Here’s Every Intricate Detail on What to Wear After a C-section
I frantically dug through my hospital bag, looking for one more outfit, hoping that I’d thrown an extra forgotten item in there. I came up empty.
Exasperated, I grabbed the maternity skinny jeans I’d been admitted in and attempted to wrangle them on. How could jeans that were loose on me at 37 weeks pregnant, suddenly make me feel like I was trying to squeeze into my younger sister’s pants?
The last thing you need after a C-section is to feel uncomfortable in your clothes. That’s why I’ve put together this list of what to wear after a C-section.
What to Wear After a C-Section
Packing Items That Won’t Leave You Frustrated
At the hospital, you won’t feel your best. Clothes need to be easy. Your incision will be sensitive, along with your lower abdomen.
Here are a Few Options:
- A loose dress
- high-waisted pants with a relaxed waist. My favorite item was big, baggy PINK sweatpants.*
- Nursing options that clip down (a nursing tank with a open-front sweater is a great option).
- Disposable panties
- Nursing Bra (My favorite is always the Kindred Bravely nursing bra (link for Amazon). It’s especially great if you’re larger than a DD, for their “busty” option.)
Related: Packing Your C-Section Hospital Bag
Staying Cozy at Home
- Nursing gowns are best for keeping clear of your incision. My favorite is the Kindred Bravely Oversized Shirt (find on Amazon).
- Loungewear with high or loose waistbands can work too.
- Pick up some loose-fitting tops that are easy to open up or lift so you can nurse around the clock.
- Underwear: Choose a high-waisted, comfortable pair. I love the Kindred Bravely Postpartum Panties (find on Amazon).
- Nursing Bra: The Kindred Bravely French Terry (find on Amazon) is the softest bra I’ve ever owned.
Related: All the Items You Need Postpartum (After a C-Section)
The Essential Errands
- Leggings (maternity or postpartum)
- These Kindred Bravely Leggings (find on Amazon) were a favorite of mine during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Joggers (Kindred Bravely Bamboo Joggers (find on Amazon))
- Loose tops that are nursing accessible*
- A nursing-accessible dress*
*Nursing-accessible: Brands like Kindred Bravely (I love this brand) and Latched Mama (I don’t love this one), make tops and dresses for nursing. But you can also wear non-nursing clothes that you can lift, open up, or pull down.
Related: The Best Pants to Wear After a C-Section
When It’s Time to Exercise
At 6 weeks old, I laid my baby down successfully for the first time since his birth. What could I do in my free moment? There were a million things, but I chose a quick workout.
Dressed in three pull-on sports bras and a tight top, I jumped on my treadmill, eager to get back into my normal workout routine.
With just 5 minutes left, I heard crying. No! Maybe he’d settle back down.
I jumped off the treadmill about a minute later to my inconsolable baby. I quickly realized there was only one thing that would help and it was under four layers of clothes.
After that, I found this high-impact sports bra that opens in the front. Newborns need quick access to their food supply.
Note: You also don’t want anything compressing on your belly. See the recommendations above.
Tackling Officewear
If going back to work after having a baby wasn’t stressful enough, you also need clothes to wear.
I’ve found a few items that are great for a business-casual environment and pumping at work.
Try pants with a stretchy waist. My favorite are from Express. They have a stretchy, high waist, and feel like leggings but look like dress pants.
Wear tops that give you quick access for pumping. Button-down shirts or loose shirts work great. Get a bra like the Kindred Bravely Nursing and Pumping Bra (find on Amazon) that’s a hands-free pumping and nursing bra in one.
Related: Breast Pumping Tips for New Moms (including how to pump at work).
What to Avoid After a C-Section
Jeans/Structured Pants
Jeans are not a good idea after a C-section – maternity or otherwise. Any kind of button and zip pants put pressure on your lower belly. This is painful for months after a C-section. Typically around 4-6 months postpartum, clothes start to get a little more comfortable.
Note on maternity jeans/pants: A lot of women continue to wear maternity pants after they have their babies. Unfortunately, the seam for the panel tends to rest right on your incision. Making them a non-option for C-section mamas.
Compression Leggings
These tend to fall under comfy pants for most people, but not after a C-section. I remember wearing a pair at about 6 months pp. They felt fine when I put them on, but after a few hours, my entire lower belly was sore and aching.
Remember it’s not just the external scar that causes discomfort, but all of those layers that they cut through inside. You don’t want anything pressing against those tender areas.
Low Rise Pants
I once read a post that raved about low-rise jeans for postpartum. Clearly, this person had not had a C-section. Even at 1-year postpartum, I still have some discomfort in the area around my scar. When your scar is fresh, you won’t want anything anywhere near there.
Related: C-Section Recovery Essentials
Whether you’re preparing for your C-Section or just trying to get dressed postpartum, use this list to help you find some comfortable solutions. Because no one should have to wrangle a pair of jeans after a C-Section.
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