Okay, let’s talk about postpartum pads, or as I like to call them, “mommy diapers.” Because let’s be real, after pushing a tiny human out of your body, you’re going to need something a little more heavy-duty than your usual pads.
So, I remember when I had my first baby. I thought I was prepared. I had the nursery ready, the cute little outfits, the diapers. But no one really prepared me for the postpartum bleeding. I had packed some regular pads in my hospital bag, thinking they would be enough. Boy, was I wrong!
The first time I got up to use the bathroom after giving birth, it was like a scene from a horror movie. Blood everywhere. My regular pads were no match for this. I quickly learned that postpartum pads are a whole different ball game.
- First of all, they’re huge. Like, seriously huge. Think of a regular pad, and then double or triple its size. They’re long, they’re wide, and they’re thick. And trust me, you’re going to need all that extra coverage.
- Second, they’re super absorbent. I mean, these things can hold a lot of liquid. They’re designed to handle the heavy flow of blood, also known as lochia, that you’ll experience for several weeks after giving birth.
- And finally, they’re comfortable. Okay, maybe “comfortable” is a strong word. They’re not exactly like walking on clouds, but they’re definitely softer and more cushiony than regular pads. And when you’re feeling sore and tender down there, that extra comfort can make a big difference.
Now, I tried a few different brands of postpartum pads, but my personal favorite was the Rael Organic. I found these pads in a store. They’re made with organic cotton, so they’re breathable and gentle on your skin. Plus, they’re not too expensive. I used these pads with some disposable underwear after I got home from the hospital, and they were a lifesaver.
How many pads do you need? Well, that depends on your flow. But a good rule of thumb is to change your pad every four hours or so. So, if you do the math, that’s at least six pads a day. And since you’ll likely be bleeding for about four weeks, you’re going to need a lot of pads. Like, a whole lot.
Here are a few tips
- Stock up before you go to the hospital. Trust me, the last thing you want to do after giving birth is run to the store for pads.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for more pads at the hospital. They have plenty, and they’re happy to give them to you.
- Consider using padsicles. These are frozen pads that can help soothe your perineum after delivery. You can make them yourself by soaking pads in witch hazel and aloe vera, then freezing them.
- Don’t use tampons or menstrual cups for at least six weeks. Your vagina needs time to heal after childbirth, and using tampons or cups too soon can increase your risk of infection.
Postpartum bleeding is not fun, but it’s a normal part of the postpartum recovery process. And with the right pads, you can make it a little more manageable. So, stock up on those mommy diapers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You’ve got this, mama!
