All you need to know about Post pregnancy pads

What are the best post pregnancy pads?

For any woman who has ever been pregnant, they will know what a post pregnancy pad is. Unfortunately this is also something that is necessary to wear after a stillbirth, miscarriage or abortion. For this article, however, we will focus on women who have given birth, but it is still a source of information for other uses of postpartum pads. Where these pads were always big, bulky things, there are now options out there to make your life easier and more comfortable.

What are postpartum pads?

Postpartum pads are a necessity after childbirth. Whether you went the natural route or had a C-section, these postpartum pads will be part of your life for a while after giving birth. These pads differ from normal pads in the fact that it has a bit more padding to offer the necessary cushioning you might need if you have stitches or perineal pain. These pads are also highly absorbent since there will be quite a lot of bleeding postpartum. Remember that during a pregnancy, a women’s body will increase the volume of blood by 30-50%. All that blood needs to go somewhere after you’ve given birth. And that is where postpartum pads come in. After nourishing your growing baby for 9 months, it now needs to come out. Think of it as the heaviest period you’ve ever had in your life! So, in a way, both you and your baby are now wearing nappies.

Best postpartum pads

There is a wide range of postpartum pads to choose from, and it may seem like a daunting task to pick the right ones when you’re packing your hospital bags. Because, trust me, you do not want to use the pads that the hospital keeps in stock. It literally feels like you’re walking with a pillow between your legs! One product that keeps popping up is the Lady Anion Night Pads(postpartum pads). These pads have so many positive aspects about it. Not only do they neutralise odours, but they also release healing anions. To further add to the comfort, they are extra length and wider at the back, with non-toxic adhesive double wings at the front and back to make sure that the pad stays in place. They are also good for the environment as they are made of certified organic cotton, and they have a biodegradable gel which helps with the effective absorption of the blood. Although slightly more expensive than the big company brands, it is definitely worth every penny as you are not only ensuring your own comfort and safety, but also making sure that you are kind to the planet.

How long do you bleed for after giving birth?

The heaviest bleeding happens within the first 3 days after delivering the baby. This is called lochia, and consists of blood, pieces of the uterine lining, white blood cells, and mucus. After the initial 3 days, your bleeding should get to a level where you can move over to normal pads. After about a week, you should be able to move over to panty liners. This timeline shows the progression of expulsion, and you will notice it in the colour as well. From bright red blood to the brownish spotting that a woman experiences during a normal period. As mentioned above, your body produces more blood by up to 50%, and all that blood cannot come gushing out in one go. And it is not only blood. There is so much going on down there, and you have to ensure that you keep a close eye on your uterine and vaginal health during this time. But watch out for postpartum haemorrhaging. If you are still bleeding heavily after the third day and the blood is bright red, there might be a very big problem. Postpartum haemorrhaging can be very serious and even fatal. There are a couple of other symptoms to watch out for, which includes blood clots bigger than a plum, soaking more than one pad an hour, rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, and feeling faint. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to go back to the hospital or at the very least go and see your doctor as soon as possible. As the saying goes; rather safe than sorry.

How many pads do you need postpartum?

Calculating that you would change your postpartum pad approximately every 2 hours within the first 3 days, you are looking at about 36 postpartum pads. This will also help you track how much you are bleeding, and if there is cause for concern. Although postpartum haemorrhaging only occurs in 5% of women, the risk is always there. And the sooner it is noticed, the sooner you can get help.

Postpartum underwear

Probably the most unflattering piece of underwear you will ever wear, is postpartum panties. The great thing about them is that they help push out whatever is left inside, and they shape your stomach. Most women who have worn this has testified that it has helped them reduce abdominal distention as it helps the abdominal muscles to return to its natural position.

Postpartum disposable underwear

The disposable postpartum underwear is, in my opinion, the messiest and most uncomfortable thins anyone can wear. But that’s just my personal opinion, so don’t take my word for it. Many women prefer these disposable panties, as they don’t have to struggle with placing the pad and wings. Especially women who have had a C-section will prefer these, as they are easy to put on and take off again. This takes the strain off of the incision site, and can be put on with assistance from another person. At the end of the day it comes down to preference and comfort. There is also pricing to take into consideration, as the disposable underwear is a much cheaper alternative. Most of the time this is also what the hospital will give you to wear as they can put it on for you without a struggle.