Postpartum underwear is an essential for all new mummies as it brings comfort after the tough and arduous process of childbirth. You may need special underwear as you may be sore with bleeding and need something gentle and comfortable, including compression to help with the healing.
More importantly, it helps make movement easier, keeping your vaginal area dry and breathable so you have one less source of stress. However, regular underwear is not gentle enough to support your delicate areas after delivery.
This is when you should consider buying postpartum underwear.
What Is Maternity Underwear And Why We Need It
Postpartum underwear helps hold everything in place from C-section stitches, to ultra-thick pads, to musty discharge. It is designed specifically for women to use post-pregnancy.
It is a life saviour as it supports breathing, abdominal strengthening, and provides extra support for ladies who have had a C section incision.
- Heavy bleeding – Some women are more prone to bleeding than others. Lochia is a postpartum discharge containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissues. The bleeding can last between four and six weeks. There are brands of underwear that are designed to cope with heavy bleeding.
- Abdominal strengthening – Your belly has been under severe stress and it will be hard to firm it up. Having some underwear support can help make your clothing feel more comfortable and aid in self confidence. Such brands come in smooth, contained, and high rise styles.
- C-Section cut – For women who have undergone a C-Section, they are advised to avoid touching the scar area. It is a sensitive area prone to infection. If you wear low rise or high rise underwear, they may not stay in place and irritate the scar. Hence, you might want to consider underwear specifically designed for C-Section moms.
After all, you want to recover comfortably as you may have some stitches, bleeding, and swelling that you’re recovering from.
Many brands have nice designs to suit your style preference, so that you can move around stronger and more confidently.
Most hospitals may only provide a few sets of maternity underwear in your hospital bag when you are discharged. Hence, it’s ideal to shop around for a good brand of postpartum underwear to supplement your apparel needs.
How To Choose Postpartum Underwear That Suits You
Here are a few tips to help you choose your perfect pair:
Size
Don’t make the mistake of buying underwear that’s the same size as your maternity clothes. Women usually see a reduction in their belly size during the postpartum period.
The six-week point is when the uterus is expected to get back to its pre-pregnancy state. Hence, you may want to size down to accommodate your slimming tummy.
Fabric
It’s important to find fabric that’s breathable and cool. A good option would be cotton, as it is a naturally breathable and absorbent option.
If you would like to keep reusing it, just make sure that it is washable and not single-use.
Types of fabric:
- Mesh – This is one of the most breathable fabrics and you can easily find them in disposable underwear. They are not very sturdy, and are usually not for long term use.
- Microfiber – This is stronger than mesh and is nicely absorbent.
- Cotton – Natural and comfortable, cotton is an old favourite. It is absorbent and breathable.
- Spandex – If you require compression, this is the fabric of choice.
- Silicon Panel – Some styles are designed with a silicone panel that can help with C-Section scarring or even a pocket to hold an ice pack.
Absorbency
If you’re dealing with a lot of discharge, cotton underwear is a good choice as it’s absorbent and decreases irritations and infections.
Look for leak-proof underwear which feature multiple layers and can absorb and pull moisture away from the body. If your underwear leaves you moist and icky, you may want to seek another option.
Style
Although you get to exercise your personal style preference, it’s safer to choose a little more coverage and protection during this time.
Ultimately, a breathable and absorbent underwear is most important during the postpartum period, as well as being stretchable and can keep your body temperature cool.
You may want to check with an ob-gyn for specific underwear recommendations. Ask about the best and most comfortable underwear types to switch to once you’ve stopped leaking and no longer need the mesh type.
Types of styles:
- Full briefs
- Compression
- Low Rise
- C-Section
- Disposable
Top Postpartum Underwear Brands In Singapore
We have collated some of Singapore’s best picks for postpartum underwear.
[product-comparison-table title="Top Postpartum Underwear Brands"]
This underwear is patented and made just for C-section moms! Enjoy safe compression, incision care, and postpartum slimming with the help of UpSpring.
Compression levels are clinically determined, and the panty is made carefully with sewn-in medical grade silicone to reduce scarring and itchiness, lowering the chance of infection.
Whether you’re going back to work or making a supermarket run, you will feel more comfortable during your postnatal recovery.
Features We Love:
- Targeted compression directly over incision area to increase comfort and mobility
- Added protection to incision
- Medical grade silicone lowers chances of infection, scarring, and itchiness.
A postpartum panty featuring seamless technology and a beautifully designed fold over waistband that is perfect for everyday wear after a C section.
With no visible panty lines, enjoy its breathable cotton fabric which will hide your post-baby belly and leave you feeling good and looking good!
Features We Love:
- Supportive design which provides the perfect level of compression
- Can be worn as a support underwear every day
- Seamless technology with super soft and breathable cotton fabric
This brand of disposable underwear is well known for being super stretchy, yet able to hold any pads or recovery layers in place without compromising comfort.
Made out of mesh-free microfiber and spandex, you will definitely enjoy wearing this super soft, breathable and latex-free garment.
Features We Love:
- Disposable mesh-free microfiber material that feels like cotton
- Full coverage designed to hold layers of relief and pads during vaginal postpartum perineal recovery
Say goodbye to bulky adult diapers with this premium brand of absorbent underwear. Walk with poise while wearing discreet and amazing protection.
The super absorbent core turns liquid and odour to gel so you feel dry and comfortable, and the special side LeakGuard design helps stop leaks.
In addition, the form-fitting design hugs your curves with a soft fabric so it doesn’t look bulky under your clothes.
Features We Love:
- Super absorbent core turns liquid to gel for dry protection
- RapidDry protection locks away heaviest bladder leaks
- 360 degree FormFit design fits closely to your body
- OdorLock technology neutralizes odors instantly
- LeakGuards help keep wetness away from edges
A premium shapewear fabric made with outstanding comfort and invisible protection, featuring an ultra soft liner that feels like real underwear.
With a sleek and discreet fit under your clothing, step out in style as you take on the day. With maximum absorbency for trusted protection, be assured of no leaks and no embarrassment.
Features We Love:
- Ultra soft liner designed to be gentle on skin, unscented, and lotion-free
- Exclusive range of feminine colours
- Instantly locks away wetness and odors to keep you protected
Price comparison table
Here’s a price comparison of the best postpartum underwear on the market to help you decide on your purchase:
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Postpartum recovery hacks
Meanwhile, here are some tips we hope will be helpful for mums in the postpartum recovery stages:
Keep a small pillow with you especially if you’ve had a C section - you can use a small pillow to hold against your abdomen and support your incision anytime you need to move from sitting to standing and vice versa
Regardless of whether you had a c-section or vaginal delivery, your pelvic floor muscles will be weakened during your pregnancy, which could lead to urinary incontinence.
A quick session of Kegels a few times a day can help strengthen your pelvic floor and limit any leaks.
Make frozen witch hazel padsicles. Witch hazel is a natural inflammation reliever and can provide soothing relief:
- Unwrap regular sanitary pads
- Spread 100% aloe vera gel over each pad
- Spray the witch hazel over each pad
- Add 1-2 drops of essential oils to help with soothing and scent. Lavender is a good choice.
- Wrap the pads back up into their wrappers, add a layer of foil or plastic wrap on the outside. They’ll be ready to wear in about an hour’s time!
