Best Postpartum Pads Of 2020
We’ve all heard the horror stories that go along with delivering a baby. From contraction pain to the duration of delivery, there’s no doubt that it’s called labor for a reason- it’s hard work!
it’s called labor for a reason- it’s hard work! There is, however, a part of delivery that no one seems to mention.After all the breathing and pushing you’ll have your beautiful baby in your arms. But you’ll also have a lot of pain, swelling, and bleeding from the delivery. By finding the best postpartum pads for after delivery you can make yourself a little more comfortable in the early days of motherhood.
Rating | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | |||
2 | |||
3 | |||
4 | |||
5 |
Why is it important to have postpartum pads?
The number of products, gadgets and devices marketed to new and expectant mothers is mind-blowing. There are very few products that you truly need to care for yourself after having your baby. Taking care of your body after delivery should be your number one concern. After all, you can’t take care of your little one if you aren’t healthy.
Using the proper postpartum pads will keep your skin free of moisture to reduce healing time. Pads will also cut down on odor from postpartum bleeding and lochia.
Their primary purpose, however, is to collect a large amount of bleeding that occurs after delivery. There is no replacement for a good postpartum pad. They truly are a necessity for new moms. If you’d like to get an idea of some other products that may be useful during the postpartum period check out this video:
Who needs postpartum pads?
In preparation for your child’s arrival, you have undoubtedly started to plan. You have arranged a nursery, maybe taken a birthing class, and prepared a hospital bag. No matter what kind of delivery you will have, vaginal or cesarean, you will want to have the best postpartum pads at the ready.
Vaginal birth is the one most closely associated with postpartum vaginal bleeding and discomfort. With many vaginal deliveries, there is tearing or an episiotomy during birth which adds another level of discomfort.
Approximately 12% of vaginal deliveries require an episiotomy and as many as half of all deliveries require stitched. Combine this issue with a large amount of blood, and fluid loss as lochia and other birth material leave the body, and you will realize how important postpartum pads are.
Even if you are having your baby by C-Section, you will still experience postpartum issues. While you may not have an episiotomy or tearing, you will have a great deal of discharge. This discharge will require a postpartum pad to keep you dry, comfortable, and leak-free.
Postpartum pad timeline
Initially, after the birth of your baby, the amount of blood that you lose can be overwhelming. The hospital will have very large, thick, and absorbent pads that will help to collect this blood loss.
One of the best-kept secrets of the postpartum days is the lovely mesh underwear that is given to you in the hospital. Some women love them, some women hate them, but all women will find them incredibly useful.
Once you leave the hospital, you will need to have your own pads available for the days and weeks after delivery. You will probably need a variety of different pads based on the stage of recovery you are in.
Early days
In the early days, you will need a very thick and absorbent pad. You probably won’t be moving around much or wearing form fitting clothes so focus on the function of the pad rather than the attractiveness. Comfort is key!
Later weeks
As you move into the second week postpartum, your discharge should start to decrease but will remain consistent. You will want a pad that can handle a flow like the first few days of menstruation. You will probably be starting to move around a bit more so getting rid of that bulkiness down below will be a big plus.
The last months
Some women can bleed for up to six weeks postpartum. This blood loss should be minimal and require only a light pad or pantyliner. If you find that you are consistently losing a significant amount of blood you will want to contact your OBGYN immediately to rule out a serious medical condition.
What to look for in a postpartum pad
In addition to choosing pads based on how far along into recovering you are, you should also consider your personal needs and comfort. Many things affect how a pad will feel for daily use. With so many options, you should look at a variety of factors to make your final decision.
Material
This category is especially important for those who have sensitive skin or needed stitches after delivery. If a material is too rough, it will irritate the area and prolong your healing time. If the material is too loose or cottony, it may catch on stitches and healing wounds. Consider the material and know that if you are uncomfortable, there are many options available.
Shape
If you ever had problems with the shape of regular period pads, this is an area you will want to pay attention to. Some postpartum pads may be too wide, making them uncomfortable to walk in. Others may be too long for more petite women. Look for pads that are not more than 50% larger than the pads you use for your period, and you would have no trouble with comfort.
Adhesion
Keeping a postpartum pad in place during sleep or when moving around can be tricky. Look for a pad with at least one method of adhesion. A pad with either an adhesive strip on the back, wings to go around your underwear, or both will have a great chance of staying in place throughout the day or night.
Always Maxi Overnight Extra Heavy Flow with Wings
This is a brand that you are probably familiar with. Always has been trusted as a company for menstrual needs since 1984. While this pad is intended for overnight use for women with heavy flow, it is perfect for postpartum use. It’s ability to absorb a significant amount of blood and remain comfortable is everything you need in a postpartum pad.
Since you will experience a lot of bleeding the first few days after delivery, you will want to have a pad that can handle a lot of moisture. By choosing a more absorbent pad, you will also avoid having to change it frequently meaning you can spend more time snuggling your precious baby.
What We Liked
- Extremely absorbent
- Soft and comfortable
- Adhesive strip and wings keeps pad in place
- Extra-long for maximum protection
What We Didn’t Like
- May feel bulky
- May need to change more than hospital pad
Natracare New Mother Natural Maternity Pads
This postpartum pad by Natracare is specially made for the first few days after delivery. These pads are about an inch thick and are extra-long. The thickness and length help to avoid leaks while also providing maximum comfort.
These pads are the closest you will find to the pads you will be given in the hospital. Not only are they absorbent but they also have a soft material that will not irritate tears, stitches, or hemorrhoids. To amp up your relief, you can coat these pads in witch hazel and freeze before using to get a dose of cooking comfort along with leak protection. That’s new mom ingenuity at its finest!
What We Liked
- Made from plant-based, organic material
- No plastic
- Very thick and absorbent
- Gynecologist recommended
What We Didn’t Like
- No wings for secure hold
- More expensive than other brands
Poise Incontinence Ultra Thins
Created for women who experience bladder leakage, Poise pads provide light protection once the heavy bleeding has subsided. After the first week or so your bleeding will go from heavy to lighter but consistent. Some days will seem as though you’ve barely bled at all.
Poise pads are great during this time because they are not very noticeable are designed for daily wear.
Once you are experiencing only light bleeding and are feeling more active Poise pads may be a great choice to help you transition from heavy pads to nothing at all.
What We Liked
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Absorb-Lock core wicks away moisture and odor
- Dry-Touch layer keeps away wetness
- Can use for incontinence once postpartum bleeding subsides
What We Didn’t Like
- Not absorbent enough for early days
- Pad edges may irritate tender skin
Tucks Medicated Cooling Pad
Unlike the other pads on this list, Tucks Cooling Pads are not to be used for the absorption of blood after delivery. They are, instead, made to relieve some of the pain you feel from the undesirable product of vaginal delivery.
That’s right! In addition to your bundle of joy, you have probably brought home swelling, tearing, stitches, and hemorrhoids. The list of joys of motherhood just keeps getting longer!
While these ailments are not pleasant, they can be treated so that you are not in constant discomfort. By using Tucks Pads you can reduce the pain you experience, and they can alongside an absorbent pad. The relief these pads provide has landed them a spot on the list of best postpartum pads to consider.
What We Liked
- Cooling comfort for hemorrhoids and tears
- Immediate relief
- Witch hazel provides natural pain relief
- Can be put in fridge or freezer for more cooking comfort
What We Didn’t Like
- Not an absorbent pad
- Relief may not last very long
TENA Incontinence Pads for Women
Another pad designed for women with incontinence issues, TENA Pads are lightweight and absorbent for later in your postpartum experience. Many women have had great luck using these once bleeding slows.
You’ll want to get back to moving around as you did before birth once you feel you’re able to. Wearing a small pad designed for daily use can provide protection without getting in the way.
Choose the TENA Pad if you feel like the worst of your bleeding is over but you would still like to protect yourself from leaks and embarrassment. The length of this pad also makes it perfect for wearing overnight.
What We Liked
- Conforms to your body
- Dry-fast core locks in wetness
- Longer than traditional pads
- Adhesive strips keep pad in place
What We Didn’t Like
- Not absorbent enough for heavy bleeding
- Maybe too long to wear with some underwear
The Takeaway
The most important thing to take away from this breakdown of the best postpartum pads is the fact that there are many factors to consider. Postpartum pads are not a “one size fits all” product.
You will have to look at the different materials, shapes, sizes, and absorbencies to find the one that suits you. Don’t get discouraged if the first few postpartum pads you try aren’t working for you. Never deal with discomfort, especially during such a happy, memorable time in your life.
Conclusion
While the competition was fierce, these Natural Maternity Pads by Natracare have everything you will need for the worst part of your postpartum days and more. They are the closest you will find to the pads the hospital supplies you with. Trust me when I say that the hospital knows what it’s doing with their pads.
Since absorbency is essential when bleeding is at it’s heaviest these pads are an excellent choice. The overall length and thickness reduce the chance that you will have embarrassing leaks even when your bleeding is the worst.
Their ability to be made into cooling relief pads by adding witch hazel and freezing is a great feature that no other competitors have.If you are worried about how you will handle pain, swelling, and bleeding after having your baby these pads may be the right choice for you.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pee0kaW1Cwk