Contrary to a common misconception, a caesarean section (or C-section) is not easier than a vaginal delivery. While it may be a common procedure and a painless delivery method, a C-section is a major abdominal surgery that carries its own risks and requires a longer recovery period. If you use this delivery method, you can expect to experience a lot of post-surgical discomfort and fatigue as your body heals, so you have to take extra good care of yourself.
For those navigating postpartum recovery and seeking to understand their health better, tools like Evvy’s at-home test can provide valuable insights into your body’s microbiome and overall wellness, empowering you to take charge of your healing journey.
It’s best to get plenty of rest and welcome help in taking care of your newborn. Wearing clothing pieces that offer the utmost comfort and support can also help your recovery process. Aside from properly fitting your body, the right clothes can also help you feel and look good as you care for yourself and your new bundle of joy. Follow this guide for clothes you should stock up on to wear after giving birth, plus postpartum styling tips to help you dress up in ways that boost your mood and confidence.
What to Wear After a Caesarean Delivery?
Comfort, convenience, and practicality are essential considerations when choosing clothes to wear after a C-section. Opt for breathable and soft fabrics that feel good on your skin, and styles that make it easy for you to move and care for your little one. To guide you in your postpartum clothing choices, here are 6 must-have pieces for staying comfy while your body is recovering:
Tights
Tights are a staple in every woman’s closet for many reasons. They can elevate any outfit, pair well with just about anything in your wardrobe, and help create a flattering silhouette—plus provide ample stretch and support for postpartum bodies. Jeans and other tight-fitting bottoms are often made of heavy fabrics that can irritate or hurt the incision site, so opt for tights that are made with blends of nylon and spandex. These will hug your abdomen and legs comfortably, so you can enjoy a snug fit without any chafing.
Opt for compression tights to experience maximum support and benefits. Such pairs are designed to improve blood circulation, reduce leg fatigue, and invigorate the legs. Their high waistband also provides gentle compression and abdominal support to aid a speedy recovery. Pair your tights with an oversized sweater or shirt dress, and you have the perfect casual outfit for relaxing at home, caring for your baby, or even heading out for doctor’s appointments.
Maternity Dresses
That’s right. Your loose-fitting and cute maternity dresses are still valuable, especially in the early part of your recovery when your surgical wound is still raw and painful. Flowy pieces can also be more comfortable when you feel self-conscious about wearing tight waistbands. Aside from maternity dresses, you can wear maxis or other dress types with a relaxed fit.
Choose pieces made of breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton to stay cool and minimize the discomfort caused by postpartum hot flashes. If you intend to breastfeed, shop for stylish nursing dresses with a top portion that allows you to nurse your baby comfortably and discreetly. Dresses look feminine, feel comfy, and help make the post-baby belly less noticeable. They are great options for dining out and entertaining guests at home.
Oversized T-Shirts
Loose-fitting t-shirts are a lifesaver after giving birth and while recovering at home. After all, they are ultra-comfortable, convenient to wear, and low-maintenance. You can wear them while nursing, sleeping, or when you merely want hassle-free loungewear. Remember to find baggy t-shirts with appealing or unique details, such as intricate embroidery, beautiful prints, or patches, to create a put-together look.
Nightgowns
Sleep can be elusive while you’re nursing and caring for your baby, but you need to get as much rest as possible for better health and faster recovery. For this reason, you need soft, loose, and comfy nightgowns in your post-baby wardrobe to help you unwind and enjoy a restful sleep.
Select a gown that’s about two sizes larger than your actual body size so that it won’t be too constricting or tight in your midsection. Pay attention to the fabric as well. Cotton, linen, and bamboo are excellent choices for summer as these materials are breathable and lightweight. For the cold months, opt for flannel, merino wool, and fleece. Perhaps you can find pieces with matching robes that you can readily slip on for added warmth or when you want to wear your nightgown all day.
Belly Bands
Your tummy area requires light compression and support to help bind the muscles and reduce jiggling as your tissues and organs start moving back into place. To help with these tasks, you need a belly band or abdominal binder in your postpartum wardrobe. This stretchy band wraps around your midsection after your caesarean operation to protect your incision and aid in getting your abdominal muscles back into shape. Moreover, binders are helpful for increasing mobility and reducing postoperative pain and distress.
C-Section Underwear
Your postpartum ensemble will not be complete without the right underwear. Put your ordinary cotton or lace panties aside and invest in underwear garments specifically created with moms like you in mind. Aside from being comfy, C-section panties offer maximum coverage and light compression to protect the incision and support your weakened abdominal muscles. For versatility, you may want to look for undergarments with an adjustable front panel, so you can effortlessly alter the fit as your body recovers.
5 Postpartum Confidence-Boosting Styling Tips
Wearing oversized or loose-fitting clothes after a C-section may be comfortable and convenient, but they aren’t always flattering. Learning how to choose the right postpartum clothing pieces and styling them properly will keep you from looking frumpy and losing confidence. To help keep your postpartum fashion game on point while caring for your newborn, consider the following tips:
- Opt for prints and patterns. Breast milk leaks and stains can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, especially when you’re out in a public place. So, instead of solid-colored clothes that can make such problems more visible, choose to wear tops and dresses with tiny prints or patterns in a blend of light and dark hues to help conceal these accidents.
- Take advantage of statement scarves. Eye-catching and vibrant long scarves can help add a pop of color and style to an otherwise ordinary ensemble. You can drape them around your neck if you’re wearing a monochrome outfit to elevate your look or to conceal your nursing pads under a slightly-fitted top or dress.
- Create balance. Looking stylish after giving birth does not mean sacrificing comfort. You just have to learn how to play with your oversized postpartum clothes to create a put-together look. Instead of pairing a loose, comfy top with a baggy bottom, opt for a pair of high-rise tights or leggings to create balance.
- Accessorize. Perhaps the easiest way to elevate your comfortable baggy loungewear into a stylish outfit that you can use for going out is to play with accessories. Wear statement earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that complement your clothes and add a bit of fab. Chic headbands and hats also work great, especially if you’re in a hurry and lack time to style or wash your hair.
- Wear stylish yet comfy shoes. Like your favorite jewelry pieces and accessories, the perfect footwear can help transform any plain-looking garb into a fabulous outfit. So, ditch the rubber slippers or sandals, and wear shoes that offer both comfort and style. White leather sneakers, ballet flats, platform sneakers, and a fun pair of espadrilles are excellent and versatile options to dress up your postpartum outfits.
The clothes you wear after giving birth via C-section affect your recovery and how you feel about yourself. Most importantly, the right clothes will keep you comfortable while your incision is healing and you are busy caring for your little one. With the right pieces and some styling tricks, making the extra effort can help you look and feel your best. You deserve it, momma!
Additional Reference Links:
www.verywellfamily.com/hot-flashes-postpartum-5191037
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6812913/
www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/postpartum-belly-wraps-should-you-use-one/
www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-underwear#The-Takeaway-
cafemom.com/lifestyle/postpartum-style-tricks/17054-114963-get-great-kicks
www.motherandbaby.co.uk/reviews/maternity-fashion/dressing-c-section-pouch/ www.focusonyourchild.com/what-to-wear-after-c-section/