What to Wear After a C-Section
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Postpartum is exhausting (but wonderful) and the last thing you want to worry about is what to wear. As much as I prepared and researched pregnancy and delivery, I was not prepared for my postpartum wardrobe. I took pre-pregnancy leggings to the hospital when I had my first son – yep. I don’t know what I was thinking. As soon as I got home, I changed. It was awful trying to squeeze into those after my c-section. So learn from my mistake! Take a loose fitting outfit to go home in. I hope this helps you prepare in what to wear postpartum, specifically after a c-section.
Maternity Clothes
If you thought you were going to pack these up after birth, think again girl! I lived in my maternity clothes for SEVERAL months after having both my boys. They really are going to be your best friend since they stretch around the belly (whether you had a c-section or not). Typically, you can’t wear your pre-pregnancy clothes for a few months (maybe longer) so keep these handy!
Stretchy Bottoms
Ahhh the wonderful world of elastic. It truly is the best. Think about joggers, maternity leggings, stretchy shorts. I never found a good maternity legging but I wish I did! go find some! These ruched sleep shorts from Motherhood Maternity are the comfiest shorts ever! So soft and great for postpartum. I still wear mine! I snagged these lounge joggers to wear home after my second son and they were perfect for postpartum! They are very soft and stretchy. I did size up to an XL since I knew I was going to be swollen and did not want them to be fitted. Old Navy has very similar joggers and are a tad thicker for less of a chance to be see-through.
Flowy Dresses
So one thing I missed wearing postpartum were dresses. I didn’t want to spend much on clothes that I would wear for a short time but I wish I would have! I nursed for a year and a half with my first and a year with my second. I think investing in a few pieces that made me feel comfortable and “normal” would have been beneficial. So I would recommend looking into some nursing items or find dresses that are easily accessible for nursing. Buttons are your best friend. I also grabbed a few sets from Motherhood Maternity that I lived in. I got a nursing tank, pant, and robe set and a nursing gown and robe set.
Comfy Tees
I lived in t-shirts for most of my postpartum journey. Who am I kidding, I’m in t-shirt and jeans (or joggers) everyday. I generally get my tees from Target and H&M. H&M has super affordable tees ranging from $5-10 and Target has really great variety of basic tees for $8-$12ish. Target does run a get 2 for $14 every once in awhile so that a good time to grab a few. So I threw those with some stretchy pants, joggers, or leggings and bam – dressed for the day!
Nursing Bras and Nighties
These are a must-have in my book. They allow easy access when nursing (which for the first few months feels like every 2 seconds). With my first, I never bought one and always just pulled down my regular bra but it definitely wasn’t as easy as nursing bras. I grabbed two regular and one sports nursing bra’s and this was my favorite that I tried. And now that I’m done nursing, I will still use it as an “at-home lounge” bra.
Easy Access Sweaters
Both of my boys were born during summer months but when it started getting cooler, sweaters were a must. Cardigans, sweaters with buttons, oversized sweaters all are good options. You want something that you can easily breastfeed in but will keep yourself warm. I grabbed a few from Target and Aerie has good ones as well.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few examples of items to help with the first few months of postpartum. And remember, give yourself grace. Your body just did an amazing thing. Don’t worry about losing the baby weight or fitting in your pre-pregnancy clothes. That will come. You just had or are about to have a baby, this precious little life has been given to you. But grabbing some soft, stretchy outfits to wear after a c-section will help you be comfortable while healing and snuggling that baby!
