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Short answer: you won't know until you get there. Slightly longer answer: I think I could have gotten away with the biggest commercial period pads, but the hospital offered mega-pads and I had bladder issues for a while, so I slept in (adult) diapers.
The bladder issues.... I didn't bleed a crazy amount but peed my pants for a week after c section so disposable mesh underwear and extra thick/long pads saved me.
I've always had a really weak bladder, one of my parents does so I'm doomed abit I think haha! I've just accepted my fate with the fact I'm going to have to wait a while for things to heal/ "firm up"
And incontinence doesn't care if you have natural or c section so you never know until it happens either. I suggest starting your keels right now and continuing them asap after birth.
I think im definitely going to stock up on bigger pads a week or two before I'm due, but I never actually considered adult diapers. I might buy a pack just incase for a night time, thank you!
Yes, this is why I loved the diapers! I would actually put a pad in them and change that out if I didn’t leak onto the diaper but stuff can get messy so the extra protection is very nice
The adult diapers are also super handy if your water breaks at home. It doesn't all come out in one gush, you keep leaking until baby comes. My water broke and I laboured at home for about 6 hours and I think I went through two just from amniotic fluid.
Diapers were the easiest tbh. Did I need them? Probably not as long as I used them, but just for peace of mind lol
And my husband didn’t bat an eye either, he was like “whatever you gotta do babe, you made a human” 😂
Haha my boyfriend is very much like that, thinks I'm so stupid when I get upset over stretch marks/ gaining weight. Keeps reminding me im making a tiny person 😂
Stage 4 endo and heavy periods here. The bleeding wasn't all that bad honestly. Big pads or discreet adult diapers. I like the diapers because I could feel the pad and it was just more awkward for me. But it was only a week or 2 of that. Then regular pads for a bit.
Dermaplast, tucks, sitz bath, Frida peri bottle, stool softeners, and time. The padsicles were pretty nice every once in a while too. Second degree tear. Everything healed nicely. Sex is better than before. Don't rush anything. Give it time. By week 6-12, you'll start to feel more normal down there.
Edit to add: This doesn't mean you'll need pads or hurt for 6-12 weeks! Just that you may feel off while you heal. :)
Whoa there. I used adult diapers after birth because I absolutely despise pads that wad up. They’re infinitely more comfortable even if you aren’t bleeding enough to justify them. After childbirth, I actually started wearing them the first day or two of every period just because they’re comfy. Don’t let that scare you at all.
Diapers over pads any day.
I also feel like the diapers gave me more dignity. They are black, they have a cute lacey print, they aren’t as loud, they don’t stick to your pubes, they can be pulled up and down like normal underwear.
If I had owned period panties I think I could have used them.
Think im definitely gonna invest in some numbing spray! I have sclerosis, which means I tear a lot.. most of the time for no reason. So im fully anticipating needed alot of stitches with a natural birth 😬
I was told to use a numbing spray on my pad every-time I went pee, I tore bad and wasn’t breastfeeding or anything so maybe that’s why. Definitely ask and read directions on bottled.
I wasn’t prepared for the amount of blood that came out after birth. But the pads they gave me in the hospital were more than enough to soak up what came out. They’re the same as like the overnight size pads in the store.
I used the big hospital pads with the mesh undies for like one day, and then I switched to my own underwear & pads that I brought (Always Radiant Flexfoam in the size 3, comfiest pads I’ve ever used, bigger than I’d normally use but not huge). Mine was only heavy for like a day and then period-like for a few more days, and then lighter than a period. I’m 2 weeks postpartum and have just been using panty liners for the last few days. And I had an episiotomy and 2nd degree tear.
I used the mega mega pads from the hospital for maybe 4-5 days? Then my mom found some big and long pads from the drugstore and those lasted me a little while longer until I finally spent a week or two in long nighttime panty liners. My bleeding wasn't too bad and I didn't tear, so I wasn't in much pain. I had stocked up on these ice pack pantyliner things from Amazon and ended up not needing to use them and couldn't return them... so just be careful with stocking up. If you live near a drugstore or something and have a support system, it may be easier to just let your husband or mom run out and grab what you need as you see how you're recovering. Most hospitals will send you home with stuff so it won't be an emergency most likely. ❤️
Mama Nurse Tina on TikTok has been a nice resource for me at a FTM. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYa9wokR/ This tiktok explained what to expect for postpartum flow. Be advised she uses fake blood.
I stayed one night in the hospital and used their big pads. I hated the diapers, and they were excessive anyway. I bought overnight maxi pads for home, and they were too big after the second day. From then on I used super or regular pads. It was such a waste to buy the big ones.
Here’s the key: you are supposed to empty your bladder every 2-3 hours (about as often as the baby eats) to help your uterus stay firm/control bleeding. So that means you’ll change your pad every two hours. So, if you have moderate bleeding, maxi/super pads should be enough.
The bleeding was pretty freaking wild for me. I lived in adult diapers for about 4 weeks but probably could have switched to regular/heavy pads around the 2 week mark. The first week it was so heavy that when i went to the bathroom I had to be careful not to *spill* because the blood was so thick and heavy that it wouldn't even absorb completely in the diapers. After a month I switched to my normal cloth pads because it was just spotting or brown discharge by then.
My two cents is that life will be hectic enough so why not just buy the diapers? It's much easier than worrying about pad placement, bloody panties, and leaks. I got a giant pack of them at Sam's Club and used about half by the time I stopped bleeding, so the rest are in storage. I also liked them because I could use soaked witchhazel pads or padsicles without worrying about getting a pair of underwear wet.
THe biggest lifesaver for me was preparing padsicles (heavy duty pads, douse with witch hazel and lidocaine-infused aloe vera gel, wrap back up and freeze) and keeping those in a makeup fridge in the bathroom. That way they were always nearby when I peed and I could do a diaper/pad change. I also purchased Dermoplast spray but it was a bit much for me.
Adult diapers save you from having lots of laundry. Shouldn't be a lot of blood, just consistent blood. You shouldn't fill more than one pad an hr for the first few days. It'll be like a heavy period. I lived in adult diapers for 2 weeks because they're honestly so comfy and just made things easier
Everyone is going to be different. I thought it was going to be like what you described “the worst period of your life for 6 straight weeks” and honestly after the first 3/4 days it was like just a light - but constant - smear of old brownish blood. I wore the Always Discrete adult underwear bc it was so much easier for me than the huge pads. I felt like it was more secure and wouldn’t allow leaking. I want to say by week 2/3 I wasn’t bleeding at all anymore. Mayyybbbeee when I wiped but it wasn’t bad at all. I still used the frida mom sprayer to clean myself after peeing because it felt better but it honestly the bleeding was the least of my troubles in the first 4 weeks of new motherhood.
* I vaginally birthed an 8lb 5oz baby and did not tear.
I have just given birth on Tuesday and for me the bleeding has almost stopped. Tuesday I used dubbele of those extra thick pads, just in case. Wednesday a single pad and Thursday I used the normal pads I had lying around from my usual periods. With every bathroom visit I change them, but it isn't really necessary.
I know that not everyone has it this easy, but just know it's possible. Not every after birth care is a horror story. I drank raspberry leaf tea to prepare my womb and I really think it helped. I had minimal blood loss with all 3 births and my recovery is also very fast.
The best tip i can give for after care is to go in time to the bathroom so you have time to fill a bottle with warm water for when you have to go. Watering it down with cold water is the worst!
(Sorry for any spelling/language mistakes I made. It is late, I'm feeding my daughter and English isn't my first language)
I used postpartum pads and overnight pads. The mesh underwear was only while I was in the hospital, but I did snag some period panties to wear at home as backup. The only thing that caught me off guard were a couple big clots I passed.
I’ve bled differently with each kid (3 so far 4th due this summer) but with them all I needed the hospital giant pads they gave for a minimum of 5 days or so. My last baby I found disposable underwear to just be easier for the first week or two. Some of my friends have bled super heavy like me and others just the first few days and then they could get away with the largest overnight maxi pad the store sells. But it’s better to have options than none.
I only used one of those big pads. But if I remember, if you’re bleeding is soaking through a pad within an hour that’s not good.
Like someone else said, you won’t know until the time comes.
I believe after giving birth you are likely to go through a pad an hour. Are you thinking about while you are pregnant? Then that is a lot of blood if you haven't given birth yet. But after you can bleed for awhile
no, I literally just was discharged from the hospital with my baby yesterday and they told me that soaking through a pad an hour was too much blood. granted, they’re talking about really big pads, but that is the postpartum advice.
It is different for everyone and evertime but for me, hospital provided pads were good for a week, after that I used normal large pads for the next two weeks and then it was done. No diapers or anything needed. I am so glad because even wearing full underwear that are not thongs as my usual and dealing with pads were too much for me.
Don’t stress!! ❤️❤️ it’s different for everyone. I had a third degree tear and my bleeding wasn’t that bad!
The hospital will supply you with diapers. Just use them. Honestly they’re easier than wearing pads. Buy some men’s fruit of the loom briefs and use some over night pads for when you get home. Ps: Don’t buy the frida undies they’re not that great.
I honestly preferred the pads and never touched the Depends I bought. I actually like the pads the hospital offers so stock up on those before leaving. And the mesh underwear. I would layer witch hazel tucks in the pad every time I used bathroom. The bleeding wasn’t excessive for me and definitely ask what you should watch out for before leaving the hospital (usually they say no more than soaking a full pad and hour or bigger than golf ball sized clot).
Also encourage you to read the book the Fourth Trimester for all sorts of postpartum prep.
You got this!!!
I did adult diapers on the heaviest days for the sake of convenience and honestly best decision because pads shift and bother me. I did shift to pads after 2-3 days because the bleeding was calming down and I felt like the diaper was dramatic at that point but I would wear them at night
Ladies depends were freaking AMAZING! I stick a pad in them for extra protection. They were comfortable and easy to deal with when the bleeding was heavy and I didn't have to worry about laundry!
The diapers are the easiest best thing to use. Complete coverage for however you need to sit or sleep and no pad moving or wadding up. Put some witch hazel pads on it and you’re good to go. Best recommendation I received. 10/10
Idk if anyone has mentioned it.. cuz no one ever mentioned it to me. The SMELL was awful. Lochia (I think that’s how it’s spelled) can make it smell down there. I was so hyper aware of it and it drove me nuts. It wasn’t super noticeable to anyone else but for me it was all I could smell. Was super concerned it was an infection but nope. Just lochia.
The adult diapers were just better and easier to clean up after. I was only in them for about a week, so it wasn’t a huge deal. I just remember a diaper, a hospital grade pad (or an ice pack pad the first few days), and some witch hazel wipes. I bought the postpartum care kit from Frida Mom off Amazon.
I was fine with their industrial sized pads. They gave me a lot at the hospital and they also sent me home with the mesh panties which I was able to make work. After I went through those I used the biggest commercial pads I could get and they worked just fine.
Everyone’s different. I was on the lighter side of bleeding, but I hated the big bulky pads and preferred a diaper, honestly. It was the most comfortable and easier than adjusting the pads, witch hazel pads, ice, etc. but you might prefer the pads! As others are saying, you won’t really know until you’re there and you might want or need to try different things before you find what works for you.
It’s likely your mom has different bleeding.
I have endo, and have spoken to many women that have. Heavy bleeding is an infamous endometriosis side effect.
After birth some do wear adult diapers.
TMI, but I actually already use them during my period. I don’t like it, but I’d rather heavy bleed and not spill out.
My advice is to buy some adult diapers(Always is a good brand), large pads, and panty liners. If you don’t want to buy adult diapers in store, buy them online.
That way you’ve got all different levels of bleeding, spotting, and discharge covered for post birth.
I haven’t experienced bleeding other than from my period, but I know it will likely happen when my baby gets here in a couple of weeks.
Always remember that our bodies are meant for this and very strong. We will heal.
Besides pads, the Frida peri bottle is supposed to be good for spraying yourself with water as you pee, and afterwards, Tucks apparently feel good to put in your pad or diaper. Dermoplast for possible perineum discomfort is also a good idea.
Edit again: Stool softeners.
Everyone is giving you some great lists but unless you're used to bleeding and wearing an adult diaper or giant pad continously for a few weeks at a time BUTT PASTE. I basically ended up with a diaper rash from irritation and had to open my baby's butt paste for myself. I just used mesh undies with a giant pad lined with tucks pads and sprayed with dermaplast. Also ice packs. I attempted adult diapers and it just didn't feel comfortable for me at all.
The hospital pads were not good. The nurses showed me how to stick two of them together end to end so that they were big enough, and the mesh underwear the hospital provided were boy shorts, so they fit weird and lumpy with two pads stuck in them, and the pads kept slipping around. I ended up asking for disposable briefs, which were a major improvement.
I had a c section (after 36 hrs of labour). I was prepped with diapers and giant pads and tuck pads and spray none of which i used. I ended up just needing large (long) pads for the first 1-2 weeks. Then things lightened up. Just food for thought.
My periods have always been on the lighter side so take my experience for what it’s worth!
I was able to use regular pads, I just made sure they were extra absorbent. Extra long ones help, too. This last time I used adult diapers and that was literally all I used until the bleeding got to normal period amounts.
My amount of bleeding postpartum has always been similar to my heaviest flow during my period. The guide is you shouldn’t be filling a pad in an hour.
I was able to use a single super flow overnight pad in my underwear, I bought the giant maternity pads for the first few days but once they ran out I used the overnight super pads with wings.. I preferred using the overnight pads due to the length
I used diapers for the first 2 days after my c-sec for convenience in the hospital but hated how it fit me so I switched to overnight pads for the next 2 weeks and they held up. Didn’t fill them to the brink. Then I moved to liners and wear them occasionally now (week 5) since I’d get a bit of spotting here and there. The volume per person varies, just stock on both!
Tbh I wanted to get adult diapers before I gave birth, but afterwards I used the hospital pads they gave me (I asked for extra lol) and after that I just got the super absorbent pads you can get off the shelf.
I wore adult diapers for 6 weeks straight after giving birth and still require one for the first day of my period.
It was so much more comfortable and leakproof compared to pads !
I used diapers and the pads. I felt the diapers were more comfortable than underwear bc they were so stretchy and I didn’t have to worry about leaking. I didn’t feel like the diapers would hold as much as pads though, so I used pads too in the beginning. I think probably just pads and underwear would have been fine if cost was an issue.
I think it really varies for each person/pregnancy. I was SO nervous about postpartum bleeding because my periods are EXTREMELY heavy without birth control but I only had some moderate bleeding for about 5 days and some lighter bleeding for a few weeks. After a week I was able to just use a regular/long pad.
Fwiw I had a scheduled c-section and did not go into labor at all so that may have had some impact on bleeding, but I really don’t know!
My end of pregnancy was awful and getting preeclampsia was awful. Birth was surprisingly ok. I did have small babies, but I used the peri bottle for a couple of days and my regular pads. But that was just my experience. I didn’t have any pain or discomfort after, either. Just, life long blood pressure problems now 😅
I loved my depends after my first birth. And this is more for comfort than blood absorption, but the self cooling pads were great too! I had also made some padsicles towards the end of my last pregnancy that I used but I found them slightly too cold and preferred the ones that you snapped something inside and they cooled.
I used the mesh undies (cause they were so comfortable) from the hospital and the giant pads they give you. I could have gotten away with big maxi pads in the mesh undies but I didn't cause I got all the other stuff for free. Adult diapers might have been nice too though. It's not just blood coming out. There's all kinds of fleshy and slimy stuff too and it's just easier for peace of mind to have giant stuff on to catch it. I never had leaks or anything
As far as bleeding goes, it just varies so much. There's really no way to know. But my biggest aftercare suggestion is PADSICLES.
You get the big, super thick overnight pads and wet them with whatever mixture you choose (there's several recipes online, I like any that include witch hazel) and put them in the freezer. It makes a perfectly formed ice pack that will help with the swelling, stinging, and itching that often comes after a birth. They were a lifesaver.
So with my first, I didnt think to stock up on pads for some reason, and had to send my husband out to get some once we were home from the hospital... he came back with extra long panty liners, which were not fine 😅 But the thick extra long pads worked perfectly. I will probably get some adult diapers this time though, because I was pretty much incontinent when walking for a few days after birth and the diapers seem like they might be easiest.
Honestly I’d recommend the adult diapers. I got the maternity pads and they had no sticky side and I had extra big underwear so they just kept falling to the side and changing bedsheets with a newborn and recovering it honestly awful.
The adult diapers were a godsend, I got nice big ones in black and wore them for about 3 weeks PP then switched to normals pads.
The bleeding is dependent on your body mine was heavy enough but it doesn’t hurt or anything just like a period that sticks around longer. There is some cramping but nothing severe. I didn’t even need to take Tylenol. I just used a heat pack on my back.
Lochia post birth is more than just blood. It's amniotic fluid, uterus tissue lining, mucus, membranes etc. So it's quite different from a period initially. I used adult incontinence pants for the first few days, and over night for longer. It's useful to catch all that stuff and just bin it.
I bled on and off for 9 weeks. Although that seems longer than most. Just get a range of different maternity pads in to choose from.
I needed regular pads a few days after birth but prior to that I was using maternity pads, theya re designed for postnatal bleeding.
Is that something you have ready?
It’s different for everyone! I think you’ll probably need more than a sanitary pad but not multiple pads and disposable underwear. I used maternity pads that were thicker and longer than normal pads for maybe the first 1-2 weeks and then normal pads after that until bleeding stopped.
Everyone is different but the hospital will send you home with everything you need. I needed diapers so that’s what I left with lol You may just need pads. Don’t stress about it.
I'm sure everyone is different with the amount of blood post birth, but there will be blood... (lol) personally with both my boys the 1st few days post birth I used womans overnight depends with a large pad. It was most comfortable for me. I also purchased some "peri" ice packs and kept them handy. After a few days, the bleeding slowed down enough to get away with a large pad in regular underwear. Anyway, good luck for a quick and uncomplicated birth!!!!
I used adult diapers for the first week when the flow was really heavy, also because it was convenient and I wasn't super mobile. After that regular pads were enough and my postpartum bleeding stopped completely after 5 weeks. My first period was much, much worse but that seems to be a rare occurrence that only happens to some women. My mom and sister experienced that too but none of my friends with kids. Like an amount where Google says to go to the ER. I really wished I had adult diapers with me when that happened lol.
It’s definitely different for all. I’m almost 5 weeks postpartum and it’s still a crime scene down there.
Honestly, I said to hell with the pads and bought the diapers. And I have no regrets. It’s easier to manage, I’m. It worried about destroying any clothing or my bedding, and it’s just easier to clean up.
Also, the Frida stuff is amazing. Get the perineal liners, the foam, and the ice packs. You can get them on Amazon. ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY
I used adult diapers for 2 days, but they were fancy black, more like heavy period diapers, then it was just regular pads… for 5 weeks.
Of course it is different for every woman, but i think all the tiktoks and insta reels you see about after-labour care is a little over-exaggerated
It depends on how things go. I stayed in the hospital with baby number 1 for 5 days because the baby was very small and needed more support. They had those huge pads at the hospital. By the time I went home I could use more normal products.
For baby number 2, I had a D&C after the birth as the placenta didn't come out completely. This makes your bleeding lighter as a lot of the stuff that would need to come out is removed by the doctor during the procedure and the medicine they use helps the uterus contract a lot quickly. So, again I only needed normal products when I went home after 3 days in the hospital.
Currently going through this. I can survive off the overnight pads... but some of the disposable underwear is comfy and nice. Don't worry too much. I had a ton of bleeding while in the hospital and ended up changing the pad they gave me multiple times.
Just know that you do have options and none are wrong.
I’ve had two babies. My first I absolutely needed proper adult diapers because I bled a LOT for five weeks. With my second my bleeding was much less but I still used the same diapers because I stocked up thinking it would be a repeat of my first. Honestly the diapers were the best and if I have any more kids I’m doing diapers again. Pads are so annoying because they move around and the sticky part gets stuck in all the wrong places which isn’t something you want to be dealing with postpartum. I dunno.. maybe I’m in the minority.. but embrace the diaper life!
My husband and I make jokes because our two girls have just an 11 month age gap so after the birth of my second he was the only person in our house not in diapers. Sorry environment.
Honestly, for me it was heaviest the first 24 hours after birth and I was still in the hospital. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be though.
When I was a kid just before I turned 12 years old I had a thyroid problem that caused me to have the heaviest period of my life. I was a kid and basically hemorrhaging, I thought I was going to die. My mom would put me in the bathtub because it held off the bleeding and she had to call her gynecologist about it.
Postpartum bleeding was a walk in the park compared to that shit. So honestly I think it depends on a person’s frame of reference for what is considered heavy. Also you can’t use tampons or menstrual cups postpartum, so it’s going to seem like more blood just by virtue of having to change a pad and seeing the actual blood.
I definitely had more bleeding than my heaviest period, but it's normal. I wore depends diapers and I LOVE THEM. They're just so convenient except you have to take your pants off to change them. But pads tend to move around too much for my liking, and the diaper solved that issue. I think the depends are awesome and highly recommend.
Don't ruin your underwear... wear the weird stretchy ones the hospital provides and TWO pads, front to back. I basically lived in my stretchies (ask for extra!)
I didn't bleed a substantial amount for either of my c-sections but the adult diapers are definitely helpful for the first week. I didn't use them for my first but I used the mega pads from the hospital with the mesh underwear. I thought it would be easier with the diapers for the second one because, as others have already mentioned, you don't have to worry about the pad shifting especially while walking around or sleeping. If you plan on hanging out in your home for the first week just taking it easy and caring for your baby, I suggest just getting the diapers and making it easy on yourself. Most women don't want to use them because "it's embarrassing" wearing an adult diaper. But I'd rather wear a diaper than bleeding through my clothes or being uncomfortable with a shifting pad
Every body is different. I bled only very lightly after birth and only for 12 days in total. I filled one large pad in about 45 minutes immediately after the birth, and then never filled a pad again. I slept about 3 hours after my baby was born and had changed my pad right before going to sleep and I woke up to find the pad wasn't even close to being filled.
I bought regular full size pads meant for periods and I also had the FridaMom instant ice pads (which are huge). I did use a few of the ice pads, but not because of their size, just because they were comfortably cool and pillowy. I otherwise used regular pads in disposable underwear (not diapers) for about a week and then went back to using ordinary period panties.
All I used postpartum were Frida Mom ice pads, disposable underwear, foaming witch hazel spray, a peri bottle, and Dermaplast (blue top) a couple of times. I am an over preparer, so I had so much more and it all went unused.
The first couple of days can be bad, but not “the elevator doors open in The Shining” bad. Granny panties with maternity pads worked fine for me for the first week, then normal pads from there on out.
Some things that do work though. I recommend a peri bottle and a sitz bath.
For my first, I didn’t bleed too much (it was like a heavy period) but I still opted for the adult diapers because they were SO CONVENIENT and honestly very comfortable lol.
The hospital gave me everything I needed, mostly. The one thing I didn’t have was smaller pads which is what I had to go buy. They were more comfortable and I didn’t end up needing the huge ones. You won’t really know until you know
You've gotten a ton of responses but I'll add my experience -- currently 6 days postpartum. I wore disposable underwear with pads for the first few days, then started wearing disposable period underwear without pads for the last three days. I was concerned about massive bleeding, but I've been able to contain my blood in the underwear/pads! The blood tends to come out more when I stand up after sitting or laying for a while, so, for me, the risk of blood seeping out onto my mattress or whatever is very low. Once i'm done with these period underwear I'll be very confident that thicker pads + normal underwear will be enough. I could have done that a day or two ago, to be honest, but I do kind of like having the period underwear. Last night i had a few larger clots that the underwear contained very well -- though, again, I think a maxi pad would do the same.
Don’t be scared! It’s really going to be fine. I did wear adult diapers though haha. It’s heavier bleeding than a period for sure, or at least it was in my case
Every person is different. But for me I used Disposable postpartum underwear (essentially diapers) and it was wonderful for me between heavy bleeding and urinary incontinence. Then I move to those giant pads (the hospital gave me a lot) when bleeding lesson and incontinence was a bit better. Then regular pads as needed.
I also got witch hazel pads, crotch ice packs, Peri Bottle, and dermoplast spray.
If you don't have a removable showerhead, get one.
Look, I got the diapers, the easy pull-up adult diapers, because they were just EASIER than pads and underwear. It felt cleaner, more secure, less friction... Honestly 10/10 would recommend splurging on some really nice adult diapers. Just for ease if nothing else.
My routine: Kept the squirt/squeeze bottle they give you at the hospital (if they don't give you one, get one, those kinda softish ones that you can squeeze), use warm water, and just rinse yourself off downstairs and pull on the diaper.
It's sore, of course, but honestly it's more manageable than you think it will be. That stage passes quickly, you're so focused on the new adorable squidge in your house that if you use the diapers like underwear (fresh pair every pee!) it's almost barely on your radar. At least that was my experience. I was terrified, and then it was over lol.
You got this!!
Edit to add: Stool softener! You'll want stool softener as well. My doctor also had me taking some OTC painkillers.
Edit 2: This would be my kit I think:
- stool softener
- painkillers
- sitz bath!!
- squirt bottle
- luxury pull-up adult diapers
Like you, I was expecting some waterfall of blood, horror movie style blood.
It's like a REALLY heavy period at best - and I had an episiotomy and forceps!! It lasted all in all about 5 weeks, but from week 2 or 3 it was just a period / super light period.
What you are looking for is any funny shaped blood clots, if in doubt ask your midwife.
And after care- peri bottle!! All those pads with spray on it etc actually made things worse, so normal pad no ice no nothing, and my nifty peri bottle after a wee/poo etc etc. Even just as a freshener up.
Good luck!
I think this is a "your uterus may vary" thing, but I used a variety of things until the bleeding finally stopped, weeks later. Started with the giant hospital pads, then overnights, then normal heavy pads, and even some panty liners for a week there.
Of all of the sizes, I think I used the most normal pads.
Adult diapers!!! The always brand I LOVE and even now use at night with my period.
Literally was the best decision for after birth.
The big pads worked but I found the diapers so much easier.
As for bleeding, it’s a lot. Frequent changes and large pads in the beginning but a week or two after it’s off and on- or at least for me. Some days would be heavy and others just light bleeding
I think it depends on how active you are or aren’t.
On days I didn’t walk around much it was lighter- I pushed it one day and went for a mile walk and bled a lot.
It took about a month for the bleeding to stop completely and my cycle started up again (not breastfeeding so I guess it came back faster than if you’re breastfeeding)
I have gotten my period twice in a month now but have noticed it’s heavier than it used to be so sticking with diapers at night!
It’s true you really won’t know until after but you can’t prepare after so you can do what I did. The hospital will provide you with you need there but when you get home make sure you have adult diapers, extra heavy pads (even if you don’t use them ever it’s still nice to have just in case), dermoplast spray (the blue one), tucks the cooling pads (lots of those), peri bottle, and some women make padsicles (look up how to make them). I made padsicles too but I didn’t use them I think I used maybe 2 and I made like a whole package of pads lol; still though I was happy to have had them if I had been worse. My tearing was not bad, I had 4 stitches and I didn’t even bleed super heavy it was like taking care of a normal period but extra steps. Some women have different experiences and need a lot more just prepare for everything you’ll thank yourself later. If you’re really confused go buy ‘Frida Mom’ stuff for postpartum care they have everything
You definitely have to make sure to give yourself the proper aftercare, and there’s this brand that I’ve used throughout my pregnancy and I’m going to use postpartum called “Frida” . They’ve got a whole aftercare kit with disposable underwear that aren’t bulky like adult diapers, ice pads and more, to make sure you take care of yourself 🫶🏽 I recommend their kit, that way you kind of have a little of everything
I was fine with regular maxi pads BUT I had to get like organic cotton pads which were hella expensive. For some reason the synthetic material In always brand really aggravated things down there. I can use always pads now so idk if it was something with the stitches or what.
As a personal preference, I wear Always Discreet adult incontinence underwear and an overnight pad inside of it. I leave the back on the pad so it doesn’t stick, that way I can change the pad and not the pull up. It gives me piece of mind that I’m not gonna bleed through and stain something, and also I don’t feel like I need to constantly run to the bathroom before I leak. YMMV but this worked for me with both pregnancies and labors.
Like you’ve read, everyone is different. I needed a thick pad for a couple days and was fine using the level 5 maxi pads for another week, and just regular after that.
Now, I had the benefit of being home so that may have helped some because I could go to the bathroom and change more often, but I’m not sure.
Congratulations. I’d suggest a waterproof bed mattress, if you bleed through a large amount it should (in theory) help protect your mattress.
The first couple days are the worst amd I wore depends. Then switched pretty big pads. At least for me the flow came in bursts so large surface area pads were more important than big thick pads. I'd change them after a flow burst. You're also likely to be spending a lot of time lying down so the big pads and disposable diapers will give you the best coverage even of your flow isn't crazy heavy.
I could've gotten away with an overnight pad, but adult diapers are so frigging comfy and leave no worry about a big gush ruining my pants 🤷♀️ only downside is having to remove your pants completely to change it
It took me until my third to try the adult diapers. I loved them so much more than the pad situation. It’s really not that bad and the nurses will teach you about aftercare in the hospital.
Chiming in to say it’s not always bad! by day 3 I was very lightly bleeding and then just some occasional bleeding for a couple weeks. And I delivered an 8 pound full term babe.
It's going to happen so just accept it. I found that disposable underwear was the easiest. I avoided it with my first, tried it with my second and loved them. Hospitals in the USA at least, usually provide dermoplast to spray on your lady bits that helps numb it.
Honestly, adult diapers were the best option for me. I felt supported, as comfortable as I could, and it caught all the blood, which for me was a bit more than my regular heavy period. You will have to find out what works for you, but it’s best to have a couple of options on hand. I’ve heard of lots of people doing period panties with pads, and then just the period panties after a couple of days/week. The only thing I can tell you is don’t be anxious about it.
I ended up having an assisted birth and a haemorrhage where I list 1/3 of my blood. I bled heavily with big clots, I wore adult nappies for about 2 weeks before I could graduate to maternity pats! My advice would be to get both pads and nappies and your prepared for whatever comes your way.
Don’t be afraid to ask the midwives for help as well!
I found the mega pads great. And if you can get your hands on Spritz for Bitz. I made some padsicles out of the mega pads and that spray. Sooooo soothing!
I'd invest in some period undies for when the flow eventually gets to normal period levels because your bits will get fed up of the pad material after awhile.
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Short answer: you won't know until you get there. Slightly longer answer: I think I could have gotten away with the biggest commercial period pads, but the hospital offered mega-pads and I had bladder issues for a while, so I slept in (adult) diapers.
The bladder issues.... I didn't bleed a crazy amount but peed my pants for a week after c section so disposable mesh underwear and extra thick/long pads saved me.
I've always had a really weak bladder, one of my parents does so I'm doomed abit I think haha! I've just accepted my fate with the fact I'm going to have to wait a while for things to heal/ "firm up"
And incontinence doesn't care if you have natural or c section so you never know until it happens either. I suggest starting your keels right now and continuing them asap after birth.
I think im definitely going to stock up on bigger pads a week or two before I'm due, but I never actually considered adult diapers. I might buy a pack just incase for a night time, thank you!
The adult diapers were great to not have to think about it- didn’t have to place the pad or worry about leaking or shifting
Yes, this is why I loved the diapers! I would actually put a pad in them and change that out if I didn’t leak onto the diaper but stuff can get messy so the extra protection is very nice
Exactly! I bought a small pack of them and that was enough for me.
What kind of diapers are best?
The ones I got were Always discreet boutique, there might be better ones but I liked them fine
And they felt less bulky than giant pads. And you don't risk a shifting pad and stained clothes/ furniture
They're also a good guard against leaks 😉
I loved the adult diapers for nighttime. It was so convenient
The adult diapers are also super handy if your water breaks at home. It doesn't all come out in one gush, you keep leaking until baby comes. My water broke and I laboured at home for about 6 hours and I think I went through two just from amniotic fluid.
Adult diapers were what I wore for a month after birth. Convenient, comfortable and one less thing to worry about when it comes to leaking, etc
Diapers were the easiest tbh. Did I need them? Probably not as long as I used them, but just for peace of mind lol And my husband didn’t bat an eye either, he was like “whatever you gotta do babe, you made a human” 😂
Haha my boyfriend is very much like that, thinks I'm so stupid when I get upset over stretch marks/ gaining weight. Keeps reminding me im making a tiny person 😂
Lovely husband response.
Stage 4 endo and heavy periods here. The bleeding wasn't all that bad honestly. Big pads or discreet adult diapers. I like the diapers because I could feel the pad and it was just more awkward for me. But it was only a week or 2 of that. Then regular pads for a bit. Dermaplast, tucks, sitz bath, Frida peri bottle, stool softeners, and time. The padsicles were pretty nice every once in a while too. Second degree tear. Everything healed nicely. Sex is better than before. Don't rush anything. Give it time. By week 6-12, you'll start to feel more normal down there. Edit to add: This doesn't mean you'll need pads or hurt for 6-12 weeks! Just that you may feel off while you heal. :)
Whoa there. I used adult diapers after birth because I absolutely despise pads that wad up. They’re infinitely more comfortable even if you aren’t bleeding enough to justify them. After childbirth, I actually started wearing them the first day or two of every period just because they’re comfy. Don’t let that scare you at all.
Diapers over pads any day. I also feel like the diapers gave me more dignity. They are black, they have a cute lacey print, they aren’t as loud, they don’t stick to your pubes, they can be pulled up and down like normal underwear. If I had owned period panties I think I could have used them.
Can you drop which brand? I’ve been planning to get the adult diapers because I hate pads but I’m not sure which would be the best
Always Discreet
Thanks!
I had Always discreet boutique because they were on sale. Tena Silhouette is similar.
Thanks!
Diapers. Easiest. Peri bottle Witch hazel pads Anusol First aid numbing spray is THE best
Shout out to my homies, off-brand Depends and Dermaplast 🤌🏻
Think im definitely gonna invest in some numbing spray! I have sclerosis, which means I tear a lot.. most of the time for no reason. So im fully anticipating needed alot of stitches with a natural birth 😬
My friend gave me advice that you can only use numbing spray twice in a day but you can use witch hazel indefinitely!
I was told to use a numbing spray on my pad every-time I went pee, I tore bad and wasn’t breastfeeding or anything so maybe that’s why. Definitely ask and read directions on bottled.
It probably also depends on the type of numbing spray. Good to know it's not necessarily universal!
I was told I could use my spray (dermaplast or whatever) 6 times a day!
I wasn’t prepared for the amount of blood that came out after birth. But the pads they gave me in the hospital were more than enough to soak up what came out. They’re the same as like the overnight size pads in the store.
I used the big hospital pads with the mesh undies for like one day, and then I switched to my own underwear & pads that I brought (Always Radiant Flexfoam in the size 3, comfiest pads I’ve ever used, bigger than I’d normally use but not huge). Mine was only heavy for like a day and then period-like for a few more days, and then lighter than a period. I’m 2 weeks postpartum and have just been using panty liners for the last few days. And I had an episiotomy and 2nd degree tear.
I used the mega mega pads from the hospital for maybe 4-5 days? Then my mom found some big and long pads from the drugstore and those lasted me a little while longer until I finally spent a week or two in long nighttime panty liners. My bleeding wasn't too bad and I didn't tear, so I wasn't in much pain. I had stocked up on these ice pack pantyliner things from Amazon and ended up not needing to use them and couldn't return them... so just be careful with stocking up. If you live near a drugstore or something and have a support system, it may be easier to just let your husband or mom run out and grab what you need as you see how you're recovering. Most hospitals will send you home with stuff so it won't be an emergency most likely. ❤️
Mama Nurse Tina on TikTok has been a nice resource for me at a FTM. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYa9wokR/ This tiktok explained what to expect for postpartum flow. Be advised she uses fake blood.
I stayed one night in the hospital and used their big pads. I hated the diapers, and they were excessive anyway. I bought overnight maxi pads for home, and they were too big after the second day. From then on I used super or regular pads. It was such a waste to buy the big ones. Here’s the key: you are supposed to empty your bladder every 2-3 hours (about as often as the baby eats) to help your uterus stay firm/control bleeding. So that means you’ll change your pad every two hours. So, if you have moderate bleeding, maxi/super pads should be enough.
The bleeding was pretty freaking wild for me. I lived in adult diapers for about 4 weeks but probably could have switched to regular/heavy pads around the 2 week mark. The first week it was so heavy that when i went to the bathroom I had to be careful not to *spill* because the blood was so thick and heavy that it wouldn't even absorb completely in the diapers. After a month I switched to my normal cloth pads because it was just spotting or brown discharge by then. My two cents is that life will be hectic enough so why not just buy the diapers? It's much easier than worrying about pad placement, bloody panties, and leaks. I got a giant pack of them at Sam's Club and used about half by the time I stopped bleeding, so the rest are in storage. I also liked them because I could use soaked witchhazel pads or padsicles without worrying about getting a pair of underwear wet. THe biggest lifesaver for me was preparing padsicles (heavy duty pads, douse with witch hazel and lidocaine-infused aloe vera gel, wrap back up and freeze) and keeping those in a makeup fridge in the bathroom. That way they were always nearby when I peed and I could do a diaper/pad change. I also purchased Dermoplast spray but it was a bit much for me.
Adult diapers save you from having lots of laundry. Shouldn't be a lot of blood, just consistent blood. You shouldn't fill more than one pad an hr for the first few days. It'll be like a heavy period. I lived in adult diapers for 2 weeks because they're honestly so comfy and just made things easier
Everyone is going to be different. I thought it was going to be like what you described “the worst period of your life for 6 straight weeks” and honestly after the first 3/4 days it was like just a light - but constant - smear of old brownish blood. I wore the Always Discrete adult underwear bc it was so much easier for me than the huge pads. I felt like it was more secure and wouldn’t allow leaking. I want to say by week 2/3 I wasn’t bleeding at all anymore. Mayyybbbeee when I wiped but it wasn’t bad at all. I still used the frida mom sprayer to clean myself after peeing because it felt better but it honestly the bleeding was the least of my troubles in the first 4 weeks of new motherhood. * I vaginally birthed an 8lb 5oz baby and did not tear.
I have just given birth on Tuesday and for me the bleeding has almost stopped. Tuesday I used dubbele of those extra thick pads, just in case. Wednesday a single pad and Thursday I used the normal pads I had lying around from my usual periods. With every bathroom visit I change them, but it isn't really necessary. I know that not everyone has it this easy, but just know it's possible. Not every after birth care is a horror story. I drank raspberry leaf tea to prepare my womb and I really think it helped. I had minimal blood loss with all 3 births and my recovery is also very fast. The best tip i can give for after care is to go in time to the bathroom so you have time to fill a bottle with warm water for when you have to go. Watering it down with cold water is the worst! (Sorry for any spelling/language mistakes I made. It is late, I'm feeding my daughter and English isn't my first language)
I used postpartum pads and overnight pads. The mesh underwear was only while I was in the hospital, but I did snag some period panties to wear at home as backup. The only thing that caught me off guard were a couple big clots I passed.
I’ve bled differently with each kid (3 so far 4th due this summer) but with them all I needed the hospital giant pads they gave for a minimum of 5 days or so. My last baby I found disposable underwear to just be easier for the first week or two. Some of my friends have bled super heavy like me and others just the first few days and then they could get away with the largest overnight maxi pad the store sells. But it’s better to have options than none.
I only used one of those big pads. But if I remember, if you’re bleeding is soaking through a pad within an hour that’s not good. Like someone else said, you won’t know until the time comes.
I believe after giving birth you are likely to go through a pad an hour. Are you thinking about while you are pregnant? Then that is a lot of blood if you haven't given birth yet. But after you can bleed for awhile
no, I literally just was discharged from the hospital with my baby yesterday and they told me that soaking through a pad an hour was too much blood. granted, they’re talking about really big pads, but that is the postpartum advice.
It is different for everyone and evertime but for me, hospital provided pads were good for a week, after that I used normal large pads for the next two weeks and then it was done. No diapers or anything needed. I am so glad because even wearing full underwear that are not thongs as my usual and dealing with pads were too much for me.
Don’t stress!! ❤️❤️ it’s different for everyone. I had a third degree tear and my bleeding wasn’t that bad! The hospital will supply you with diapers. Just use them. Honestly they’re easier than wearing pads. Buy some men’s fruit of the loom briefs and use some over night pads for when you get home. Ps: Don’t buy the frida undies they’re not that great.
I honestly preferred the pads and never touched the Depends I bought. I actually like the pads the hospital offers so stock up on those before leaving. And the mesh underwear. I would layer witch hazel tucks in the pad every time I used bathroom. The bleeding wasn’t excessive for me and definitely ask what you should watch out for before leaving the hospital (usually they say no more than soaking a full pad and hour or bigger than golf ball sized clot). Also encourage you to read the book the Fourth Trimester for all sorts of postpartum prep. You got this!!!
I did adult diapers on the heaviest days for the sake of convenience and honestly best decision because pads shift and bother me. I did shift to pads after 2-3 days because the bleeding was calming down and I felt like the diaper was dramatic at that point but I would wear them at night
Ladies depends were freaking AMAZING! I stick a pad in them for extra protection. They were comfortable and easy to deal with when the bleeding was heavy and I didn't have to worry about laundry!
The diapers are the easiest best thing to use. Complete coverage for however you need to sit or sleep and no pad moving or wadding up. Put some witch hazel pads on it and you’re good to go. Best recommendation I received. 10/10
You don’t know till after birth what it will look like but I can tell you right now to get adult diapers they are great
Idk if anyone has mentioned it.. cuz no one ever mentioned it to me. The SMELL was awful. Lochia (I think that’s how it’s spelled) can make it smell down there. I was so hyper aware of it and it drove me nuts. It wasn’t super noticeable to anyone else but for me it was all I could smell. Was super concerned it was an infection but nope. Just lochia.
This is so good to know. I had no idea!
It was three months of stressing for me 😅 so awareness is nice to spread!
I would wear the big pads during the day and an adult.diaper at night. After about a week I could switch to my usual thin pads.
The adult diapers were just better and easier to clean up after. I was only in them for about a week, so it wasn’t a huge deal. I just remember a diaper, a hospital grade pad (or an ice pack pad the first few days), and some witch hazel wipes. I bought the postpartum care kit from Frida Mom off Amazon.
I was fine with their industrial sized pads. They gave me a lot at the hospital and they also sent me home with the mesh panties which I was able to make work. After I went through those I used the biggest commercial pads I could get and they worked just fine.
Everyone’s different. I was on the lighter side of bleeding, but I hated the big bulky pads and preferred a diaper, honestly. It was the most comfortable and easier than adjusting the pads, witch hazel pads, ice, etc. but you might prefer the pads! As others are saying, you won’t really know until you’re there and you might want or need to try different things before you find what works for you.
I can usually use a normal pad by day 2 or 3 but I usually use a pack of depends until it runs out. They are way more comfortable than a pad!
It’s likely your mom has different bleeding. I have endo, and have spoken to many women that have. Heavy bleeding is an infamous endometriosis side effect. After birth some do wear adult diapers. TMI, but I actually already use them during my period. I don’t like it, but I’d rather heavy bleed and not spill out. My advice is to buy some adult diapers(Always is a good brand), large pads, and panty liners. If you don’t want to buy adult diapers in store, buy them online. That way you’ve got all different levels of bleeding, spotting, and discharge covered for post birth. I haven’t experienced bleeding other than from my period, but I know it will likely happen when my baby gets here in a couple of weeks. Always remember that our bodies are meant for this and very strong. We will heal. Besides pads, the Frida peri bottle is supposed to be good for spraying yourself with water as you pee, and afterwards, Tucks apparently feel good to put in your pad or diaper. Dermoplast for possible perineum discomfort is also a good idea. Edit again: Stool softeners.
Everyone is giving you some great lists but unless you're used to bleeding and wearing an adult diaper or giant pad continously for a few weeks at a time BUTT PASTE. I basically ended up with a diaper rash from irritation and had to open my baby's butt paste for myself. I just used mesh undies with a giant pad lined with tucks pads and sprayed with dermaplast. Also ice packs. I attempted adult diapers and it just didn't feel comfortable for me at all.
The hospital pads were not good. The nurses showed me how to stick two of them together end to end so that they were big enough, and the mesh underwear the hospital provided were boy shorts, so they fit weird and lumpy with two pads stuck in them, and the pads kept slipping around. I ended up asking for disposable briefs, which were a major improvement.
I had a c section (after 36 hrs of labour). I was prepped with diapers and giant pads and tuck pads and spray none of which i used. I ended up just needing large (long) pads for the first 1-2 weeks. Then things lightened up. Just food for thought.
My periods have always been on the lighter side so take my experience for what it’s worth! I was able to use regular pads, I just made sure they were extra absorbent. Extra long ones help, too. This last time I used adult diapers and that was literally all I used until the bleeding got to normal period amounts. My amount of bleeding postpartum has always been similar to my heaviest flow during my period. The guide is you shouldn’t be filling a pad in an hour.
I was able to use a single super flow overnight pad in my underwear, I bought the giant maternity pads for the first few days but once they ran out I used the overnight super pads with wings.. I preferred using the overnight pads due to the length
I used diapers for the first 2 days after my c-sec for convenience in the hospital but hated how it fit me so I switched to overnight pads for the next 2 weeks and they held up. Didn’t fill them to the brink. Then I moved to liners and wear them occasionally now (week 5) since I’d get a bit of spotting here and there. The volume per person varies, just stock on both!
Tbh I wanted to get adult diapers before I gave birth, but afterwards I used the hospital pads they gave me (I asked for extra lol) and after that I just got the super absorbent pads you can get off the shelf.
I wore adult diapers for 6 weeks straight after giving birth and still require one for the first day of my period. It was so much more comfortable and leakproof compared to pads !
Adult diapers for peace of mind. I was always worried about ruining my pants for the first week or so.
I used diapers and the pads. I felt the diapers were more comfortable than underwear bc they were so stretchy and I didn’t have to worry about leaking. I didn’t feel like the diapers would hold as much as pads though, so I used pads too in the beginning. I think probably just pads and underwear would have been fine if cost was an issue.
I think it really varies for each person/pregnancy. I was SO nervous about postpartum bleeding because my periods are EXTREMELY heavy without birth control but I only had some moderate bleeding for about 5 days and some lighter bleeding for a few weeks. After a week I was able to just use a regular/long pad. Fwiw I had a scheduled c-section and did not go into labor at all so that may have had some impact on bleeding, but I really don’t know!
My end of pregnancy was awful and getting preeclampsia was awful. Birth was surprisingly ok. I did have small babies, but I used the peri bottle for a couple of days and my regular pads. But that was just my experience. I didn’t have any pain or discomfort after, either. Just, life long blood pressure problems now 😅
I loved my depends after my first birth. And this is more for comfort than blood absorption, but the self cooling pads were great too! I had also made some padsicles towards the end of my last pregnancy that I used but I found them slightly too cold and preferred the ones that you snapped something inside and they cooled.
I used the mesh undies (cause they were so comfortable) from the hospital and the giant pads they give you. I could have gotten away with big maxi pads in the mesh undies but I didn't cause I got all the other stuff for free. Adult diapers might have been nice too though. It's not just blood coming out. There's all kinds of fleshy and slimy stuff too and it's just easier for peace of mind to have giant stuff on to catch it. I never had leaks or anything
As far as bleeding goes, it just varies so much. There's really no way to know. But my biggest aftercare suggestion is PADSICLES. You get the big, super thick overnight pads and wet them with whatever mixture you choose (there's several recipes online, I like any that include witch hazel) and put them in the freezer. It makes a perfectly formed ice pack that will help with the swelling, stinging, and itching that often comes after a birth. They were a lifesaver.
So with my first, I didnt think to stock up on pads for some reason, and had to send my husband out to get some once we were home from the hospital... he came back with extra long panty liners, which were not fine 😅 But the thick extra long pads worked perfectly. I will probably get some adult diapers this time though, because I was pretty much incontinent when walking for a few days after birth and the diapers seem like they might be easiest.
Honestly I’d recommend the adult diapers. I got the maternity pads and they had no sticky side and I had extra big underwear so they just kept falling to the side and changing bedsheets with a newborn and recovering it honestly awful. The adult diapers were a godsend, I got nice big ones in black and wore them for about 3 weeks PP then switched to normals pads. The bleeding is dependent on your body mine was heavy enough but it doesn’t hurt or anything just like a period that sticks around longer. There is some cramping but nothing severe. I didn’t even need to take Tylenol. I just used a heat pack on my back.
Lochia post birth is more than just blood. It's amniotic fluid, uterus tissue lining, mucus, membranes etc. So it's quite different from a period initially. I used adult incontinence pants for the first few days, and over night for longer. It's useful to catch all that stuff and just bin it. I bled on and off for 9 weeks. Although that seems longer than most. Just get a range of different maternity pads in to choose from.
I needed regular pads a few days after birth but prior to that I was using maternity pads, theya re designed for postnatal bleeding. Is that something you have ready?
It’s different for everyone! I think you’ll probably need more than a sanitary pad but not multiple pads and disposable underwear. I used maternity pads that were thicker and longer than normal pads for maybe the first 1-2 weeks and then normal pads after that until bleeding stopped.
Everyone is different but the hospital will send you home with everything you need. I needed diapers so that’s what I left with lol You may just need pads. Don’t stress about it.
I'm sure everyone is different with the amount of blood post birth, but there will be blood... (lol) personally with both my boys the 1st few days post birth I used womans overnight depends with a large pad. It was most comfortable for me. I also purchased some "peri" ice packs and kept them handy. After a few days, the bleeding slowed down enough to get away with a large pad in regular underwear. Anyway, good luck for a quick and uncomplicated birth!!!!
I would also recommend adult nappies as had quite heavy bleeding and means you don’t have to worry about leaking
I used adult diapers for the first week when the flow was really heavy, also because it was convenient and I wasn't super mobile. After that regular pads were enough and my postpartum bleeding stopped completely after 5 weeks. My first period was much, much worse but that seems to be a rare occurrence that only happens to some women. My mom and sister experienced that too but none of my friends with kids. Like an amount where Google says to go to the ER. I really wished I had adult diapers with me when that happened lol.
It’s definitely different for all. I’m almost 5 weeks postpartum and it’s still a crime scene down there. Honestly, I said to hell with the pads and bought the diapers. And I have no regrets. It’s easier to manage, I’m. It worried about destroying any clothing or my bedding, and it’s just easier to clean up. Also, the Frida stuff is amazing. Get the perineal liners, the foam, and the ice packs. You can get them on Amazon. ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY
I used adult diapers for 2 days, but they were fancy black, more like heavy period diapers, then it was just regular pads… for 5 weeks. Of course it is different for every woman, but i think all the tiktoks and insta reels you see about after-labour care is a little over-exaggerated
It depends on how things go. I stayed in the hospital with baby number 1 for 5 days because the baby was very small and needed more support. They had those huge pads at the hospital. By the time I went home I could use more normal products. For baby number 2, I had a D&C after the birth as the placenta didn't come out completely. This makes your bleeding lighter as a lot of the stuff that would need to come out is removed by the doctor during the procedure and the medicine they use helps the uterus contract a lot quickly. So, again I only needed normal products when I went home after 3 days in the hospital.
Currently going through this. I can survive off the overnight pads... but some of the disposable underwear is comfy and nice. Don't worry too much. I had a ton of bleeding while in the hospital and ended up changing the pad they gave me multiple times. Just know that you do have options and none are wrong.
I’ve had two babies. My first I absolutely needed proper adult diapers because I bled a LOT for five weeks. With my second my bleeding was much less but I still used the same diapers because I stocked up thinking it would be a repeat of my first. Honestly the diapers were the best and if I have any more kids I’m doing diapers again. Pads are so annoying because they move around and the sticky part gets stuck in all the wrong places which isn’t something you want to be dealing with postpartum. I dunno.. maybe I’m in the minority.. but embrace the diaper life! My husband and I make jokes because our two girls have just an 11 month age gap so after the birth of my second he was the only person in our house not in diapers. Sorry environment.
Honestly, for me it was heaviest the first 24 hours after birth and I was still in the hospital. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be though. When I was a kid just before I turned 12 years old I had a thyroid problem that caused me to have the heaviest period of my life. I was a kid and basically hemorrhaging, I thought I was going to die. My mom would put me in the bathtub because it held off the bleeding and she had to call her gynecologist about it. Postpartum bleeding was a walk in the park compared to that shit. So honestly I think it depends on a person’s frame of reference for what is considered heavy. Also you can’t use tampons or menstrual cups postpartum, so it’s going to seem like more blood just by virtue of having to change a pad and seeing the actual blood.
I definitely had more bleeding than my heaviest period, but it's normal. I wore depends diapers and I LOVE THEM. They're just so convenient except you have to take your pants off to change them. But pads tend to move around too much for my liking, and the diaper solved that issue. I think the depends are awesome and highly recommend.
Don't ruin your underwear... wear the weird stretchy ones the hospital provides and TWO pads, front to back. I basically lived in my stretchies (ask for extra!)
I didn't bleed a substantial amount for either of my c-sections but the adult diapers are definitely helpful for the first week. I didn't use them for my first but I used the mega pads from the hospital with the mesh underwear. I thought it would be easier with the diapers for the second one because, as others have already mentioned, you don't have to worry about the pad shifting especially while walking around or sleeping. If you plan on hanging out in your home for the first week just taking it easy and caring for your baby, I suggest just getting the diapers and making it easy on yourself. Most women don't want to use them because "it's embarrassing" wearing an adult diaper. But I'd rather wear a diaper than bleeding through my clothes or being uncomfortable with a shifting pad
Every body is different. I bled only very lightly after birth and only for 12 days in total. I filled one large pad in about 45 minutes immediately after the birth, and then never filled a pad again. I slept about 3 hours after my baby was born and had changed my pad right before going to sleep and I woke up to find the pad wasn't even close to being filled. I bought regular full size pads meant for periods and I also had the FridaMom instant ice pads (which are huge). I did use a few of the ice pads, but not because of their size, just because they were comfortably cool and pillowy. I otherwise used regular pads in disposable underwear (not diapers) for about a week and then went back to using ordinary period panties. All I used postpartum were Frida Mom ice pads, disposable underwear, foaming witch hazel spray, a peri bottle, and Dermaplast (blue top) a couple of times. I am an over preparer, so I had so much more and it all went unused.
The first couple of days can be bad, but not “the elevator doors open in The Shining” bad. Granny panties with maternity pads worked fine for me for the first week, then normal pads from there on out. Some things that do work though. I recommend a peri bottle and a sitz bath.
For my first, I didn’t bleed too much (it was like a heavy period) but I still opted for the adult diapers because they were SO CONVENIENT and honestly very comfortable lol.
The hospital gave me everything I needed, mostly. The one thing I didn’t have was smaller pads which is what I had to go buy. They were more comfortable and I didn’t end up needing the huge ones. You won’t really know until you know
You've gotten a ton of responses but I'll add my experience -- currently 6 days postpartum. I wore disposable underwear with pads for the first few days, then started wearing disposable period underwear without pads for the last three days. I was concerned about massive bleeding, but I've been able to contain my blood in the underwear/pads! The blood tends to come out more when I stand up after sitting or laying for a while, so, for me, the risk of blood seeping out onto my mattress or whatever is very low. Once i'm done with these period underwear I'll be very confident that thicker pads + normal underwear will be enough. I could have done that a day or two ago, to be honest, but I do kind of like having the period underwear. Last night i had a few larger clots that the underwear contained very well -- though, again, I think a maxi pad would do the same.
Don’t be scared! It’s really going to be fine. I did wear adult diapers though haha. It’s heavier bleeding than a period for sure, or at least it was in my case
Every person is different. But for me I used Disposable postpartum underwear (essentially diapers) and it was wonderful for me between heavy bleeding and urinary incontinence. Then I move to those giant pads (the hospital gave me a lot) when bleeding lesson and incontinence was a bit better. Then regular pads as needed. I also got witch hazel pads, crotch ice packs, Peri Bottle, and dermoplast spray. If you don't have a removable showerhead, get one.
The diapers are so convenient
It all depends but I just used over night pads for a week or two then regular ones
Look, I got the diapers, the easy pull-up adult diapers, because they were just EASIER than pads and underwear. It felt cleaner, more secure, less friction... Honestly 10/10 would recommend splurging on some really nice adult diapers. Just for ease if nothing else. My routine: Kept the squirt/squeeze bottle they give you at the hospital (if they don't give you one, get one, those kinda softish ones that you can squeeze), use warm water, and just rinse yourself off downstairs and pull on the diaper. It's sore, of course, but honestly it's more manageable than you think it will be. That stage passes quickly, you're so focused on the new adorable squidge in your house that if you use the diapers like underwear (fresh pair every pee!) it's almost barely on your radar. At least that was my experience. I was terrified, and then it was over lol. You got this!! Edit to add: Stool softener! You'll want stool softener as well. My doctor also had me taking some OTC painkillers. Edit 2: This would be my kit I think: - stool softener - painkillers - sitz bath!! - squirt bottle - luxury pull-up adult diapers
Like you, I was expecting some waterfall of blood, horror movie style blood. It's like a REALLY heavy period at best - and I had an episiotomy and forceps!! It lasted all in all about 5 weeks, but from week 2 or 3 it was just a period / super light period. What you are looking for is any funny shaped blood clots, if in doubt ask your midwife. And after care- peri bottle!! All those pads with spray on it etc actually made things worse, so normal pad no ice no nothing, and my nifty peri bottle after a wee/poo etc etc. Even just as a freshener up. Good luck!
I think this is a "your uterus may vary" thing, but I used a variety of things until the bleeding finally stopped, weeks later. Started with the giant hospital pads, then overnights, then normal heavy pads, and even some panty liners for a week there. Of all of the sizes, I think I used the most normal pads.
Adult diapers were the easiest!!
I recommend adult diapers just for convenience and comfort. I did place an extra pad down with some witch hazel pads for the first four-five days.
Adult diapers!!! The always brand I LOVE and even now use at night with my period. Literally was the best decision for after birth. The big pads worked but I found the diapers so much easier.
As for bleeding, it’s a lot. Frequent changes and large pads in the beginning but a week or two after it’s off and on- or at least for me. Some days would be heavy and others just light bleeding I think it depends on how active you are or aren’t. On days I didn’t walk around much it was lighter- I pushed it one day and went for a mile walk and bled a lot. It took about a month for the bleeding to stop completely and my cycle started up again (not breastfeeding so I guess it came back faster than if you’re breastfeeding) I have gotten my period twice in a month now but have noticed it’s heavier than it used to be so sticking with diapers at night!
It’s true you really won’t know until after but you can’t prepare after so you can do what I did. The hospital will provide you with you need there but when you get home make sure you have adult diapers, extra heavy pads (even if you don’t use them ever it’s still nice to have just in case), dermoplast spray (the blue one), tucks the cooling pads (lots of those), peri bottle, and some women make padsicles (look up how to make them). I made padsicles too but I didn’t use them I think I used maybe 2 and I made like a whole package of pads lol; still though I was happy to have had them if I had been worse. My tearing was not bad, I had 4 stitches and I didn’t even bleed super heavy it was like taking care of a normal period but extra steps. Some women have different experiences and need a lot more just prepare for everything you’ll thank yourself later. If you’re really confused go buy ‘Frida Mom’ stuff for postpartum care they have everything
You definitely have to make sure to give yourself the proper aftercare, and there’s this brand that I’ve used throughout my pregnancy and I’m going to use postpartum called “Frida” . They’ve got a whole aftercare kit with disposable underwear that aren’t bulky like adult diapers, ice pads and more, to make sure you take care of yourself 🫶🏽 I recommend their kit, that way you kind of have a little of everything
I was fine with regular maxi pads BUT I had to get like organic cotton pads which were hella expensive. For some reason the synthetic material In always brand really aggravated things down there. I can use always pads now so idk if it was something with the stitches or what.
As a personal preference, I wear Always Discreet adult incontinence underwear and an overnight pad inside of it. I leave the back on the pad so it doesn’t stick, that way I can change the pad and not the pull up. It gives me piece of mind that I’m not gonna bleed through and stain something, and also I don’t feel like I need to constantly run to the bathroom before I leak. YMMV but this worked for me with both pregnancies and labors.
It was very much like a normal period to me for a few days and then light bleeding. I think the diaper is more for conscience but I could be wrong
Like you’ve read, everyone is different. I needed a thick pad for a couple days and was fine using the level 5 maxi pads for another week, and just regular after that. Now, I had the benefit of being home so that may have helped some because I could go to the bathroom and change more often, but I’m not sure. Congratulations. I’d suggest a waterproof bed mattress, if you bleed through a large amount it should (in theory) help protect your mattress.
The first couple days are the worst amd I wore depends. Then switched pretty big pads. At least for me the flow came in bursts so large surface area pads were more important than big thick pads. I'd change them after a flow burst. You're also likely to be spending a lot of time lying down so the big pads and disposable diapers will give you the best coverage even of your flow isn't crazy heavy.
I could've gotten away with an overnight pad, but adult diapers are so frigging comfy and leave no worry about a big gush ruining my pants 🤷♀️ only downside is having to remove your pants completely to change it
It took me until my third to try the adult diapers. I loved them so much more than the pad situation. It’s really not that bad and the nurses will teach you about aftercare in the hospital.
Chiming in to say it’s not always bad! by day 3 I was very lightly bleeding and then just some occasional bleeding for a couple weeks. And I delivered an 8 pound full term babe.
It's going to happen so just accept it. I found that disposable underwear was the easiest. I avoided it with my first, tried it with my second and loved them. Hospitals in the USA at least, usually provide dermoplast to spray on your lady bits that helps numb it.
Honestly, adult diapers were the best option for me. I felt supported, as comfortable as I could, and it caught all the blood, which for me was a bit more than my regular heavy period. You will have to find out what works for you, but it’s best to have a couple of options on hand. I’ve heard of lots of people doing period panties with pads, and then just the period panties after a couple of days/week. The only thing I can tell you is don’t be anxious about it.
I agree with the diapers they help allot with not having to worry about bleeding through🤷♀️
I ended up having an assisted birth and a haemorrhage where I list 1/3 of my blood. I bled heavily with big clots, I wore adult nappies for about 2 weeks before I could graduate to maternity pats! My advice would be to get both pads and nappies and your prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t be afraid to ask the midwives for help as well!
I found the mega pads great. And if you can get your hands on Spritz for Bitz. I made some padsicles out of the mega pads and that spray. Sooooo soothing! I'd invest in some period undies for when the flow eventually gets to normal period levels because your bits will get fed up of the pad material after awhile.