Nobody talks about this shocking side effect of childbirth these products were lifesavers

When you give birth, you’re told to prepare for afterpains, hormonal swings and sleepless nights.But there’s one postpartum surprise you may not see coming — bloody discharge that can last for weeks, no matter if you gave birth vaginally or by C-section.The flow is known as lochia, a mix of blood, tissue and mucus left over from pregnancy.The body cleans and heals the uterus by shedding this fluid, a process that often takes four to six weeks.After going nine months without menstruating, the amount and duration of lochia can be jarring.It’s utterly defeating to have to stock up on period supplies so soon after giving birth.What’s worse, tampons are not recommended for at least six weeks after childbirth because they can trap or introduce bacteria into the healing uterus.That’s why hospitals routinely provide giant maxi pads and disposable mesh boyshorts to new moms.As you might imagine, ugly undergarments don’t help postpartum mood and self-image.

The good news is that Parasol and Postpartum Panty Party have reimagined recovery underwear.I recently gave birth to twins and tried out Parasol and Postpartum Panty Party products along with the unglamorous hospital offerings.Finding the right fit was especially imperative because I had a C-section.About a third (32.4%) of babies born in the US each year are delivered via C-section, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The incision site and the rest of my lower abdomen were very sensitive, and I didn’t want to aggravate those areas with uncomfortable underwear.I started with the hospital’s enormous wingless pad that could have doubled as a wedding dress train.The pad fit well into the boyshorts.Though the shorts frayed easily, the best thing about them was their high waist.They gently held the postpartum belly without feeling too tight or painful.On Day 3 in the hospital, I switched to a pair of green Postpartum Panty Party panties ($27) made with 95% antibacterial bamboo and 5% ...