C-section recovery wear that keeps clear of your incision
After a C-section, the waistband of ordinary knickers sits right across your incision. This range is built around that: high-waisted postpartum knickers and leggings that sit above the incision line, low-rise C-section Knickers that sit below it, recovery belts for when you've healed enough for support, a peri bottle and wire-free nursing bras.
High or low is personal. The Postpartum Knickers come up over your tummy with a gentle hold and a snug fit that keeps a maternity pad in place; the C-section Knickers are the same soft Tencel™ Modal with the same three-layer gusset, cut low in a V at the front.
The Postpartum Knickers are soft enough to go over a dressing from the first days. Anything with compression, like the belts and the postpartum leggings, waits until your wound has healed; check with your midwife or GP first, ideally at your six-week check. If something pulls at the incision, hurts or feels numb, take it off and ask for advice.
Size up in the knickers. A pair that's too tight tends to roll down onto the very place you're trying to protect.
Questions, answered.
What should I wear after a C-section?
Knickers with a waistband that stays off the incision, either high-waisted ones that sit above it or low-rise ones that sit below it, and a soft, wire-free nursing bra. Once you've healed, postpartum leggings with a high front give your tummy gentle support without a seam resting on the incision. In the early weeks, avoid anything tight across it.
What should I pack for a planned C-section?
A few pairs of high-waisted postpartum knickers, which are soft enough to wear over a dressing, plus maternity pads, a soft nursing bra and a peri bottle. If the hospital gives you compression stockings, wear those and follow their advice; our compression socks are for everyday comfort, not a replacement.
When can I wear a recovery belt or postpartum leggings?
Once your wound has healed and you've checked with your midwife or GP, ideally at your six-week check, as both have compression. Stop and ask for advice if either pulls at the incision, hurts or makes the area feel numb. If a wound shows any sign of infection, don't wear them and get medical advice straight away.
Do I need a peri bottle after a C-section?
It's still worth having. There's bleeding to manage after a C-section too, and rinsing with warm water saves you reaching and twisting while your tummy's sore.
What size should I order?
Go a size up in the knickers: they're cut small, and a pair that's too tight rolls down onto the incision. For leggings, go by your dress size now rather than before pregnancy and take the bigger size if you're between two; for belts, order for your body now rather than your pre-pregnancy size. Knickers can't be returned once they're opened, so check the guide before you order.
