When packing your hospital bag for your delivery day, one item that tops the checklist and is highly recommended by experienced mothers is maternity pads. It may sound like generic advice at first, but once the delivery happens, the rationale becomes clear.
Postpartum bleeding can be heavy, more sudden, and way more unpredictable than a regular menstrual cycle. Your body is stitched, tired, tender, and trying its best to recover.
In such a difficult situation, the last thing you should worry about is discomfort and leakage. This is when maternity pads after delivery become your silent, everyday support: absorbent, gentle on stitches, and designed to handle post-birth bleeding and discharge.
What Are Maternity Pads?
Maternity pads are exclusively designed for post-delivery use and are made to handle heavy blood flow. Compared to regular sanitary pads, they're thicker, softer, longer, and more absorbent. They protect your perineal area, cushion your stitches, and help you feel secure as your body adjusts to the recovery process. They are an important part of post-delivery care, helping keep you comfortable during recovery.
Why New Mothers Need Maternity Pads?
Your body releases lochia, a mix of blood, fluids, and tissues that your uterus naturally sheds after childbirth. This bleeding can continue for up to 6 weeks and may change in colour, texture, and flow over time. It is absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure during these early days, particularly when the bleeding does not resemble your usual period.
Here's why maternity pads after delivery are vital:
1. Heavier Postpartum Flow
Postpartum bleeding can be extremely heavy in the first few days. Regular pads simply cannot support the continuous flow or sudden gushes. Post delivery pads are designed to absorb a much larger volume of blood, so you feel safe even when your body surprises you.
2. Gentle on Skin & Stitches
After giving birth, even soft sanitary pads might feel rough if you have stitches, swelling, or sensitive skin. Post delivery pads are usually softer, smoother, and free from harsh chemicals or plastic ridges. This helps avoid skin irritation.
3. Better Hygiene, Lower Infection Risk
Maintaining hygiene is very important after delivery. A good pad that absorbs and locks away wetness can help prevent odour and bacterial growth while maintaining your comfort.
4. Peaceful Recovery
Having the right pad means you are not constantly checking for stains or leaks, allowing you to rest and recover with greater peace of mind.
What Are the Types of Maternity Pads?
New mothers are often unaware of the options available to them. Understanding the differences helps you choose the best one for your body.
1. Sticker-Strip Maternity Pads
They look similar to sanitary pads, but are thicker and stay firmly in place for post-delivery use. They're ideal if you're seeking a familiar sensation and are comfortable wearing underwear after delivery.
2. Elastic-Loop Maternity Pads
These after pregnancy pads can be worn without underwear. They're particularly helpful if you've stitches, swelling, or too much sensitivity around the vulva or perineal area. The elastic loops keeps them secure, avoiding friction that could irritate your skin.
3. Super Absorbent Heavy-Flow Pads
These after pregnancy pads are made for the days when you bleed heavily. They keep leakage discomfort at bay with their maximum absorbency, so you can focus on resting or caring for your newborn.
4. Regular-Flow Postpartum Pads
You can switch to these when your flow reduces. They provide sufficient comfort and protection without the bulk of high-absorbency pads.
How to Pick the Best Maternity Pads?
A good maternity pad does more than just absorb bleeding. It helps maintain comfort during the healing period.
Here’s how Friends Maternity Pads are the right fit for you:
1. Gentle, Skin-Friendly Material
Your body is recovering from one of the biggest experiences of your life. Anything fragrant, rough, or plastic-lined can irritate. Friends maternity pads are ultra-soft and free of chemicals, making them safe for sensitive postpartum skin.
2. High Absorption Capacity
You need pads that can absorb sudden gushes without leakage. Friends maternity pads use Super Absorbent Polymers that instantly turn liquid into gel and lock it away, keeping you dry for hours.
3. Fit & Comfort
If you feel sore or swollen, or experience discomfort with stitches, the elastic-loop maternity pad can provide real relief. It stays securely in place without causing discomfort in sensitive areas.
4. Breathability
A breathable pad keeps you dry, reducing skin irritation. This is important because sweat and friction worsen healing.
5. No Added Chemicals or Fragrance
New mothers often have heightened sensitivity. Chemical fragrances can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Friends postpartum maternity pads are fragrance-free and suitable for post-delivery use.
How Many Pads Do You Need Postpartum?
Most mothers need 8 to 10 maternity pads per day during the first few days. After childbirth, the postpartum flow decreases over time, but many women still need to use maternity pads for about 6 to 8 weeks.
It’s helpful to stock at least:
- 2 to 3 packs of heavy-flow maternity pads for the initial weeks
- 1 to 2 packs of regular-flow packs for later weeks
You can always adjust this based on your workflow and preference.
Conclusion
Choosing the right maternity pads after birth helps ensure comfort during recovery. They help you feel safe, dry, supported, and less stressed about bleeding when your body heals. With Friends maternity pads, you get reliable absorption and softness suited for post-delivery use. We ensure you feel cared for during every step of your post-delivery recovery.
Product Recommendations
FAQs
1. How many maternity pads do you need postpartum?
It depends on how heavy your flow is, but most mothers use 8-10 pads per day during the first week. Keeping enough stock ensures you’re not uncomfortable or stressed, particularly when the flow is heavy.
2. Why aren’t regular sanitary pads ideal for postpartum bleeding?
Regular pads cannot manage your postpartum flow. They don’t absorb enough, are too small, and might feel rough if you have stitches or sensitive skin. Maternity pads are more comfortable, and keep you cleaner and better protected while you’re healing.
3. How many times should I change maternity pads?
Change your pad every 3 to 4 hours, or sooner if they feel too wet. This helps prevent infection and makes you feel comfortable.
4. Can maternity pads help prevent infection?
Yes. Maternity pads help keep the area dry and clean by providing maximum absorbency. This helps reduce wetness, which in turn helps prevent infection.
5. Do maternity pads cause irritation?
Good-quality pads should not cause irritation. Friends maternity pads are made without strong chemicals or fragrances. They are soft enough for delicate postpartum skin.
