If you’ve recently had a baby, your main goals are bonding and healing after the birth. Especially if you’ve had major surgery! A c-section can leave your abdominal area feeling sore and sensitive, so if it’s best to wear clothes that are comfortable and loose. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from, including some that still look great!
Loose, loose clothing
Loose. Really loose. You’re going to want clothing that doesn’t rub against your incision and doesn’t have elastic that is too tight on the adbominal area.
Maternity Clothes
The clothes you wore during pregnancy? They’ll be perfect for after c/section, too. Even after having the baby, it can take weeks or months lose all the pregnancy weight (if ever), so don’t reach for your pre-pregnancy clothes just yet.
Loose sweat pants or yoga pants
Both of these items are awesome. In fact, anything which has minimal elastic and doesn’t do up at the front is great.
Avoid pants with buttons
Buttons are one of the worst things you can have after a c/section. You’ll probably want to put away all your jeans for awhile and stick with pants and skirts that offer a stretch waist.
C-Panties
These undies are are designed specifically for c/section recovery, comfort and support. Available in a range of sizes, they are specifically made to keep your abdomen supported and pain-free as it heals.
Tank Tops
A tank top or nursing top helps hold your belly in while still providing comfort to your body and allowing you to feed if necessary, or give your baby skin to skin time.
Nightgowns
A nightgown is a great clothing choice for the first few days (or weeks) after birth. Loose, flowing and most importantly – not tight on your belly.
Robes
A robe or dressing gown is another great choice for keeping comfortable after a c/section, especially if you’ve given birth in the winter months but still want an easy way to hold baby close without either of you getting too cold.
Maxi dresses
Maxi dresses with high princess waist lines (or no waist lines at all) are a great clothing choice if you need something nicer to greet visitors in but still maintain comfort.
Sports Bras
Sports or nursing bras provide comfort and relieve the pressure of swollen breasts.
Big slippers
After a c/section, you’re likely to have swollen hands, feet and legs. Big slippers are a good choice for keeping your feet warm without placing too much pressure on them.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are the best option if you have to leave the house. Casual and comfortable, there are many fun and fashionable designs available if you don’t want just plain and boring two tones.
Cardigans
If it’s cold, cardigans are easy to put on and button. Far easier to get dressed in than a sweater you need to pull over your head or a bulky coat.
Gaucho Pants
Comfortable, stretchy, high waisted and with no front button or zipper, gaucho pants are a great addition to your postpartum wardrobe.
Susannah is a certified Birth Doula through Childbirth International and the founder of Trimester Talk. With a background in journalism and digital strategy, she combines evidence-based research with real-world knowledge to create accessible content about pregnancy and parenting. She’s a mother of two and stepmother of two more, all of them now teenagers.