Postpartum Shorts: Size Up for Comfort After Birth?

Quick Answer: The "Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts" are designed with your postpartum journey in mind, offering gentle support as your body recovers. Many new parents wonder about the best size to choose, especi...

Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts
Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts

The "Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts" are designed with your postpartum journey in mind, offering gentle support as your body recovers. Many new parents wonder about the best size to choose, especially in the initial weeks after giving birth. This guide addresses common questions about fit and sizing for these shorts.

Sizing Answer

For 3 weeks postpartum, if you're between sizes 10 and 12 and prioritizing comfort with a gentle hold, sizing up to a 12 is recommended. This allows for easier wear and removal while accommodating any lingering swelling. You can transition to a size 10 later as your body continues to recover if a snugger fit is desired.

Customer Questions

I'm 3 weeks postpartum and looking at the Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts (Black). Pre‑pregnancy I was a 10, now I’m in between 10 and 12. Which should I choose for gentle hold?

My hips are 101cm and waist ~83cm. I’m mostly walking and feeding — comfort is priority.

Will the waistband roll when I sit to feed?

How It Fits

The Emama shorts are engineered with a unique over-bump recovery panel. This panel is intentionally designed to be accommodating and supportive during the postpartum period. It offers a gentle compression that aids recovery without feeling restrictive. The fabric has a good amount of stretch to adapt to your changing body, focusing on comfort for activities like walking and feeding.

The intention is for the shorts to provide a supportive yet comfortable feel. The over-bump panel is designed to sit smoothly and securely, aiming to prevent it from rolling down when you're seated, which is a common concern for many postpartum individuals.

Size Recommendations

For the "Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts (Black)", the following guidance applies, especially for the initial weeks postpartum:

  • Pre-pregnancy size 10, currently between 10-12, prioritizing comfort: Size 12 is recommended.
  • Pre-pregnancy size 10, currently between 10-12, wanting a snugger hold sooner: Size 10 can work, but expect to build up wear time.
  • Customer measurements: Hips 101cm, Waist ~83cm: These measurements fall within the range that could accommodate both a size 10 and a 12. For immediate comfort and ease of dressing/undressing in the early weeks, size 12 is generally more suitable.

The recovery panel is built to handle postpartum swelling. Starting with your pre-pregnancy size is often a good baseline, but listening to your body's current needs is crucial. If you're consistently feeling closer to a size 12 due to swelling or general comfort, choosing the 12 initially makes sense.

Common Fit Issues

Waistband Rolling: A primary concern for many postpartum individuals is whether the waistband will roll down, especially when sitting to feed. The Emama shorts feature an over-bump panel specifically designed to lie flat and minimize rolling. While the design aims to prevent this, individual body shapes can vary. If you experience any pressure or discomfort from the waistband after extended wear, taking short breaks from wearing the shorts can provide relief.

Compression Level: The shorts offer gentle hold, not intense compression. If you are looking for significant abdominal compression for recovery, these might not provide that level of support. They are best suited for individuals seeking comfort and light support.

Between Sizes

When you find yourself between a size 10 and 12 at 3 weeks postpartum, consider the following:

  • Opting for Size 12: This is the best choice if your priority is comfort and ease of movement, especially in the first few weeks. It accommodates swelling more readily and is simpler to pull on and off. You will still receive gentle support. As your body heals and swelling subsides over the subsequent weeks, the support will remain effective.
  • Opting for Size 10: If you prefer a snugger fit and are comfortable with a bit more effort in getting them on, size 10 is viable. It will offer a closer hold. However, be prepared that it might feel more restrictive initially, and you may want to wear them for shorter periods until you're accustomed to the fit.

The Emama shorts are designed to support you through the initial recovery phase. By understanding how the recovery panel works and considering your immediate comfort needs, you can select the size that will best serve you in those precious early weeks postpartum.

Last updated: December 2025 • Based on real customer conversations

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