Are you preparing for your postpartum days? Have you stocked up on maternity pads for after birth yet? Don’t forget to do that, or you might land yourself in a sticky situation, quite literally!
Postpartum Bleeding: What to Expect
New mothers must comprehend the nuanced stages of postpartum bleeding, not only to anticipate the duration but also to address the fundamental question of "how many maternity pads do I need?"
The bleeding is a combination of vaginal secretions, blood and blood tissues. The bright, red bleeding can last for a week, after which it loses its color. In medical terms, this bleeding is known as ‘lochia’. Lochia has some key characteristics. They are as follows:
- Lochia has a sweet smell because it is the leftover tissues from your pregnancy
- Lochia is bright red and heavy within a week of your pregnancy
- Lochia does not increase or decrease as per your bodily excretions
These are some general rules for bleeding postpartum; if you notice anything that goes against these rules, you should visit a doctor immediately.
Why Do We Need Maternity Pads After Giving Birth?
For the simple reason, maternity pads are kinder to you and your body after you have given birth. Women experience postpartum bleeding and discharge after they have undergone a pregnancy. This bleeding is heavy and full of blood clots. It is nothing but the leftover tissues from your uterus. These blood tissues were lining the inner walls of your uterus in preparation for a comfortable place for the baby to stay in for the nine months of your pregnancy. Since they are no longer needed, they shed out your vagina in the form of blood flo
What to Look for in Postpartum Pads?
Selecting the right postpartum pads is a critical consideration for both comfort and hygiene during the postnatal recovery period. Here's what to look for in after birth pads:
- Comfort is Key in After Birth Pads: Let's face it, after childbirth, your body deserves the comfiest, cloud-like 'after birth pads'. Choose ones that feel like a hug for your nether regions.
- Super Absorbency: Staying dry is super important. So, choose maternity pads with the highest levels of absorbency to protect yourself from discomfort, irritation, rashes and infections.
- Size Matters: Bigger is better for pads for after giving birth! Go for pads that are built to take the heavy flow postpartum and are long, wide and thick to soak all the blood and vaginal discharge like a champ!
- Skin-Friendly: Your skin's been through a lot. Pick pads that are not just soft but are free of harmful chemicals, fragrances and toxins for your sensitive skin down there.
Friends Maternity Pads after delivery are soft, long and generally provide more comfort for the wearers.
Friends Maternity Pads are:
- Ultra-soft and super-absorbent
- Free of plastic coverings or ridges
- Chemical-fragrance free to protect you from irritants
- Filled with SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) that instantly soaks up the liquid and turns it into gel form
- Free of any chemicals at all to protect your sensitive skin
- Absorbs blood clots to let the top surface remain dry and free of moisture
How Many Maternity Pads Will I Need Postpartum?
If you want to prepare well in advance and you’re wondering, “how many maternity pads will I need postpartum?” or “how many pads to buy for postpartum?” Here is your answer. The use of maternity pads after birth will depend on the amount of bleeding you are experiencing.
Let us do the calculations for you. If you have to change pads after every four hours, you will have to stack up on at least six pads for a day. You will experience about four weeks of bleeding, so you will go through a minimum of a hundred and fifty pads.
Do not be alarmed by these numbers; you might experience bleeding that isn’t as heavy or did not last for exactly four weeks. We just mean that a hundred and fifty is a safe number of maternity pads to be stacked with in advance. If the prospect of buying a hundred and fifty pads all at once is scary for you, just keep buying 2-3 packets of maternity pads in advance.
Will it Make a Difference if You Replace Maternity Pads With Sanitary Pads?
The decision to replace maternity pads with standard sanitary pads during the postpartum period is an important consideration for new moms. Addressing the question of "how many maternity pads do I need" is intrinsically tied to the choice of pads used. Standard sanitary pads, while suitable for menstrual use, may fall short of effectively managing postpartum bleeding.
The fundamental difference lies in the design and functionality of pads for after giving birth, which are specifically crafted to accommodate the heavier flow associated with postpartum bleeding. After birth pads are larger, more absorbent, and provide enhanced coverage compared to their regular counterparts. Choosing to replace maternity pads with standard sanitary pads could result in discomfort, leaks, and a compromised ability to handle the intensity of postpartum bleeding.
Where Can You Buy Post-Delivery Pads?
After birth pads can be conveniently purchased at local pharmacies, supermarkets, and stores specializing in baby and maternity products. These retail outlets typically offer a variety of options to cater to individual preferences and comfort needs. Or just buy them online from your Amazon or Flipkart. Expectant mothers can browse through various brands and types, read reviews, and make informed choices from the comfort of their homes.
Plan and purchase maternity pads before the anticipated delivery date to ensure you are well-prepared for the postpartum recovery phase. This proactive approach will not just help you with taking care of yourself better but also allow you to enjoy the joys of motherhood.
Is it okay to use maternity pads?
Hello? Why are we still stuck on this question? You have seen plenty of reasons why you should dump your regular pads for handling postpartum bleeding and choose maternity pads instead. If you’re still having doubts, just ask na! Make that visit to your ob-gyn and ask away all of your doubts and concerns.
