postpartum cloth pads??

[tngirl11]

Hi ladies,
I wasn't exactly sure where to ask this question, but I would like to start using cloth pads. I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant, so for now I'm just wondering what would be the best thing to use for postpartum bleeding. I see so many different kinds out there, so I was wondering what you found best for the heavier bleeding right after delivery and then for the lighter stuff as it tapers off. I might be interested in making my own too, so I'd take any advice on how you make yours if you do that, although I'm not sure if I could get to that right now since I still have more sewing to do for the baby!

[Ola_]

I don't have any experience there, but I wanted to bump up your question.

I know from reading that generally you'll want some post-partum/heavy pads at the beginning and then you can switch to heavy/regular/light pads for the rest. The latter you will be able to use during your period so I think investing there will pay off. As far as the post-partum pads, I think it depends on your flow how "heavy" they need to be. Those pads are normally longer, and many also have wider/flared ends.

As far as where to get them, I'm a big fan of Homestead Emporium and lately I've been looking at Tree Hugger but I haven't tried any of those yet.

[crunchy_mommy]

My whole stash (except for like 3 I made myself) are from http://gemcloth.webs.com/ -- Michelle's pads are awesome AND cute (which makes me happy, and bleeding normally does NOT make me happy!!) I like the Ruby ones the best, and she makes all sizes and can customize them as well if you have some crazy request! I have not used them post-partum yet but the overnight/pp ones I use for AF work great. Oh and she's also the cheapest I've found & very good quality.

[fruitfulmomma]

For the really heavy first days I think that prefold diapers work best and are very inexpensive comparatively.

[Mamato3wild ponnie]

I used the lunapads postpartum pack....and loved it...just loved it. OH did i mention i loved them...and now i used them for overnights....so they didnt go to waste. I loved taking them out of the dryer and putting them on post partum...oh soooo nice!

[tngirl11]

Thanks for your replies! I actually ended up finding a lady online who makes them herself for a good price. She had some really great customer reviews, including for her heavy/postpartum pads, so I'm excited to use them. Regular disposable pads have always irritated me something awful, but I never thought about cloth until recently. I imagine it will feel so much better!
One other question: Do I need to wash them several times before the first use like you do with cloth diapers? Thanks!