The night sweats and body fluctuations after having a baby are real. Here are the top postpartum pajamas you’ll want to stay cool and comfy.
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Congrats, Mama! You’ve either officially welcomed your adorable new baby home or are about to. Now the fun fourth trimester of postpartum is here and it’s so important you take care of yourself. Between the sleep deprivation, hormones going crazy, and body fluctuations, the one clothing item that became the most important to me was my postpartum pajamas sets.
This post will not only provide the top 10 postpartum pjs you can’t live without, but why having different styles and more than one pair washed every night is a must. Night sweats are a beast and I’ve easily gone through 2-3 pairs of pjs in one night the week after giving birth. These postpartum pajama outfits include nightgowns, two-piece sets, nurse-friendly options, and more.
This post is all about postpartum pajamas.
Before diving into cozy postpartum pajamas, it’s important to understand why this clothing item is so important to new moms.
You’re going to feel uncomfortable and puffy after giving birth so wearing something loose, cozy, and that provides coverage is essential. Your body will continue to swell and you’ll start wearing gigantic pads/ice packs with disposable underwear to tackle the heavy bleeding after delivery. Needless to say, you need clothing options that will hold all of that in place and provide you some privacy.
So lets discuss what causes night sweats, what lochia is, and pajama style options so you can be prepared for your postpartum journey after labor and delivery.
What Are Postpartum Night Sweats?
Night sweats last from a few days to a few weeks and will often catch you by surprise. You’ll go to sleep feeling great and wake up in the middle of the night absolutely drenched. The worst part – this can easily happen multiple times in one night. So lets deep dive into what causes postpartum night sweats.
Hormone Crash (Estrogen Drop):
Right after you give birth, your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels plummet. This sudden hormonal shift heavily impacts your body’s internal thermostat, leading to hot flashes and night sweats.
Getting Rid of Extra Fluids:
Some moms refer to this as “sweating out my pregnancy”. It’s as if you’ve spent hours on a treadmill when in reality, you haven’t moved. During pregnancy, your body holds on to a lot of extra fluid from increased blood volume and water retention. After delivery, your body will work to flush it all out through peeing and sweating. Fun, right?
Oxytocin & Nursing:
If you’re breastfeeding your baby, your body releases oxytocin, which helps with milk letdown but can also trigger uterine contractions and sudden body temperature shifts. This will make you feel hot and sweaty, especially during night time.
Nervous System:
Sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, and emotional ups and downs can all impact your nervous system (like temperature regulation) which may add to the night sweating.
What is lochia?
All that bleeding you’ll do after delivery your baby is called lochia. It’s not talked about enough and often can be surprising to new moms because it lasts WEEKS. It’s heaviest in the first 3-5 days and will seem like a heavy period. It can last between 3-6 weeks with some dry days here and there.
Your body is amazing and the minute your baby comes out, it immediately starts recovery and repair. Here’s what causes all that bleeding after childbirth:
Placenta Detachment:
Immediately after giving birth, the placenta detaches from the wall of your uterus, leaving behind a raw, open wound inside your uterus that is roughly 8.5 inches round. That wound bleeds, just like any wound would, up until it heals.
Uterus Shedding Its Lining:
During pregnancy, your uterine lining thickens to support your growing baby. After delivery, your body sheds that extra blood, tissue, and mucus, which comes out as lochia.
Hormonal Shifts:
Once the placenta is delivered out, your hormone levels, estrogen and progesterone drop quickly. This triggers your body to start flushing out everything it no longer needs from pregnancy, including excess blood and tissue.
Uterus Contracting:
This is when your uterus starts shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size aka involution. Every time it contracts, it helps squeeze out remaining blood and tissue, often causing small gushes of blood, especially when you stand up or nurse thanks to the hormone oxytocin. Fun fact: these contractions tend to get a little more painful the more babies you have.
Possible Tears or Episiotomy:
If you had a delivery with tears or an episiotomy, those areas can also bleed a bit until they heal, but it’s typically a small amount compared to the uterine bleeding.
Having the right postpartum pajamas or outfits will be life-changing when battling night sweats and lochia.
Top 10 Postpartum Pajamas You Need:
1. Boyfriend Sleep Shirts
This postpartum pajama sleep shirt is comfy, allows for ease in breastfeeding, and will help keep you cool as your body recovers from childbirth.
2. Nursing Pajamas Set
This is a mom favorite because it allows for easy nursing with a side-open design without dealing with buttons or clasps for those late night baby feedings. This is a serious postpartum must have.
3. 2-Pack Nightgowns
A 2-pack is the way to go, especially since you’ll likely be dealing with night sweats. Take one postpartum pajamas set to the hospital and have the other waiting for you at home.
4. Nursing Pajama Set
This set provides easy nursing access, a relaxed flattering fit, and a is ideal for breastfeeding, C-section recovery, and around-the-clock wear. Whether you’re lounging, sleeping, or up for late-night feeds, these maternity pajamas provide the perfect blend of style, function, and comfort.
5. Kindred Bravely Pajama Set
This Kindred Bravely pajama set is a must-have for new moms seeking comfort, style, and functionality during the postpartum period. Made with luxuriously soft, breathable fabric, this postpartum pajama set is perfect for vaginal birth or C-section recovery.
6. Two Piece PJ Set
You’ll find this maternity/postpartum pajama set is super soft, stretchy, and moves with your changing body. It’s versatile so you can sleep, do light activities, or lounge with your little one in it. This postpartum outfit works great for the third trimester and postpartum era.
7. Button Down Sleepwear
Another button down option for ease of breastfeeding that will keep you a little warmer in the cooler months. It’s not fun getting up in the middle of the night when it’s freezing but this set will solve that.
8. Silk Satin Pajamas Set
This is a practical but stylish postpartum PJ option that new moms love. The fun patterns will give you the pick-me-up you need while also providing you the functionality you need.
9. Comfy Pajamas Set
Whether you’re recovering in the hospital, breastfeeding, or just enjoying a moment of rest, this set delivers all-day ease without sacrificing your style.
10. Postpartum Pajama Pants
I’ve always loved having an extra pair of lounge pants for the postpartum trimester that you aren’t worries about getting messy or staining. This high and wide waistband will provide you support and comfort on your belly after childbirth.
11. Frida Mom Postpartum Underwear
Highly recommend adding these Frida Mom postpartum underwear to your hospital bag! They are life-changing compared to what the hospital provides and beyond comfortable. The best part is they are large enough to fit your padsicle in but slimming at the same time.
This post was all about postpartum pajamas.
