Postpartum Pads?

[Mawood]

I am gathering some postpartum utensils as I am due in January. It is my first birth and today I was going to buy the nursing pads and some pads for me to wear after the birth. Which ones are the most appropriate ones: the one for women with a bladder weakness like Tena; or just the regular or overnight pads for the monthly menstruation. Any preferences? How strong will the blood flow be after birth? Thank You!

[cessation]

I believe the thick pads for mensus is best the 1st day or so. Then I would use something like the Always Infinity pad because it's thinner but holds a good amount with no leakage. The level of blood varies.

[AnabellasMama]

I used depends/poise undergarments for the first few days. It made things easier with not having to worry about leaking all over etc. Then I used always ultra thin overnights and they worked just fine.

[Jane]

I can't stand the plastic feeling of depends. But they are very popular.

You'll only need super long, super heavy overnights for the first 1-3 days, then regular maxi pads work fine. You'll have many more pantiliner days than maxipad days if you're like most women. If I had to put number on it, I'd get 20 supers, 20 regulars and a big box of liners. Not that you'll soak that many pads (no way!), but you'll be changing regularly for the first few days.

I do really really like the new infinity pads. They are awesome. I don't recommend the regular Always becuause the plasticy top layer can contribute to a diaper rash when used over the course of 2-3 weeks.

[mwherbs]

Always pads have also been associated with infections so I not only don't recommend them I warn against them for post-partum use - there are some peach plastic backed pads that often come in birth kits- or try the super overnight pads that are either kotex or stay free or the store brands that are like them- you do not want any that have a plastic surface that touches your skin. the thing I like about super overnight pads is they tend to be very long and often blood will just follow along a crack and leak in the whole region, so a long pad can help protect your bedding and clothes - I also like the old fashioned OB pads that do not have plastic backing at all

[Mawood]

Thanks so much, that was very helpful advice! Maren