Table of Contents
What are postpartum pads?
After childbirth, your body will go through many physical changes postpartum. An essential part of your postpartum care kit, postpartum pads are specifically designed to absorb your postpartum bleeding as well as potential bladder leaks. Since your vagina needs time to heal, you should only use pads, liners, or briefs rather than tampons to absorb your postpartum bleeding. You can use any of these incontinence products as a postpartum pad. Depending on your flow and needed absorbency, you can use pads, liners, or briefs. This product guide can help you identify the right one for you. You can also get a variety of products to prepare for when your flow gets lighter over time. Regardless of which product you choose, be sure to change them frequently to avoid the risk of infection or irritation.
Preparing for postpartum
During the postpartum recovery period, it is completely natural for your body to undergo a lot of change. After experiencing the stress of childbirth, your body may feel very different, you may experience changes in your appetite and mood, and you will likely experience bleeding for several days. In order to have a smooth healing process, you should procure some postpartum essentials (like postpartum pads) ahead of time to ensure that you have everything you need for postpartum care. Do not hesitate to contact a medical professional with any questions about what you may be experiencing.
What is postpartum urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a complication that may develop postpartum. Temporary incontinence is very common, and may be driven by weakened pelvic floor muscles that have just undergone the stress of childbirth. You may experience bladder leaks in addition to heavy bleeding for several days. A pelvic floor therapy specialist can help you perform kegels and other exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, and a professional can suggest nutritional modifications and other lifestyle changes that can mitigate your symptoms. Postpartum pads may be used to manage bladder leaks. All-natural pads are a postpartum must have. Be sure to buy dermatologist-approved pads that are soft and free of artificial ingredients, as your skin is likely to be especially sensitive during this time.
What is a postpartum care kit?
As part of your postpartum care, you should prepare by stocking up on supplies even if you don’t think you will experience complications. Many people experience heavy bleeding for several days after childbirth, and you will need postpartum pads that are especially soft and absorbent to manage your flow. You can purchase incontinence products in case of bladder leaks. These products can be multipurpose and can help you manage your incontinence symptoms in addition to heavy bleeding. Other items for your postpartum care kit can include disposable mesh underwear, cooling pads for discomfort, and epsom salts (consult your doctor before taking epsom salt baths).
Should I buy postpartum pads, briefs, or liners?
Depending on your flow and absorbency needs, you may want to purchase pads, briefs, or liners, or mix it up for different days. Liners are best for wicking away drips and spurts, while pads With this product guide, you can identify the incontinence products that are best for you. A starter kit can offer you a customized mix of products to try out both briefs and pads. Be sure to change your pads or briefs every few hours to minimize irritation and stay fresh.
What other essential postpartum resources are there?
Postpartum can be challenging both physically and mentally. Resources exist to address pain and heavy bleeding, and a physician can alert you to any potential complications that persistent bleeding may indicate. It may also be useful to seek out the help of a pelvic floor therapy specialist, especially in the case of urinary incontinence. You can find a specialist at this directory, and they may be able to advise you of exercises or behavioral adjustments to manage your incontinence symptoms. Furthermore, if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, seek out the help of a mental health professional.
Want More on Postpartum Health?
Learn More About Urinary Incontinence:
Take the Quiz: Finding the Right Product for you.
Normalize This: Urinary Incontinence