stupid question about maternity pads, sorry!

cecilespies · May 2015

Hi all! I'm sorry for asking a dumb question but I really have no clue. The maternity pads you take to the hospital, is that the same as you would use every month with your period or am I supposed to be buying something different specially for that? Btw, my hospital does not provide any.

Bugs1718 · May 2015

Never heard of a hospital that doesn't provide, that sucks considering how much you pay for delivery. After delivery you bleed more than a regular period so you'll want something better. Some girls prefer depends so they don't have to worry about ruining undies. You can also use the long, overnight type pads (I know Always at least makes them) if you want to be able to wear your own underwear. Be prepared to change everything pretty often in the beginning, I couldn't believe how much bleeding there was, especially the end first few days.

LittleRue · May 2015

Yeah I picked up maxi pads a variety of big to small. Bleeding starts heavy and tapers off like a period. And depends for adult bladder leakage are great because they stay in place like a big absorbance panty lol

cecilespies · May 2015

Is depends like the adult diaper? I never really thought about this and never asked. I'm from South Africa, things are quite different here, we're not supplied with anything.

lizzypoo96 · May 2015

cecilespies said:

Is depends like the adult diaper? I never really thought about this and never asked. I'm from South Africa, things are quite different here, we're not supplied with anything.

that's exactly what it is... just a common name brand here in the States

cecilespies · May 2015

Oh wow, now that's something to look forward to haha thanks everyone for the help

kate5all · May 2015

My SIL gave me these...I don't know what you'd call them, but they look like the puppy pads some people use when house training a dog. I think they're supposed to just go underneath me in the bed to protect my mattress/sheets from any leaks, but I'm not sure. They were left over from when she had her baby. Anyone ever used those?

Knottie99627423 · May 2015

@kate5all Yes, you would just put them under your bum in bed. Those pads help to protect your sheets from leaks. I just bought my first pack of Depends yesterday. I have heard they feel a bit more secure than large maxi pads.

Knottie99627423 · May 2015

@cecilespies Not a stupid question! That is what we are all here for! I started stocking up yesterday. I got one package of Depends and one package of large maxi pads. I have heard that putting a witch hazel/comfrey mix on a maxi pad and freezing it can be super soothing to a sore perineum/bottom/vaginal area post partum. I will be making some of those!

JHaworth84 · May 2015

Here in the UK our NHS is pretty cash strapped so they will provide us with a couple but not really enough. I've always taken my own but last time despite having two packs in my bag managed to run out in less than 24 hours so will be taking a mammoth supply this time lol. I found in my first pregnancy the generic maternity pads from the supermarket were better than the Always overnight pads as even though they are bulky etc they were unscented and didn't irritate my skin as much (especially around my very sensitive bits, stitches etc). All glamorous things to look forward to ladies

x

jesicabrennan · May 2015

There's no way your hospital doesn't provide some. That would be like a hospital not providing the gauze and bandages used after surgery. Not everyone comes to the hospital prepared, many come not knowing they're in labor and aren't allowed to leave, those women aren't provided anything for the postpartum bleeding? Even if they don't give you extras to take home they definitely have some for you while you're there. They're huge and fantastic, just ask a nurse for some extras, even if it's not policy I bet you can get a few to take home. The mesh panties too!

Knottie99627423 · May 2015

@JHaworth84: I just picture you coming in to the hospital with a little suitcase on wheels full of maxi pads. Lol.

ourlittledarling · May 2015

Depending on what country you are from some places ask you to bring your own. Where I am from you bring your own pads, diapers for the baby and wipes. Not everywhere has the same policies, the U.S. seems to provide more than a lot of other places.

When you come across the brand depends, (if you can find them), they also make bed and seat protectors for once you are home. If you are a very small build you may find some side leakage with depends when you lay down so the protectors are good for keeping your linens safe.

Thera888 · May 2015

jesicabrennan said:
There's no way your hospital doesn't provide some. That would be like a hospital not providing the gauze and bandages used after surgery. Not everyone comes to the hospital prepared, many come not knowing they're in labor and aren't allowed to leave, those women aren't provided anything for the postpartum bleeding? Even if they don't give you extras to take home they definitely have some for you while you're there. They're huge and fantastic, just ask a nurse for some extras, even if it's not policy I bet you can get a few to take home. The mesh panties too!

This absolutely depend on country you live in, there are countries where you literally get a list of things you have to have with you and hospital doesn't provide anything.

jonesy15 · May 2015

In the UK we also have to bring everything, but then we don't pay for delivery. You might get a couple of pads at the hospital but not many and it gets embarrassing keep asking for more.
I would invest in a few packs of maternity pads for the first week which you will get through quite fast. Then maybe switch to night time pads as you get lighter in the following weeks.
I also used some incontinance mats to protect bed and sofa for first few weeks. Xx

Ckorines · May 2015

The delivery pads are huge and I swear they reach from your chin to the back of your neck. I used them for the first couple of day and then switched to normal size period pads. If you are going to use the huge ones, I'd suggest you bring leggings and a long shirt that covers your booty. It holds the pad in place.

SBbabyonboard · May 2015

I'm so sorry to hear that a lot of you ladies have to supply all of your materials at the hospital. I count myself very lucky that I live in Canada. Even for you ladies in the states that have to pay for your stay in the hospital. I guess we are very lucky to have the healthcare system that we do in Canada.

DrHolly · May 2015

yeah we have to bring our own things like pads, nappies, baby clothes in Australia as the hospital doesn't supply them. but we don't pay to have the baby in the hospital so I guess if balances out. I bought 3 packs of 10 of different brands of pads when I saw them on special at the supermarket. I hope they'll get me through a couple of days at least until I get home!

butterfly061583 · May 2015

I purchased the Always brand protective underwear and also the purple Always brand overnight pads.

butterfly061583 · May 2015

My hospital will provide pads and knit undies, but I'm not sure if they will send me home with any.

clairelange · May 2015

I just bought some over night ones for "heavy flow", but thin ones - will they be ok?

Yup - very different in UK, it's not private health care. My cousin had her baby and was home within 3 hours! They don't mess around, nor make you stay for 2 days post baby like they do in the USA. In the UK they need the beds and only let you stay for as long as absolutely necessary - ie not very long! Lol

Mufflerlove · May 2015

Ignore me. Just realized I'm not even in my BMB

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stupid question about maternity pads, sorry!

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