Best disposable maternity briefs for postpartum: 6 options to consider

disposable maternity briefs

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

After giving birth, you will likely experience some heavy bleeding, and while adding super-absorbent pads to your maternity underwear can be useful during this time, you may find it more comfortable to wear some of these best disposable pants for after birth instead. They are particularly beneficial during the first couple of weeks postpartum, as well as during pregnancy.

Gone are the days of wearing extra-bulky pads and “granny pants”. There are many styles to try that can help you to feel more comfortable and confident during this incredible but overwhelming time (including high-waisted and low-rise options). Some of the best disposable maternity pants even have pretty patterns and look very similar to regular underwear.

Best deals on disposable maternity briefs

Check out the best live deals on right now and scroll down to our extensive buying guide packed with independent parent testing to help you make the best choice.

•Save 6%: NUK Disposable Maternity Briefs - Buy from Amazon
•Save 25%: Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear - Buy from Amazon
Save 25%: Boots Maternity Disposable Briefs - Buy from Boots
Save 7%: DOITOOL 7pcs Maternity Knickers - Buy from Amazon

Many brands offer a wide selection of absorbency ratings for different flows, just like period pants. You may also need to wee more during pregnancy, especially when the baby's head starts pressing down on your bladder when you're close to your due date, so it may well be worth buying a few disposable maternity briefs before your little one arrives.

The best disposable maternity briefs at a glance:

•Best for travelling: Emma Jane Assorted Color Disposable Maternity Briefs - Buy from Amazon
•Best for a C-section: NUK Disposable Maternity Briefs - Buy from Amazon
•Best for comfort: Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence Pants - Buy from Tesco
•Best for no leaks: Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear - Buy from Amazon
Best for portability: Boots Maternity Disposable Briefs - Buy from Boots
Best for odour prevention: Tena Pants Super - Large - Buy from Boots

If you're unsure about what type to go for, we've compiled a list of some of the very best disposable maternity underwear; check them out below.

The best disposable maternity briefs

Best for travelling

Maternity briefsAmazon
Price: $7.45 (was £8.19)

A brilliant baby bag essential, this pack from Emma Jane comes with 7 pairs of pants, each in different colours, so you can match them to the outfit you're wearing. We like that they come individually wrapped too, which makes them perfect for travelling.

This reviewer said: "Just gave birth and these were amazing. Just dispose of these as well as the pads and it’s one less thing to worry about washing. They are super soft and comfortable and felt good to wear. I’ll purchase these again if I ever need to travel. They were amazing!"

Some users have reported that they're quite big, so you may want to consider sizing down, or at least not sizing up.

Pros

  • Hygienically wrapped
  • Pastel colours

Cons

  • Some users report that they're quite big
Pack size:7 pairs

Best for a C-section

9% off

NUK Maternity briefsAmazon
Price: $13.58 (was £14.96)

If you've got a C-section delivery booked in, it's worth investing in a pack of NUK Disposable Maternity Briefs. We like that they sit on top of your skin without compressing your stomach and that the mesh is nice and soft, so it shouldn't rub on your stitches.

One reviewer said: "In terms of style.. I can't put 5 stars.. we're not stylish with it! But very comfortable, washable.. was very useful after a caesarean section because it does not rub on the scar."

Pros

  • Washable material
  • Mesh is nice and soft against skin
  • Doesn't compress

Cons

  • One-size doesn't fit all
  • Not very stylish
Pack size:5

Best for comfort

Tesco Large Maternity Brief 5 PackAmazon
Price: $9.65

A more discreet option like these from Always is perfect for those days that you're heading out or want to feel more confident as they get rid of the VPL that other disposable pants may give you. They're not specifically for pregnancy, but they work just as well.

A reviewer said: "I used mine for after having both babies, they are super absorbent, leaked once although I accidentally put it on the wrong way (1st time using and was obviously bleeding heavily) they are also extremely comfortable... highly recommend."

Note that some found these slightly bulky or too thick for summer wear, whereas others didn't find them bulky, with one reviewer saying, "These are everything postpartum. They absorb the bleeding, keep you dry and clean, and don’t feel bulky and uncomfortable like pads. For a c-section they also cover the wound and give some much needed padding in front of the wound which makes it feel protected. I recommend them to all my pregnant friends."

Pros

  • Double-leak guard
  • Odour locking

Cons

  • Runs small so may need to size up
  • May be slightly bulky or too thick for summer
Pack size:9 pairs

Best for no leaks

25% OFF

Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence PantsAmazon
Price: $11.24 (was £14.99)
Alternative retailers
Target$12.99View offer
Kohl's$15.99View offer
Albee Baby$15.99View offer

Made from a combination of spandex and microfibre, this mesh-free disposable maternity underwear from Frida Mom is super stretchy and great for wearing when you're running errands. We like that they also have calming Witch Hazel pad liners.

One reviewer said: "I used these for about 6 weeks after giving birth. At first alongside maternity pads, then with normal pads. They are very comfortable and takes away the hassle of washing a lot of underwear/ worrying about leaking."

Another reviewer said, "These were so comfortable and easy to use after giving birth. They made the postpartum period feel so more easier especially since they’re very stretchy and fit to you. Although they’re more on the expensive side they’re completely worth it. Will use again next time I give birth"

Pros

  • Highly supportive
  • Extremely flexible
  • Calming Witch Hazel pad liners

Cons

  • Some say that the material could be softer
  • Might be more on the expensive side than others
Pack size:8 pairs

Best for portability

25% OFF

Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum UnderwearBoots
Price: $2.06 (was £2.75)

www.boots.com

Suitable for maternity and postnatal usage, these briefs have plenty of room to catch and prevent those potential leaks. If your flow is particularly heavy, you can always add a pad to them, just in case. We like that the packaging for these is compact too.

One reviewer said: "Last year I had to go into hospital to have an abdominal hysterectomy. These were great value for money and very strong. The way they are packaged is great, nice and small so didn't take up much space - You could even put them in your handbag just in case, as a spare pair if you are sadly, like I was, a sufferer of heavy periods and get caught short and have a leak onto your underwear."

Pros

  • Spacious design
  • Packaging is compact
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Sizing may be off
Pack size:5 pairs

Best for odour prevention

Boots Maternity Disposable BriefsBoots

Tena have given these disposable pants a special dual absorption zone which can hold a large amount of urine and other bodily fluids, but notes that this does make them slightly more bulky to wear. We like that they do fit closely to the body though, giving you that much-needed comfort.

One reviewer said: "Very comfortable and absorbent great for a long journey or a day out were you don't know were there are toilets and easily removed also compact to fit in your bag to take a change."

Another reviewer said, "These are the most comfortable inco pants I've worn to date. They are very well designed with decent leak barriers and they certainly hold a lot. I have tried the Boots Staydry pants recently and there is no comparison with these. Definitely well designed and very unobtrusive. I can wear these with total confidence for most of the day."

Pros

  • Odour neutraliser
  • Material is breathable
  • Dual absorption zone holds a large amount of urine and other bodily fluids

Cons

  • Quite bulky
Pack size:12

What to look for when purchasing disposable maternity briefs

Fit
Comfort is key, particularly during the first few months after welcoming your baby, so you'll want to select a fit that feels right for your body. Some options are like briefs whilst others are shorts. Depending on what type of labour you had, you may prefer to choose a low rise or high-waisted option.

Absorbency
Your flow may vary, but finding an absorbency to suit your needs is important. Don't forget to double-check the packaging; some disposable pants are made from mesh (so you'll need to add your own absorbent maternity pads), while others are made from absorbent materials.

Size
We recommend buying the same size as you would wear for your regular underwear, although most disposable maternity briefs are elasticated and super-stretchy, with plenty of give, so don't be tempted to size up as this may affect their effectiveness.

Maternity briefs FAQ

Do I need disposable maternity briefs?

Ever wondered what knickers to wear after giving birth? Well, you don't have to wear disposable briefs after labour, but it's worth having some in your bag just in case, as it can be time-consuming to scrub away stains in underwear. They are particularly useful if you are spending a few days and nights in the hospital and won't have access to a washing machine.

How to dispose of maternity briefs

Whatever you do, do not try to flush your maternity briefs down the toilet as they could get stuck and cause a blockage. Instead, wrap them in a sanitary bag and put them into your regular household waste or a sanitary bin if you're in a public toilet.

How many maternity briefs do I need?

This is oftehn down to personal choice, but five or six pairs of knickers are a good number to have in rotation, and disposable ones may be useful. As well as this, two packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads can come in handy.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.

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