The Low Down on Down Low: Postpartum Supplies
Postpartum Comparisons
In being a postpartum nurse for 8.5+ years, and experiencing postpartum 4 times, myself, I have compiled some pros and cons on the most popular postpartum products. There are SO many postpartum products on the market these days, and some companies have some great marketing— but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of “down there care”— I found what’s essential, and what’s ‘fluff’. I did some digging into ingredients, circulated between using all of these products myself these past few months, and spoke with patients and my Instagram community about their accolades and complaints when it comes to postpartum gear. So, let’s get to it!
Undies
You’re going to want “postpartum undies” specifically for the postpartum period. Postpartum is messy. Save your cute undies for another time. You’re wearing large pads + ice packs, bleeding for weeks, and need to stay cool and comfortable. These are an important piece of postpartum—don’t overlook your choice of postpartum undies!
Bodily Undies
made from—90% Nylon, 10% Spandex
Washable and reusable— so you don’t need to buy 8,000 pair
One Size that fits 2-24— wish they were a tad more inclusive here
Contains all the postpartum goods—yep, even the giant maxi pad!
Breathable—cause girl, we sweaty
Supportive, but noticed some sagging with big ice packs in place the first few days in the hospital
My thoughts: I didn’t love these for the hospital days because they sagged a bit more than I wanted, but really enjoyed them once we got home and didn’t have as much heaviness in the undies— found them to be softer, more breathable and less itchy than the other brands
Frida Mom Undies
made from— microfiber and spandex
Disposable
2 sizes: “petite” and “regular” —up to 42” waist
Mesh-free
Extremely Supportive + holds everything right in place—even big ice packs! Loved this part! See photo below.
My thoughts: these were really great for hospital because they don’t sag (large pads and large ice packs held well), but can become a bit sweaty once you don’t need as much “stuff” in your undies since they’re thicker and supportive.
Hospital undies
made from—mesh
Sink washable + Reusable (to a point)
2 sizes: “regular” and “plus”
Not very supportive (sagging with ice pack), and pads sometimes start falling out the leg-holes
Typically comes free at the hospital
My thoughts: not my favorite option since they get so saggy, but they do work and they’re typically free from your hospital! We hand these out to patients all of the time. I don’t love using them once I am home because these tend to “roll up” and bunch up, especially as you start wearing regular clothes
THINX Period Undies (Heavy Boyshort)
MADE FROM: SEE BELOW
body: 84% polyamide, 16% elastane
body liner: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
gusset 1 (wicking): 100% polyester
gusset 2 (absorbent): 96% cotton, 4% elastane
gusset 3 (barrier): 100% polyester, coated w/ breathable PU
Absorbency based on “flow” and describes how many tampons/pads worth of bleeding it should hold
Extremely comfortable and stretchy
Wicks away moisture
Does tend to “bunch up” under tighter clothing like leggings
Many people state these are similar to “workout shorts”
My thoughts: absorbed better than I thought! I did feel like you’d need quite a few pair for them to work for postpartum if you bleed heavily or moderately. However, they worked well!
Pads & Diapers
Pads are another huge piece of the puzzle for postpartum. You bleed whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section birth. The bleeding can last for weeks and can come/go in ebbs + flows (no pun intended!). The first 1-3+ days postpartum, many women experience heavy bleeding and will be given LARGE hospital grade “diaper pads” in the hospital/birthing center. If there is a vaginal laceration or episiotomy present, you may be given an ice pack to sit on top of that large pad as well. Lots goin’ on down there! Once the bleeding tapers a bit, you can switch to a more comfortable, smaller (yet still absorbent!!) pad!
Frida Mom pads/ice packs
Can be used as both a maxi pad (absorbs 260g liquid) and a “crack and cool” ice pack (all in one!)
No freezer needed— just crack with your hands when you’re ready to use
Size is entire length of maternity pad to provide cooling to entire perineum (which runs from front to back completely)
Very comfortable material, can even be used on a c-section incision as the ice pack
Would use for light to slightly moderate bleeding
My thoughts: I did feel that it absorbed well at first, but as heavy bleeding continued- blood would sit on top of the pad instead of soaking in, so the pad slid around more and it was easier to leak through + messy
I share an easy DIY ice pack with things you already have on hand here
Bodily pads
(SAME AS MOST hospital pads/CURITY BRAND)
Perfect for light to moderate bleeding experienced after hospital discharge (see photo above)
Extremely comfortable, soft, not itchy
Absorbent, no leakage (they’re specifically made for post maternity bleeding)
My thoughts: Would use for light to moderate bleeding, didn’t work well for me in the early days when I had heavier bleeding as I would have to change them almost every 45 minutes
Depends or Amazon “diapers”
Disposable underwear with a “built in” pad that extends all the way to the back to absorb bleeding
Great for overnight! Many of us toss and turn at night and these provided less worry about having a pad slide around and leaking out
Both Depends and these Amazon diapers were pretty comfortable and stretchy, not hot
Absorbent, used for moderate to heavy bleeding
My thoughts: I loved these overnight, even when I was experiencing moderate bleeding still at home! They absorbed well, didn’t slide around, didn’t make me feel hotter than I already was, and to take off I’d just rip down the sides with my hands and they’d come off no issue
Honey Pot Pads
Made from organic cotton
The pad is actually infused with a blend of essential herbs (aloe, mint, lavender) to provide a cooling sensation
Has wings for added protection
Made with ultra absorbent pulp core (same as diapers), so absorbs well
Hypoallergenic and Derm-approved
$8.99 for a 12 count
My thoughts: These were comfortable, absorbent, and gave off a nice gentle scent, but I didn’t personally feel like the cooling sensation was anything near the relief I get with a peri spray or peri liner. These alone (without adding in a spray or liner) didn’t bring me much added comfort or soothing.
Peri bottle
The peri bottle is a must have (for any birth) in my opinion! As a postpartum nurse, we typically use these on both vaginal and c/s births! The peri bottle is useful for more than just cleanup! I think it’s 1000% worth getting an “upside down” peri bottle, instead of using the hospital peri bottle (I don’t know why the hospitals don’t just adopt the upside down version too?!). The upside down peri bottle creates a steady stream, prevents having to bend over (which is not cool with an incision), and reaches allll the perineal nooks and crannies.
Frida Mom/Bodily upside down peri bottle
Reaches all the peri nooks and crannies without having to bend over
Soft, give-able bottle that’s easy to squeeze and spray right where you need
The long spout puts the spray stream right where you need it without having to bend over or stick your hand in the toilet; the bottle heads also have multiple small holes instead of 1 large hole (more like a shower head!)
My thoughts: honestly, any upside down peri bottle probably does the trick. I think the most important thing is that it’s easy to squeeze + has multiple holes for water to come out of— feels so nice!
* Difference: the Frida mom bottle is smaller (holds less water) and the “neck” is a bit shorter (doesn’t reach as far back as easily as bodily), but both are wonderful
Hospital peri bottle
Squeeze bottle with pop open cap (like a sports water bottle)
Have to crank arm back and bend over while trying to reach the proper areas (not cool for a c/s incision)
Easy to squeeze the bottle, but as water squeezes out, air enters, so you have to tip sideways to spray and waste a lot of the warm water this way!
Only one large hole instead of multiple small holes, which can sometimes put extra pressure on a tender site
Some people may prefer this one since it’s free and simple, but the upside down bottles provide a lot less stretching/bending when applying the warm water
My thoughts: Not my favorite option, but it works! Patients usually tell me it makes such a mess for them, and after using myself, I’d have to agree! However, as a postpartum nurse who sometimes has to clean up c-section patients in bed before they can stand up— I’d much rather have this bottle than the upside down for that!
Cooling Peri Spray
hot tip: you can pop it in the fridge for extra cooling effects
Peri spray is a spray created with ingredients that soothe + cool the perineum after a vaginal delivery (or a swollen labia/perineum due to long labor/pushing before a c/s birth!). It can be applied to the pad or directly to the perineum (typically the best outcome). There are some things noted below that are important. Perineal sprays that contain alcohol can be drying. That’s not something you really want on a fresh, tender area.
Earth Mama Perineal Spray
|| made with witch hazel, peppermint oils, and cucumber||
FREE from benzocaine and artificial scents, ALCOHOL FREE
Organic and herbal spray
Has an inverted sprayer for easier application and ability to spray upside down— which is phenomenal when reaching down between legs
Soothing, cooling, and calming for perineal tears and episiotomies
Sprays with a fine, but broad mist (gentle, but sprays in a wide mist instead of targeted to perineum, so may get on legs too)
Longevity— cooling relief lasted about 1-2 hours
My thoughts: I really liked this spray. It was fine and gentle, smelled fresh, yet provided a decent amount of cooling when sprayed to the perineum
Bodily Peri Spray
|| made with organic alcohol-free witch hazel, cucumber, and peppermint||
ALCOHOL FREE
Organic + cruelty-free spray
Soothing, cooling, and calming for perineal tears
Not thick or slippery texture
Has an amazing scent- smells calming and peaceful, which is nice postpartum
Sprays as a fine mist, but it’s a targeted spray so you get the area you want (perineum)
Longevity— lasted about 1-2 hours
My thoughts— this spray was soothing, easy to apply, gentle, and smelled fresh. I felt like it provided almost immediate cooling to the area.
Frida Mom Peri Foam
|| does contain alcohol and benzoic acid ||
Non-organic, CONTAINS ALCOHOL
Soothing, cooling foam that feels a bit “bubbly/carbonated” on the peri area when used, an odd sensation for some
Thick and slippery texture at first
Apply to pad instead of directly to perineum
Non-scented
Longevity— lasted about an hour
My thoughts— I personally did not like the sensation of “bubbles” when it touched my perineum. I also didn’t love the “slippery” feeling it left between my legs/on my pad. It felt very cooling initially, but I felt like that subsided quite a bit fairly quickly. Some of my friends and patients love this stuff, but it was not my favorite option.
Dermaplast Spray
|| does contain alcohol, benzocaine, and menthol ||
Non-organic, CONTAINS ALCOHOL + BENZOCAINE
Soothing, cooling, provides immediate relief + numbness for perineum and hemorrhoids
Sprays a fine, broad spray that dries very quickly
Smells like a topical analgesic (peppermint- menthol smell)
Typically given in the hospital as needed
Longevity— lasts about 1-2hours, especially when combined with an ice pack
My thoughts: In all honesty, it may not be the most organic or best ingredients, but it works so well for me and many of my patients who are having a lot of peri pain. The spray dries quickly and brings about immediate relief/cooling/numbing. It does spray in a broad mist and smells intensely like menthol FYI
Cooling Peri Liners
Peri liners are liners you place on top of your pad (that will directly touch your perineum when you pull up your underwear). These typically work similarly to the peri sprays, but can have a stronger effect and last longer since they’re constantly in contact with the perineum. You don’t have to do both, but you can! These liners provide a cooling/soothing sensation to a swollen, tender area.
Frida Mom Peri Liners
Comfortable, made with soothing/cooling witch hazel to calm the perineum
Size was one long wipe/liner (length of actual maternity pad), instead of multiple liners to layer
It did get bunched up often when sitting down or moving around
Comes in a small close-able package (like baby wipes), where you can tote them around easily and pull one out when you go to the bathroom, which was convenient
Didn’t stay “wet” with the cooling ingredient, seemed a bit drier than tucks pads when pulled out of container
Non-Scented
My thoughts: I felt that these initially felt amazing, but lost that feeling rather quickly. I also felt like it bunched up easily (which is to be somewhat expected), but it got to be rather annoying at times! I did however love the little “wipes package” convenience factor and the fact that it did reach far enough back to hit the hemorrhoids too.
Tucks Pads
Made with soothing, cooling witch hazel to calm the perineum + hemorrhoids
Size of these are small round “discs” that need to be layered across the maternity pad (about 3-5 per pad)
Comes in a small round hard plastic case, which prevents drying out easily
These hold moisture well, feel very “wet” with the ingredients when pulling them out of container
Typically given out at the hospital
Non-Scented
My thoughts: Sorry, but these are my ride-or-die. I haven’t found anything else that brings as much relief as these do, and I feel like they actually hold the ingredients to the perineum and don’t dry out easily. They do shift around (as anything does), but it’s a smaller item so doesn’t seem to bother me as much as a full liner bunching up. These are also easy to fold up and place between the cheeks to hit the hemms as well!
Abdominal Binders
Abdominal binders are “belly bands” that wrap around the core for added support postpartum. In my opinion as a postpartum RN + mama who has had both a c/s birth and vaginal birth, I would say these are essential for post-c/s recovery. They can absolutely be used post vaginal delivery for added core support, but I feel that they’re a “must” for c/s mamas! The binder wraps around the waist to provide added support around the c/s incision when getting up and down, moving around, etc. I do have a reel on Instagram showing how to put the binder on properly.
Bodily Abdominal Binder
Extremely supportive and has the capability to target specific areas that need extra support with the second layer for compression (AMAZING)
Can be worn under clothing and very discreet
Fits dress sizes 2-14
My thoughts: The added “compression straps” on top were a game changer and brought support to another level.
Hospital Grade Abdominal Binder
Extremely supportive with multiple thick, stretchy panels and velcro wrap around
Typically there are 3 different “medical grade” sizes available
No added layers for compression like the Bodily
Typically given out at the hospital on an “as needed basis”
My thoughts: It gets the job done!
I hope this helps compare some of the popular postpartum products on the market right now! I really tried to look at this experience with an unbiased eye, and compile my personal postpartum experience with my profession. I also took into account what my incredible Instagram community shared about their experiences with these products also!
I will be sharing a “breastfeeding supplies” related post just like this soon!
*There are affiliate links in this post. When items are purchased through an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. I truly appreciate you reading this post— with or without purchasing through links! You are not obligated to purchase anything through the provided links. Thank you so much for being here!
xx karrie
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