Pads for post-delivery

spartybride3 · March 2014

I haven't used a pad in probably over 10 years, so what should I expect post delivery? Is a regular absorbency ok or do I need the heavy ones? Thanks!

Edit: typo

Avion22 · March 2014

FTM here, but I've seen people recommend having some of the super-thick night-time ones for immediately coming home from the hospital, and some regular pads as the bleeding tapers off (which, apparently, is on a different timeline for everyone).

I've also seen some people recommend the Always Infinity pads, but I've never used those so I'm not really sure how good they are.

beccam1230 · March 2014

I hadn't worn pads in a loooong time either. I used the pads that were pretty much like diapers in the hospital on the day my son was born.. they are provided for you. I figured i was laying in bed all day anyway so i didn't bother to use my own at that point. That night i was able to switch to regular pads.. heavy flow.. also provided and way more comfortable with my own underwear.. and the following day i was fine with just regular flow pads. My bleeding slowed down very fast. I'm not sure if it's different from person to person but the only pads i needed to buy were the regular ones.

refletch · March 2014

I've had a couple of my friends tell me that they used Depends just because of the absorbency and it kept them from having leakage that would mess up their underwear, pants, etc.

24karat · March 2014

With DD I used the heavy duty ones for the first week after leaving the hospital. After that I was able to use normal absorbency pads till the bleeding stopped. With my twins (c/s instead of vaginal delivery) I was able to make the switch a little sooner.

HobokensFury · March 2014

The hospital gave me some super pads when I left. After those were used up I've been using regular pads since the bleeding has slowed down a lot.

WashingtonQueen · March 2014

Thick and long overnight pads at first.

food_chick · March 2014

Definitely high absorbency for at least the first few days, maybe even overnight. And wings! You'll notice when the bleeding slows down, but do know that if you have a particularly active day you're bleeding will probably increase. It didn't happen with my first because I didn't need to walk around much, but with my second that happened a few times since I was chasing a 2 year old around as well as having a newborn.

ncbelle · March 2014

You'll want heavy duty for the first few days - I used the Always overnight extra long with wings (if I remember correctly) the last time. After the first few days, you can bump down to the thinner ones. I actually took my own to the hospital as the ones there are like freaking diapers and aside from the first few hours post birth, not down with that feeling

The wings are key IMO

caballablanca · March 2014

The always infinity are awesome. I took some pads from the hospital, along with the mesh undies. Afterwards used the always infinity. They are crazy absorbent for something so little.

dragonfly711 · March 2014

refletch said:

I've had a couple of my friends tell me that they used Depends just because of the absorbency and it kept them from having leakage that would mess up their underwear, pants, etc.

A friend of mine said she loved Depends especially with a Csection it helped so much, she already has them packed for this time around!!

jenb_99 · March 2014

For the first 2-3 days I recommend using the ginormous ones the nurses give you in the hospital. After that you might be able to get by with a high-quality ultrathin overnight pad with wings (I really liked Stayfree). Or if your bleeding isn't heavy enough for the giant pads but still not quite light enough for the ultrathins, you can try a regular overnight pad with wings till the bleeding tapers off a little more. Stayfree makes my favorite of those too. A lot of women recommend Always pads, but I've never cared for the plastic mesh layer over them. It's itchy to me and never feels dry.

maelic · March 2014

Beware of the Always Infinity if you have sensitive skin. They work great, in that they are super thin and super absorbent, but they will turn your vulva to raw hamburger if you're prone to skin sensitivities. I can't wear them and my gyn tells all her patients she'd love to see them off the market, half her vulvar pain cases come from pad "allergies".

momofmanyinthemitten · March 2014

I actually made some mama cloth for myself for pp this time around. I bled a LOT and for the entire 6 wks pp with my VBAC. Wearing a diaper 24/7 for 6 wks was not fun, so I'm hoping the homemade pads will breathe more and be more gentle on my recovering lady bits.

tjkdlhb · March 2014

For immediately after I used Depends. They were provided by my hospital. Then overnight heavy duty pads for a few days, then regular ones for about another week, and then liners for a while.

This time I'll probably use the depends, heavy duty ones, and then switch to my mama cloth.

spartybride3 · March 2014

Thank you all for the responses!

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