9 postpartum undies that make the fourth trimester a little easier

From bleeding and leaks to caring for a c-section incision, these undies have your back–er, well, you know.
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There are no two ways about it–postpartum recovery is hard. No matter what kind of delivery you had, the process rocks you to your very foundation. And speaking of foundation, let’s get down to business: postpartum underwear.
Do you really need special underwear after childbirth? The short answer is yes.
Related: 14 best nursing bras that are comfortable & stylish
Why do you need postpartum underwear?
Well, you’re likely well aware that you’re going to bleed for sometime postpartum. Postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, happens whether you have a vaginal or Cesarean birth. This bleeding may last up to six weeks after labor and delivery. Just after birth most mamas slide on their first pair of mesh undies, slide in a pad the size of a mattress and give up on the thought of ever wearing anything cute or lacy ever again. (You will! Don’t worry!)
Bleeding aside, nothing feels quite right for a while. Your uterus is still shrinking and you’re likely still carrying more weight than you were pre-baby. If you’re rocking a c-section incision, that takes caring for as well. With that in mind, postpartum underwear can help bridge the gap between recovery and your new normal.
Types of postpartum underwear
There are several types of postpartum underwear, designed to help support a variety of new-mama needs. Some offer compression to help support and shrink your belly in the weeks and months after delivery. Others feature absorbent, leak-proof gussets like period underwear and are ideal for both postpartum bleeding and (let’s be real) pee accidents. And some are just plain comfy. There’s no shame in sizing up and giving into the granny panty, allowing yourself to bask in the full coverage, cotton classics while everything shifts back to where it belongs.
We’ve rounded up the best postpartum underwear to help you get through the fourth trimester comfortably, confidently and cared for. Shop our favorites below!
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A version of this story was published August 12, 2021. It has been updated.