Usage of Maternity Pads After Delivery

The best part of being pregnant is – you get to enjoy the no-periods time. But, as soon as you deliver your baby, the scenario would change. You will bleed heavily, to the extent that you would need special pads to deal with the discharge.

This is where maternity pads come into the picture. Sometimes this bleeding can last longer than you think and may get the better of you. Keeping maternity pads handy thus becomes important. Let’s explore more on its usage and other aspects that would help you know more on the less talked issue.

When and Why to Use Maternity Pads After Delivery

The bleeding starts as soon as you deliver the baby. This is why you need a maternity pad just after delivery. Whether it is a normal delivery or a Caesarean; you would need a maternity pad anyways. The bleeding that occurs, post delivery is referred to as lochia, which would be bright red and would be accompanied by clots.

The bleeding may continue over weeks but will decrease gradually. Where you would notice a bright red blood composition in initial weeks, the colour would change over to pinkish, and then brownish as the flow decreases with time.

Which is Better – Maternity Pad or Sanitary Pad

Sanitary pads are convenient to use during normal periods. But, owing to the heavy flow after you deliver your baby, you would need maternity pads for comfort and convenience. Maternity pads are longer in length, have a soft texture, and are better absorbents. You can’t compromise with your hygiene at this stage, and that is why maternity pads are always better over sanitary pads.

Also, maternity pads are wider and thicker in dimension, making them fit for heavy bleeding. In case you use sanitary pads after delivery, things may get a bit messy. There are chances of staining, and that is one thing you would want to avoid.

Will it Make a Difference if You Replace Maternity Pads With Sanitary Pads

One should be clear about the fact that maternity pads are at least twice as absorbent as the normal sanitary pads. Another fact; sanitary pads are not that soft and may pinch your tender vagina while maternity pads are softer and would not lead to itching, rashes, or infections. Therefore, yes, replacing maternity pads with sanitary pads would definitely make a difference.

If you prefer sanitary pads over maternity pads, you compromise with comfort and hygiene. Not only you’ll feel conscious continuously about the staining part but would also feel discomfort when it comes to the vaginal stitches. Always prefer to wear the maternity pads that are specially created for the women who have just entered motherhood. These pads are safe, soft, and tend to last longer.

How Many Postpartum Pads You Will Need After Delivery

The number of pads you will need varies from person to person. It is all about how your body responds to the postpartum state and on your hormonal changes. Though, generally, you should buy 2-3 packets of maternity pads, containing at least 8-10 pads per packet. This should be done prior to the delivery, just to be on the safer side.

Initially, you would have to change pads every two hours or so owing to the heavy bleeding you may experience. Over time, both the bleeding and pad usage ought to decrease. You’ll realize, the more you rest and more the time passes, the lesser the bleeding.

Prefer not to use tampons in this crucial period as using it is liable to cause infections. However, you can continue using tampons once you start to experience normal periods after a few months of delivery.

Best Maternity Pads for First Six Weeks After Delivery

Using just any maternity pad is not preferable. A selection should be made to suit your needs best and considering the safety of the product. The suggestions are purely based on the popularity of the brand and the quality of the 1 product.

1. Organic

This is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to maternity pads. They are generally made from organic cotton that is super absorbent. They are comfortable, thick, soft, and fluffy so that you feel carefree and comfortable. These pads are the best for the first few weeks of delivery when the flow is beyond the normal levels.

The only disadvantage of Organic is that they are not available “with wings”. Though, there is a “super flow” category made available by the brand that does have wings.

2. Covidien

The most affordable of all, Covidien is a reliable brand. You may avail these pads along with maternity mesh panties. They resist the moisture and are super soft to the skin. The best part is the effective absorbency that these maternity pads offer.

The disadvantage of Covidien pads is also the same; that they are not available with wings.

3. Natracare

Being narrower and longer are two attributes of Natracare that make them a good choice. It is too made from organic cotton, is soft, and biodegradable. Pads by Natracare are preferable by women for the initial weeks, post delivery.

These pads do not come with wings either, the only thing you have to compromise with. Another thing, these pads do not come along individual wrappings.

4. Always Maxi

These are among the best-rated pads available in the market. These pads are safer to be worn overnight as they are longer and have wider dimensions over the back area. These pads are good absorbents and hygienic to use.

These pads seem bulky but make you feel comfortable when you are wearing them. Good news! Always maxi maternity pads do have wings.

Where Can You Buy Post Delivery Pads

You can buy maternity pads both online and offline. In case, you are unable to find the mentioned brands in nearby medical store, look for them online. Placing an order is easy, and you are also likely to get discounts and exciting offers.

Postpartum menstruation is usually heavier than the normal flow. It is always better to be on the safer side, thus use maternity pads to deal with the non-pregnant state that may follow post-delivery. Sanitary pads are also preferable but only after the flow minimizes to normal levels.