incision should stay dry as it heals,” she says. “And too much support over the scar can prevent the discomfort that would otherwise be a warning to back off, leading to straining or lifting more than is appropriate.”
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7
Best for daily wear
Annenmy Women's High Waist Cotton Underwear Soft Brief Panties Regular and Plus Size (Medium, Dark Colors, 5-Pack)
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Best for daily wear
Annenmy Women's High Waist Cotton Underwear Soft Brief Panties Regular and Plus Size (Medium, Dark Colors, 5-Pack)
If you want to make your dollars count, buy underwear you can use even when you're way past the postpartum stage. These stretchy briefs will become your go-to underwear. They have nearly 9,000 reviews on Amazon from people who say they're soft, stretchy, and comfortable, including postpartum moms.
8
Best bargain
Solimo Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear
8
Best bargain
Solimo Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear
This Amazon brand postpartum underwear is designed for maximum absorbency, and made with their proprietary Dri-Fit to keep you dry and cool. Plus, the price is hard to beat. For just $12, you can get a pack of 20 disposable undies.
9
Best reusable option
Thinx Super Cotton Brief
9
Best reusable option
Thinx Super Cotton Brief
You probably know Thinx as period underwear, but they’re also good postpartum, Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says. But again, this is a pricier option, so it’s best if you’ll use these undies even after you’re done with the postpartum discharge.
“Thinx, plus or minus a pad depending on the amount of flow, are nice,” Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says. “If someone doesn’t like tampons, investment in Thinx postpartum will leave them with ongoing options for menstrual flow.” Of course, that’s only if you don’t expect your waist-size to change much (so keep that in mind).
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10
Best for c-section incisions
UMMISS Full Coverage Briefs Panty Multipack
If you're looking for something snug that's not so tight you basically can't breathe, these are the undies for you. They're high-waisted so they rise way past a c-section incision to keep your recovery bandage in place. It might also help that you can grab a pair of these in one of nine colors.
11
Best hospital-grade pair
AvaCare Medical First Quality Mesh Pants
11
Best hospital-grade pair
AvaCare Medical First Quality Mesh Pants
If you want those classic, straight-from-the-hospital postpartum underwear, AvaCare Medical is here for you. These are the OG mesh underwear, just like the ones your nurse handed you after you came back from the birthing room.
12
Best for durability
INNERSY Women's Underwear Cotton Briefs
12
Best for durability
INNERSY Women's Underwear Cotton Briefs
If you're looking for thick and durable panties that are still breathable, this is your pick. These postpartum undies are double-layered and made with a thick and elastic waistband. They're also designed with 95 percent cotton to keep them cool and 5 percent spandex to keep them stretchy.
