Post-delivery pads and other unmentionables

troublejessy · November 2013

We've been on hold with anything nursery related due to our flooring situation (don't ever buy from Lumber Liquidators). Since I can't really get ready for baby, and I'm dying to do something, I'm thinking I might as well start getting ready for my recovery after delivery. I'm a FTM and know that there is probably stuff that I'm not thinking of that I'll need...

Regular pads? Are any brands better than others? Nursing pads? Un-sexy underwear? Is there anything that you couldn't live without or that I'm not thinking of? Thanks in advance

clo1982 · November 2013

Big giant pads. I took a bunch from the hospital but then used some kind of super overnight ones.definitely unsexy loose underwear. I didn't have a brand preference for nursing pads. Moms who delivered vaginally will prob be able to offer some other suggestions for comfort and healing of the lady bits. For a c/s it was underwear that were higher cut so they didn't push in my incision.

bumpuser9058414 · November 2013

At my hospital they made this little cocktail on the pad that consisted of tucks wipes, some sort of numbing cream and maybe an antibiotic cream. They sent me home with all of the stuff to make it though. But definitely Tucks pads, colace or other stool softener. Make sure you take at least one of the squirt bottles from the hospital. Unsexy underwear, nursing tanks/bras if you plan on nursing.

Nickiechan · November 2013

Tuck Pads on top of a normal over night pad is what I used. At the Hospital they frooze (baby)diapers that we put on our bottoms and it really did help! Loved those frozen diapers! I think they where medicated with witch hazel. By the time I left the hospital my bleeding wasn't too bad. I would say about medium period type... and didn't last very long. I want to say 3 to 4 days. They did give me antiseptic to put on my bottom in an aerosol can which I used, but I only had 2 to 3 stitches and I really didn't need to us it very often. I went out and bought the HUGE pads and TBH I still have them because I didn't use them much.

BrideNamedMeg · November 2013

The ice pads are awesome, but you're only supposed to use them for a certain amount of time, then switch to the sitz bath. I was mad when they wouldn't give me any more at the hospital, lol.

I HATED with a burning passion those huge pads and mesh undies they give you at the hospital. I know some people swear by and love them, but I send MH home for some cotton underwear and the Always Infinity pads I had picked up for later on an felt SOOO much better! The always infinity were awesome, btw, I got the overnight size for at first and then switched to the heavy flow and regular as things got more manageable.

Definitely pick up some black cotton undies that you don't mind getting gross. I liked having dark yoga pants to wear around the house as well. You'll look about 5 months pregnant after the baby is born as it takes awhile for all the swelling to go down.

Nickiechan · November 2013

BrideNamedMeg said! Get some black sweatpants to take along to hospital and around the house. I got some really cheap ones (I think 2 or 3 pair) and that is what I lived in for the first couple of weeks. Yes, those mess undies they give you are horrible... I just used old underwear that I had that I didn't mind throwing out.

ellajune2012 · November 2013

BrideNamedMeg said:

The ice pads are awesome, but you're only supposed to use them for a certain amount of time, then switch to the sitz bath. I was mad when they wouldn't give me any more at the hospital, lol.

I HATED with a burning passion those huge pads and mesh undies they give you at the hospital. I know some people swear by and love them, but I send MH home for some cotton underwear and the Always Infinity pads I had picked up for later on an felt SOOO much better! The always infinity were awesome, btw, I got the overnight size for at first and then switched to the heavy flow and regular as things got more manageable.

Definitely pick up some black cotton undies that you don't mind getting gross. I liked having dark yoga pants to wear around the house as well. You'll look about 5 months pregnant after the baby is born as it takes awhile for all the swelling to go down.

I'm a ftm, but I want to give a second rec for Always Infinity. They saved me when I had unbearably flooding periods because of my fibroids (like, a pad + tampon and I would still have to change every two hours or worry I might leak). I used them again after my operation. Much more comfortable than the giant pads they give you at the hospital.

memo9 · November 2013

I loooooved the mesh undies! I even brought them home.

My nurses at the hospital also made ice diapers and they were amazing! Definitely going to try to recreate that since I won't be in the hospital this time.

ring_pop · November 2013

I used Depends for the first week or so.

Not directly related to pp recovery but if you're planning to nurse, definitely get the stick-on gel soothies.

bumpuser9058414 · November 2013

ring_pop said:

I used Depends for the first week or so.

Not directly related to pp recovery but if you're planning to nurse, definitely get the stick-on gel soothies.

oh yes those! I sent my husband out to CVS for some. I've already bought some for this time. It was like heaven. Lanolin too!

ceh789 · November 2013

ring_pop said:

I used Depends for the first week or so.

Not directly related to pp recovery but if you're planning to nurse, definitely get the stick-on gel soothies.

Like these? I've heard these mentioned before but they don't say they stick-on and I haven't seen any that do.

Nickiechan · November 2013

Oh also, breast pads. I bought them in bulk off of Amazon. If you plan to BF I used them often until around 2 or 3 months of age when my milk leveled out. Even if you don't plan to BF you will still have engorgement after you milk comes in which will cause leakage until your body dries up.

ring_pop · November 2013

ceh789 said:

ring_pop said:

I used Depends for the first week or so.

Not directly related to pp recovery but if you're planning to nurse, definitely get the stick-on gel soothies.

Like these? I've heard these mentioned before but they don't say they stick-on and I haven't seen any that do.

Yup! I used the Medela ones but I think these are similar. You have to wet the Medela ones, which is kind of nice because it makes them nice and cool when you apply. Aaahhhhh.

Nickiechan · November 2013

bmerr said:

Tucks Pads. They sell them at Target. Ask a pharmacist where they are. I heard everyone talking about them, but I didn't know "Tucks" was a brand. The crappy ones the hospital gave me looked and felt like Stridex pads. I've already stocked up on 4 tubs of Tucks because they were that amazing last time.

Also, ask every nurse you can find for extra ice pack pads. They're massive, uncomfortable as hell and not the best at sopping up blood, but fuck do they feel awesome. I bought the biggest Always pads I could find and did the Witch Hazel thing and froze them, but they didn't compare to the ones the hospital gave me.

Also, toilet paper. Sounds silly, but if you get stitches and have to pat dry, you'll go through A LOT of TP. And make sure you get the softest kind. It's expensive, but your lady bits will be happy.

OH! And hemorrhoid cream. I bought the 0.99 cent stuff from Walmart and it worked wonders!

ETA: I had 3rd degree tearing and it was so uncomfortable to sit down anywhere, even the couch. I used my Boppy as a donut more than a nursing pillow, so I'm buying another nursing pillow for that very reason.

I LOVED the Boppy pillow! I even brought it to the hospital with me to put around my neck to lay on because I hated those hospital pillows. It was awesome. I also used it very often once we got home. One of the most used baby gears items I used.

troublejessy · November 2013

OMG, you guys are awesome! Thanks so much for all of the recommendations and suggestions! I've been googling, but it's always so much better to hear what works from people you know!

KariB509 · November 2013

After I left the hospital, for the first week or so I wore night-time pads (the extra long ones) with wings, still the thin ones though.

As for nursing pads, I preferred disposable ones.

I read that other ladies mentioned Tucks Pads. I definitely agree with that, however, the hospital gave me those so I didn't have to buy any. They also gave me maxi-pads but I didn't like them because they were too thick.

jwls84 · November 2013

My at home essentials were my peri bottle (steal it from the hospital and use it after you pee), a shitz bath (also stolen from the hospital), I wasn't much of a bleeder so just normal pads worked for me then a week later just panty liners.
Stool softners!!! OMG I can't stress that enough! I had stitches in places you don't want... And you don't want to tear a stitch pooping!
Also nursing pads and nursing tanks and an awesome house coat!

PrincessPeach13 · November 2013

I bought the biggest thickest pads I could find for when DS was born, but they ended up having little fibers that caught on my stitches and were irritating.

I bought the Always Infinity overnights and they were amazing. I used the big giant hospital pads for a few days pp, and then used the Always Infinity and never had any messes. They also don't catch on stitches at all.

eta: And I second the stool softeners. Once I ran out of the ones the hospital gave me, I was wishing I some at home.

firefIy · November 2013

I didn't mind the mesh panties at all and liked that I could just throw them out after I wore them each time. I also loved Always Infinity pads. Very thin and absorbent. Not sure if others had this problem, but after my vaginal birth I had horrible bladder control for about a week. I mean horrible. So I did have to send my mom out for a small pack of Depends. I asked for them at the hospital and the nurse told me they didn't carry them. I was kind of surprised. I can't be the only one whose bladder was temporarily affected by childbirth! Also the suggestion of black sweats was a great one. Last time I wore light grey around the hospital and was always worried when I stood up I'd have a big bloody stain on the back of me. I need to remember to get a pair of dark pants! Seriously, that was a great suggestion. A friend had given me a tub of Tuck's pads and I used those too along with the spray bottle I took from the hospital. Oh, and have a stool softener on hand and remember to take it

I found out the hard way what happens when you don't.

kimberpoo · November 2013

Thanks for the tips ladies! This question has been on my mind too.

BrideNamedMeg · November 2013

One more suggestion! Even though the Always pads rarely leaked, I was still super paranoid about it so I took some of the chux pads (sp?) from the hospital and put those down in "my spot" on the couch, covered with a blanket. I didn't want to risk bleeding on the microfiber, which is impossible to clean!

amandapthompson · November 2013

I'm not even going to lie.... I bought depends! I will do it again too. It beats having to mess with panties. And I bled... A lot. So I always lined the depends with cheapo pads.

Having been torn and had an episiotomy, the numbing spray they gave me at the hospital was amazing. I can't remember what it's called, I'll edit this tonight with the name of it. I bought like 10 cans and sprayed before and after I went to the bathroom.

Gunna echo the other ladies and say stool softeners for sure.

novelblessings · November 2013

Thanks for posting this! I am making a list now!

ceh789 · November 2013

BrideNamedMeg said:

One more suggestion! Even though the Always pads rarely leaked, I was still super paranoid about it so I took some of the chux pads (sp?) from the hospital and put those down in "my spot" on the couch, covered with a blanket. I didn't want to risk bleeding on the microfiber, which is impossible to clean!

You can buy those pretty cheaply actually if anyone is interested: link. They might even carry them at like Walgreens or CVS near the Depends. I was thinking about picking some up for closer to my due date to put on the bed in case of water breaking - has anyone done that and did it work to keep your mattress from getting gross if you had a big gush?

ETA: This is a really useful thread - thanks to everyone for contributing

laurendom · November 2013

Mostly been said already. My hospital sent me home with a Sitz bath and peri bottle. Tucks pads, hydrocortisone cream and dermoblast (the numbing spray@amandapthompson) and pads. I was told to alternate the use of the cream to ever other change. I loved the mesh undies, never had an issue with them falling down.

I ended up buying some more tucks, cream and pads because I ran out.

I also had a bulk supply of lanolin or oils and nursing pads for relief and protection.

And Percocet's, I had them for the first week, man, they helped.

LaurenAsh23 · November 2013

ceh789 said:

BrideNamedMeg said:

One more suggestion! Even though the Always pads rarely leaked, I was still super paranoid about it so I took some of the chux pads (sp?) from the hospital and put those down in "my spot" on the couch, covered with a blanket. I didn't want to risk bleeding on the microfiber, which is impossible to clean!

You can buy those pretty cheaply actually if anyone is interested: link. They might even carry them at like Walgreens or CVS near the Depends. I was thinking about picking some up for closer to my due date to put on the bed in case of water breaking - has anyone done that and did it work to keep your mattress from getting gross if you had a big gush?

ETA: This is a really useful thread - thanks to everyone for contributing

Super helpful post...anyway we can make this sticky? I'm not going to remember all of this later...@huskymomma94 @bunnyfungo

DTNZ4Ever · November 2013

Loved the ice packs from the hosptial I stole a bunch and brought them home. As for the an extra spray bottle of the cooling anticeptic that is amazing on stiches. I agree Tucks pads are worth it.

Also for those who are just going to formula feed get some extra sports bras. I wore 2 at time until I dried up. Also cabbage leaves from the fridge help so much!

lindsey1031 · November 2013

This is what I found a few weeks ago on Lucie's list:

https://astore.amazon.com/lucslis-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2

It seems pretty complete, though I've never experiences this before, so I can't be sure.

Butts31 · November 2013

I loved my peri bottle and I bought my own "after baby" underwear. I plan to do the same because I hated those mesh things they tried to call underwear! I also bought my own pads, I used the hospitals while I was there but Always brand when home I think.

YankeePeach08 · November 2013

I went out beforehand and bought a variety of pads b/c i figured flow would slow down overtime. I had the big bulky diaperish overnight pads all the way down to the thong panyliners.

Also, before I left the hospital I asked the nurses for the waterproof pads they put on the bed. We only stayed at the hospital 36 hours after DS was born so I felt like I was bleeding a lot still, but by the time I went to bed that night I didn't need the bed pads...I still have them though and it was re assuring to have them.

I can not even put into words how amazing the ice packs felt on my cooch and how wonderful the sitz baths were!!!!

benevolentforce · November 2013

I've written all this down in my pg journal. Thanks, ladies! I have to admit I still cringe thinking about ice packs on my nether regions though. I don't even like to ice my knee when it hurts... and am having a hard time embracing the idea!

BoogieMonster629 · November 2013

ceh789 said:

ring_pop said:

I used Depends for the first week or so.

Not directly related to pp recovery but if you're planning to nurse, definitely get the stick-on gel soothies.

Like these? I've heard these mentioned before but they don't say they stick-on and I haven't seen any that do.

@ceh789 Yes those!! Put them in the fridge! cold gel soothies feel great!

jennbaylor12 · November 2013

Super helpful post...anyway we can make this sticky? I'm not going to remember all of this later...@huskymomma94 @bunnyfungo

Yes please!! Very helpful post!!!

BethRN1987 · November 2013

I'm totally stealing the washable pads we put down for our incontience patients at the hospital. They absorb so much- but I'm mainly doing this for when I get closer to my due date so IF my water breaks while I'm in bed my mattress will be ok

tokash516 · November 2013

This post is amazing!!!!!! Definitely making a list right now. Thank you ladies!!!!!!! Great info for a FTM without a clue!

Renik20 · November 2013

jwls84 said:
a shitz bath (also stolen from the hospital), I wasn't much of a bleeder so just normal pads worked for me then a week later just panty liners.
Stool softners!!! OMG I can't stress that enough!

THIS. But I love the "shitz" bath....SITZ bath. The hospital sent me home with it, and I used it twice a day! But stool softeners were a must! Senokot is a good one!

EmmetsMom · November 2013

My hospital gave me frozen tea diapers... Amazing!!! I made more when I ran out at home.

jamieandlori · November 2013

ceh789 said:

BrideNamedMeg said:

One more suggestion! Even though the Always pads rarely leaked, I was still super paranoid about it so I took some of the chux pads (sp?) from the hospital and put those down in "my spot" on the couch, covered with a blanket. I didn't want to risk bleeding on the microfiber, which is impossible to clean!

You can buy those pretty cheaply actually if anyone is interested: link. They might even carry them at like Walgreens or CVS near the Depends. I was thinking about picking some up for closer to my due date to put on the bed in case of water breaking - has anyone done that and did it work to keep your mattress from getting gross if you had a big gush?

ETA: This is a really
useful thread - thanks to everyone for contributing

You can buy a waterproof mattress pad for your bed on Amazon, which is what I did. My water never broke with DS, but in his 19 months of life there have been several pee, spit up and bottle leakage incidences. So glad I invested in one!

Maddeegal · January 2014

I personally have three.
One, a robe. Not some big puffy one, just a nice light robe that you can quickly throw on over things to make you feel more comfortable for if people come by, or if you wanna go see baby etc.
Two, something to do in case you can't see baby and you get ansy, my first had jaundice and sadly I was unable to see her almost the whole time, I got super impatient and uneasy, my husband had to go home to get me a movie to watch.
Three, buy a breast pump, this isn't necessary for the hospital, but you will not want to leave the house to get one on those few days following labor. Even if you are planning on breast feeding or using formula, buy a cheap handheld one if you want, but do get one. I planned on breast feeding only, and my DD decided she did not wanna nurse, even the lactation specialist couldn't get her to, after a week of not getting any milk out I was in soooo much pain, I remember squeezing milk out with my hands because they were so full! I ended up buying a hand pump, then a week later I bought an expensive electric one.

beachcomberbride · January 2014

Tucks pads (the most amazing thing ever), Dermoblast (to spray on your vagina) HUGE absorbent pads, HUGE, loose, comfy underwear, ice packs, flushable wipes (less painful to use than toilet paper), squirt bottle (fill with slightly warm water and squirt it on your vagina while you pee/poop - it makes all the difference with burning and pain.

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Post-delivery pads and other unmentionables

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