Products We Love - Brief Transitions
Q&A with the Founder of Brief Transitions, Mary Clavieres
I’ve heard so many stories from new moms who have had to steal armloads of mesh panties from the hospital to wade through the days and weeks of postpartum bleeding, discharge, hemorrhoids, stitches, and more. Before giving birth, you might have thought you weren’t a hoarder, but then mesh panties become your lifeline. Why the sudden urge to stock up? Because comfortable undergarments are hard to come by. Just ask Mary Clavieres, founder of Brief Transitions, the only postpartum underwear that are washable, reusable and disposable. We spent some time with Mary recently to ask her a few questions about starting her company.
The Push: How did your birth experience make you think differently about what women need after childbirth?
Mary: My birth experience opened my eyes to so many things. Most notably, the lack of supplies for women during the postpartum recovery and healing process. After the birth of my first daughter I found myself trying to care for a newborn and recover from a c-section at the same time. When I came home from the hospital I was still swollen and sore from my incision. I ran out of mesh underwear and tried to find more to purchase. After searching high and low both in store and online, I couldn’t find any mesh underwear to buy! It was so hard for me to believe. I ended up buying oversized granny panties and cutting the elastic waistband so that it wouldn’t put pressure near my incision. In that moment I thought ‘this is not ok’ and it started me on a path to join the movement of individuals supporting new moms and postpartum recovery efforts because women deserve to have the supplies they need.
The Push: What is it about those mesh undies that made you want to invent a better solution?
Mary: Most business stories start with an idea that fills a need. My case is no different. The mesh underwear I received at the hospital were magical - super stretchy to fit my swollen body and high waisted without elastic to avoid putting pressure on my incision. While they did their job, they were flimsy and only came in white. Using my manufacturing and engineering background, I set out to find a solution that would be not only comfortable and supportive, but also sturdy and reusable. Brief Transitions provides that same comfort that I had grown to love in my hospital panties, while also coming in classic black. Let’s face it, no one wants to feel like they are still in the hospital when they’re recovering at home. Brief Transitions is continuing to expand and I look forward to providing additional solutions for postpartum recovery in the near future.
The Push: How have your customers responded to using your product?
Mary: My customers have shared the most wonderful stories of how Brief Transitions postpartum mesh underwear have helped them during recovery. It is the most rewarding feeling - to hear this feedback and know that I’m helping women during a vulnerable and likely pivotal time of their lives. One of my customers happens to live close to me and I ended up featuring her in the photoshoot for the Brief Transitions redesign! I hadn’t known her before, but because she shared how much she loved the undies we were able to connect and build a relationship.
The Push: As an entrepreneur, what are words of advice you have for other moms that are challenging the status quo?
Mary: Don’t be afraid to challenge things and go after what you want. You might be afraid, but do it anyway. Growth lies in breaking through the fear. Also, give yourself grace. As women, and even more so as moms, we are so hard on ourselves. It doesn’t have to be this way. Be proud of your accomplishments, believe in yourself and keep going. You can do it!