Top Nine Exceptional Maternity Pads for Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, is a mix of mucus, blood, and tissue from the uterus that occurs after childbirth. In this article, we will discuss the recommended options for postpartum pads and underwear, factors to consider when choosing these products, and what to do if you experience unusual bleeding.
Recommended Postpartum Pads and Underwear Options
Disposable maternity briefs or postpartum underwear are highly recommended, especially in the first few weeks postpartum when bleeding is heaviest. These products combine absorbency with comfort and convenience, replacing old bulky pads and “granny pants.”
Popular brands offering disposable postpartum underwear with varying absorbency and features include:
- Emma Jane Assorted Color Disposable Maternity Briefs – best for travelling.
- NUK Disposable Maternity Briefs – best suited for C-section recovery.
- Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence Pants – favored for comfort.
- Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear – best for leak protection.
- Boots Maternity Disposable Briefs – convenient for portability.
- Tena Pants Super (Large) – excels in odor prevention.
Postpartum recovery underwear with features like 4-way stretch, high seamless waist, and compatibility with ice/heat packs are recommended for additional support and healing comfort.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Postpartum Pads and Underwear
- Absorbency: Choose underwear or pads with absorbency suited to your bleeding level, which can initially be very heavy.
- Comfort and Fit: Look for soft, breathable, stretchy fabrics that conform well to changing postpartum body shapes.
- Ease of Use and Hygiene: Disposable underwear can simplify post-birth hygiene and reduce laundry stress, particularly in the early weeks.
- C-section Compatibility: If you had a surgical birth, select briefs designed to avoid irritation or pressure on the incision site.
- Leak Prevention and Odor Control: Some brands offer enhanced leak protection and odor control, important for confidence and hygiene.
- Additional Features: High-waisted designs can provide gentle belly support; some underwear is designed to accommodate reusable ice/heat packs for pain relief and healing.
- Vaginal Sensitivity: Postpartum vaginal dryness and sensitivity are common due to hormonal changes, so using soft materials and avoiding irritation from overly rough pads or underwear materials is advisable.
Summary
For managing postpartum bleeding, disposable postpartum underwear with high absorbency tailored to your birth type (vaginal or C-section) and comfort preferences is the recommended option. Consider key factors such as absorbency level, comfort, fit, leak and odor control, and any additional features like compatibility with ice packs to support healing. Prioritize materials and designs that accommodate sensitive postpartum skin and ease hygiene management.
Investing in a few different types of maternity pads is a good idea. A person may need to change their maternity pad every one to two hours in the first few days after giving birth, and the total number of pads a person needs will depend on how much they bleed at first, how quickly the bleeding tapers off, and how long the discharge continues.
Organic, absorbent, and disposable pads are available from Organyc, suitable for people with sensitive skin or birth injuries. The Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Pads are the best organic pad, while the Stayfree Ultra Thin pad is the best thin pad.
If you experience unusual bleeding, such as bleeding that stops completely for a day or more, then starts again; soaking through more than one pad per hour for more than 2 hours; passing a clot larger than a golf ball; a foul smell from the vagina; passing many large clots within a short period; rapidly soaking through each pad in 15 minutes or less; feeling or noticing blood pouring out of the vagina; symptoms, such as confusion, lightheadedness, or fainting, it is essential to call a doctor or midwife immediately.
The Tree Hugger Organic Bamboo Night PostPartum Pads are the best cloth pad, and the Thinx Super Hi-Waist is the best period underwear for postpartum. These eco-friendly options offer a sustainable alternative to disposable pads and underwear.
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- Higher absorbency postpartum underwear like the Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear or the Tena Pants Super (Large) are recommended for managing heavy postpartum bleeding.
- For women with sensitive skin or birth injuries, organic pads like the Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Pads could be a suitable option.
- If experiencing unusual bleeding such as passing a clot larger than a golf ball, rapidly soaking through each pad in 15 minutes or less, or feeling lightheadedness or fainting, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
