So I've been reading about some women choosing to wear full on depends adult diapers to deal with their postpartum bleeding. It kind of sounded like an interesting idea at first, but then I thought to myself "where would I put the soiled depends"? Not into my regular garbage? Would I need to use the baby's diaper pail? Would I have to cart it all the way to the outside garbage every time? I also have to wonder if it would be uncomfortable.
On the other hand, I have to wonder if regular overnight pads will be enough to prevent accidents. I suppose a compromise could be pads during the day and depends at night.
Anyone have any experience with the depends option or any thoughts on what might be best?
Re: Depends vs pads for Postpartum?
I'm leaning towards the Depends, if my bleeding is as bad as I anticipate (I'm a FTM so I'm thinking worst-case scenario until I know differently.)
I hate pads, any brand I have ever used never quite stuck to my underwear and would end up bunching up and being really uncomfortable on my bum.
My grandmother is 98, has Alzheimers and is incontinent (so even if she remembered to go to the bathroom, she probably wouldn't make it). Because of this, I unfortunately have some experience with Depends. They don't leak overnight, and if you have the right size, they don't bunch up. When Nana needs a new one, we do put the old one in a plastic bag and it goes in the garage in a trash can, but if you have a diaper genie, I see no reason why it can't go in there, too.
You also don't have to worry about ruining underwear or having to pre-treat bloody undies before you put them in the wash.
If you go with the pads, I suggest putting a towel under you at night and getting a mattress pad so you don't have to scrub your mattress if there's a leak or an especially heavy flow overnight.
I am going to get some Depends (I guarantee that my husband will have a field day laughing at that) and also the Always Infinity overnights pads. I've head a lot of people recommend those.
Basically I just want to cover all my bases since I have no idea how bad this is going to be.
This for me too.
Married: 1/2008 ~ DD#1: 3/2012
TTC #2: Started 4/2014 BFP 7/30/15 MC 8/3/15 BFP 9/4/2015 EDD 5/16/2016
At the hospital they pump you full of fluids so if you have a catheter and they finally take it out your first pee will be a long one. The first week of postpardum is pretty rough. I peed on myself several times after both of my kids were born because I was so pumped full of fluids and the strain from pushing the baby out left me with little to no strength to hold in the pee when I had to go. I would be laying in bed and have to pee but as soon as I would stand I'd lose all bladder control and pee all over myself. Even with all of that, I was wearing pretty heavy pads so I didn't have any leakage on the bed or carpet, the pad held it in pretty well. I don't think I'll be trying depends this time either.
This exactly. What the hospital provided (Sinai for any Baltimore Moms) was plenty for me until I transitioned to regular pads. I won't use Depends this time either.
Ditto. Keep in mind that although you might bleed for up to 6 weeks, it isn't heavy after the first several days. I think by Day 3/4 it had lightened up to the point that a regular pad was more than enough. Everyone is different, and I'd say it's easier to send DH to the store to get something you need rather than buy something you'll never use.
Last time, I just used overnight pads and I was fine. I did have to buy larger (granny style) underwear though.
This. They give you those mega giant pads to use at the hospital and, while pretty uncomfortable, they were a lifesaver! The mesh panties are also great for the first few days- a week. After the first week, I think the normal overnight (or even regular) pads will be sufficient.
Bubblegum Explosion
I used the same thing and didn't have any problems. I think I may have slept on some of the leftover chucks pads from the hospital the first few nights because I was afraid of leaks. (btw, if you don't get to bring any chucks home or run out and want more, puppy pee pads are basically the same thing.)
Who is your doc? That's where I delivered my DD and where I'll be delivering DS as well.
He will have plenty of time to worry about changing my diapers soon enough ..one of the joys of younger guys marrying an old chick lol ..but at least he will have had some practise before he starts on me haha
I'm thinking of going the Depends route. I don't want to ruin my underwear/clothes/bedding if the flow is too heavy for overnight pads. I'm hoping they might last longer too than a pad usually would.
You can put the soiled depends where you would put a pad.. right in the trash. I'm not really sure why that was mentioned/is seen as an issue?
BFP: March 22, 2011 M/C: April 8, 2011 @ 7 weeks
BFP: June 29, 2011!!! Crossing my fingers for a sticky baby
LO Born early March 2012 We are so blessed