How long to wear postpartum compression, and when to start
In the weeks after birth, many women want support for their tummy, pelvis, lower back and perineum while they recover and care for a newborn. Postpartum compression shorts and leggings are one simple way to get it. This guide answers the questions we hear most often: when you can start, how long to wear compression each day, how many weeks to keep going, and whether to choose shorts or leggings.
It is general information, not medical advice. Your midwife, GP, obstetrician or women's health physio knows how your recovery is going, so follow their advice first. Had a caesarean? Read our guide to postpartum compression after a C-section.
Does postpartum compression help?
Compression is part of standard recovery advice in Australian maternity hospitals. The Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne lists rest, ice and compression as three simple steps to help your body heal after a vaginal birth, and says firm supportive underwear helps support the perineum and lower abdominal muscles and reduces pain and discomfort (The Royal Women's Hospital, Immediately after birth).
Supacore postpartum shorts and leggings go further than control briefs. The patented CORETECH® waistband has a built-in sacroiliac belt and back brace designed to stabilise the pelvis and activate the core, so you get support for your pelvis and lower back as well as your tummy. CORETECH® garments are registered with the TGA as a medical device, and Mary, Olivia, Charlotte and Nina state 25 mmHg or more compression on their product pages.
When can I start wearing compression after a vaginal birth?
There is no single start date that suits everyone. Hospital advice includes firm supportive underwear from the first days after birth. Many women move to medical-grade compression shorts or leggings once they feel comfortable and their midwife or doctor is happy with how they are healing.
- Stitches or a tear: ask your midwife or physio before wearing firm compression over the area, and stop if it feels sore.
- C-section: check with your doctor first. Supacore's general guidance is that many women start about 2 weeks after birth if they are healing well and comfortable, while some wait until their 6-week check-up.
How long should I wear postpartum compression each day?
Wear it through the day for as long as it feels comfortable and supportive. Many women notice it most when they are up and moving: feeding, lifting and settling their baby, walking and doing housework. If firm compression is new to you, start with a few hours at a time and build up.
Take it off and check with your midwife, GP or physio if it causes pain, numbness, tingling or skin irritation. Ask them before wearing compression overnight.
How many weeks should I wear postpartum compression?
The Royal Women's Hospital suggests supportive underwear for the first six weeks after birth. Supacore's general advice is that compression shorts or leggings are commonly worn for 8 to 10 weeks after delivery, and you can keep wearing them for as long as they help your recovery. Many women keep wearing them for walks, the school run and their return to running and exercise.
If you notice a ridge or gap down the middle of your tummy, ask your physio to check for abdominal separation. Our article on abdominal separation (DRAM) after pregnancy explains more.
Pelvic girdle pain after birth
Pelvic girdle pain that started in pregnancy often eases after the birth, but for some women it lingers. The Royal Women's Hospital suggests continuing to use your compression garment or support belt after the birth if you need it and moving within your pain limits (pelvic girdle pain fact sheet). If the pain continues, see a women's health physio. Read more about pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Shorts or leggings after birth?
Shorts are cooler and quicker to put on, which helps in the early weeks and in warm weather. Leggings add compression down the legs and suit walks and your return to exercise. Many women start with shorts and add leggings later.
- Mary CORETECH® Shorts: our core postpartum shorts, 25 mmHg plus, made to assist recovery from a C-section or perineal trauma. Also available with a pocket.
- Mary Xtra Shorts: Mary with a reinforced waistband to avoid rolling.
- Nina Extra High Waist Shorts: an extra-high 22 cm waistband for full tummy coverage, including abdominal separation above and below the navel, at 25 mmHg.
- Olivia Postpartum Compression Leggings: our bestselling postpartum leggings, 25 mmHg plus.
- Amelia Extra High Waisted Postpartum Leggings: a 22 cm waistband for C-section recovery, posture while feeding and support when lifting your baby.
- Charlotte 7/8 Leggings with Pocket: 25+ mmHg body-mapped compression in a 7/8 length with a pocket.
See the full postpartum compression collection.
How to put it on and get the right size
Supacore compression is sized by height and weight, not your usual clothing size, because the compression is medical grade. Use the women's size guide. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size. Buying before your baby arrives? Use your estimated end-of-pregnancy weight.
To put it on, sit down, gather each leg and roll it up like a stocking, then ease the waistband up last rather than pulling it by the waistband. It should feel firm and snug without digging in.
Free shipping from A$199, ships worldwide, with 30-day free returns and free size exchanges (see shipping and returns). Many Australian private health funds offer a rebate under Extras cover when your practitioner completes our Health Fund Rebate Form: see our health fund rebate page. Questions? Call us on +61 468 072 885.
Still pregnant? Read our guide to compression during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you wear compression after giving birth?
The Royal Women's Hospital suggests firm supportive underwear for the first six weeks after birth. Supacore's general advice is that postpartum compression shorts or leggings are commonly worn for 8 to 10 weeks after delivery, and you can keep wearing them for as long as they help. Many women keep wearing them for walks and their return to exercise.
When can you wear compression leggings after birth?
After a vaginal birth, many women start once they feel comfortable and their midwife or doctor is happy with how they are healing. If you had stitches or a significant tear, check with your midwife or physio before wearing firm compression. After a C-section, check with your doctor first. Supacore's general guidance is that many women start about 2 weeks after birth if they are healing well and comfortable, while some wait until their 6-week check-up.
Can I wear postpartum compression all day?
You can wear it through the day for as long as it feels comfortable and supportive. If firm compression is new to you, start with a few hours and build up. Take it off and check with your midwife, GP or physio if it causes pain, numbness, tingling or skin irritation, and ask them before wearing it overnight.
Do compression leggings help postpartum?
Compression is part of Australian hospital physiotherapy advice after a vaginal birth: The Royal Women's Hospital says firm supportive underwear helps support the perineum and lower tummy muscles and reduces pain and discomfort. Supacore postpartum shorts and leggings add a patented CORETECH® waistband with a built-in sacroiliac belt and back brace, designed to stabilise the pelvis and activate the core.
Should I choose postpartum shorts or leggings?
Shorts such as Mary and Nina are cooler and quicker to put on, which helps in the early weeks and in warm weather. Leggings such as Olivia, Amelia and Charlotte add compression down the legs and suit walks and your return to exercise. Many women start with shorts and add leggings later.
What compression level is right after birth?
Supacore postpartum styles are medical-grade: Mary, Olivia, Charlotte and Nina state 25 mmHg or more on their product pages. Our pregnancy styles, Emma and Jenny, are 15-20 mmHg and stretch over the bump. Postpartum shorts and leggings are not designed to be worn during pregnancy.