One of the most common questions for those about to have their first child is about the postpartum pad. How many do you use? Which brand should you buy? How long should you use it? Is it really necessary? Let’s clarify all these questions for women who are preparing for the most exciting moment of their lives! It’s a fact that each woman has a menstrual flow different from another, and during postpartum menstruation this is also true. Some women may have longer cycles than others after childbirth, and the key is knowing when and how to use postpartum pads.
What is a Postpartum Pad?
The regular pad is suitable for moderate and lighter flows. The nighttime pad holds a bit more, as it’s longer than the regular pad and also contains more gel to absorb blood. That’s why it’s also recommended for heavier flows and can be safely used postpartum. However, there are already several options on the market for pads even larger than nighttime ones. The postpartum pad is a very large pad, designed to handle the theoretically higher volume that can occur after childbirth, especially after a vaginal delivery. Because of its size, it covers from the middle of the buttocks to the upper part of the pelvis. Its thickness is also greater than regular pads. Some brands resemble the lining of adult diapers. In fact, some of them are actual diapers, but with some modifications.
Important: adult diapers are often used in maternity wards. Besides being practical for the nurses caring for women who have just given birth, they’re big enough to handle the bleeding with clots during the first few hours.
How to Choose a Postpartum Pad
Choosing the ideal postpartum pad can be a tricky task. You won’t know how much you’ll bleed after childbirth, and you also won’t know if you’ll really need to use the larger pad. However, it is necessary to pack the larger pad in the maternity bag for the mother, unless the hospital provides this item (usually the maternity hospital provides a list stating what is or isn’t supplied for the mother and baby). The menstrual flow tends to be very heavy after a vaginal delivery1, even more so than in a cesarean section. This is because, during a cesarean, most of the blood is removed when the placenta is taken out, whereas in vaginal delivery the remaining blood is expelled through the vagina through natural shedding. Therefore, we can conclude that, theoretically, women who will have or have had a vaginal delivery will need postpartum pads more than women who have had a C-section2. 
Can the Nighttime Pad Handle It? Are There Alternatives?
Yes, but you’ll need to change it much more frequently. The nighttime pad is very handy on days when leaks are less of a worry. It is advisable to bring nighttime pads to the maternity hospital. As for the number of packages, let’s say two for the first three days. This will be the most you’ll use. However, there are those who prefer, like, or opt to use disposable underwear, which already comes with a pad attached. These underwear are very similar to adult diapers, but with a sleeker look and less bulky than conventional diapers. These disposable underwear can be purchased in single packs or packs of eight, and are certainly great allies for postpartum women. Their fabric is very thin and some specialist brands, such as Plenitude, have a very high waistband and fit well without hurting the C-section scar if there is one. There are also alternative brands of the same underwear style, such as Tena. The size should be chosen according to weight, always remembering that the woman will be swollen and will need a larger size than she usually wears to avoid it being tight and uncomfortable. See also: Postpartum Underwear – Which is Best to Use? Photo: Ilithia
