Postpartum essentials for the weeks after the birth
It's easy to buy everything for the baby and forget what you'll need yourself. This range is for you: the knickers, bras, leggings and belts you'll live in while you heal, a peri bottle for the first days, and the nursing pillows, breast pumps and milk bags that come with feeding.
Start with knickers, because you'll change them more often than usual while you're bleeding. Our Postpartum Knickers come up high, so the waistband sits above a C-section incision, and they come singly or in packs of two, three and five. The C-section Knickers sit low, below the incision line, and the Postpartum Thong is for later, once the heavy bleeding has settled.
For feeding, the Maternity Bra has a clip on each strap that drops the cup with one hand, and the Nursing Sleep Bra has a crossover front with nothing to undo at night. The Support+ Maternity Bra is firmer, for a fuller bust, and the Nursing Sports Bra is the one for running and classes.
The Comfort+ belt gives light support you can adjust, and the Postpartum Leggings have a U-shaped compression band across the front.
Questions, answered.
What do I need for my own recovery after the birth?
Several pairs of high-waisted knickers, and maternity pads for the first days, when the bleeding is heaviest. Add a soft, wire-free bra you can feed in, something to wear that doesn't dig in at the waist, and a peri bottle so you can rinse instead of wiping. Pack them in your hospital bag, because you'll want them within hours of the birth.
What size should I order for after the birth?
Order for the body you have at the end of pregnancy, not the size you were before. Knickers come up small, so take one size up from your usual, and check the size guide on each product.
Which knickers are best after a C-section?
It depends where you'd like the waistband. Our Postpartum Knickers sit above the incision and the C-section Knickers sit below it.
When can I start wearing a belt or compression leggings?
After a straightforward vaginal birth, whenever you feel ready. After a C-section, let the wound heal first and check with your midwife or GP, ideally at your six-week check. Stop and get advice if anything pulls at the incision, hurts or feels numb.
Can I return postpartum underwear?
Knickers can't be returned or exchanged once they're opened, even if they haven't been worn, and that includes sets with knickers in them. Breast pumps can't be returned either, for the same hygiene reasons. Most other things, bras and leggings included, are covered by our 30 day returns as long as they're unused with the tags on.
