Buy at least two or three packs of 12 maternity pads. You may need to change your pad every hour or two hours after giving birth. This will reduce to every three hours or four hours over the next two days. Be sure to buy maternity pads, rather than ordinary sanitary towels.
Maternity pads – after giving birth, either vaginally or by caesarean, you'll have bleeding like a period for a few weeks. This can be heavy, especially in the first few days, so bring a lot of special maternity pads with you. Tampons and menstrual cups are not recommended during this time.
You may need to change your menstrual pad every 1–3 hours. You may also pass a few small blood clots no bigger than 2 cm (¾ inch).
Dr. Langdon says for the first week or so, a postpartum pad is the best bet to control the mess. After the first week, c-section moms can use a tampon if they like, while women who delivered vaginally may prefer to keep using a pad, particularly if they have any kind of tear.
Good to Know
If you're changing your pad every four hours, you'll need a minimum of six pads a day for the duration of the bleeding which, on average, lasts four weeks (so it's safe to assume you'll go through 150+ pads).
Both are beneficial to have on hand, and many moms like to use them together. It is all about preference! It is often best to wear postpartum diapers for the beginning of your recovery and switch to maternity pads after the first week or two.
In the first 1–2 days after your baby is born, bleeding is usually bright red in colour. On the first day you may soak up to one sanitary pad each hour. Over the next several days, the bleeding will slowly get less each day and change colour from bright red to a pink or brown colour and then to a creamy colour.
If you're not comfortable wearing nightgowns, go for pajama bottoms with a wide, soft waistband that won't bother your incision.
Best Postpartum Pads for Stitches
New moms love that Stayfree pads have a soft surface that won't aggravate stitches or tender, still-healing areas. The shape is designed to protect you from leaks when you're lying down, so they're also great for nighttime.
Check regularly when you go to the bathroom. You might notice a feeling of wetness or dampness, occurrence of stains or the pad may feel heavy in your undies. These are all signs that the pad may be full.
You're likely to need: clean bed clothes and towels. clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby. 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.
Aim to purchase three to four packs of 10 maternity pads before your baby is born, taking two packs into hospital with you. You'll need to pack so many in your hospital bag because your post-natal bleed will be at its heaviest immediately after your baby is born and you may need to change your pad every hour or two.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, will help you recover from your c-section. But avoid anything more active until you have no pain and you feel ready. For example, avoid driving, carrying anything heavy, having sex or doing heavy housework, such as vacuuming, until you feel able to.
Side sleeping position
For some people, right after back sleeping, side sleeping is the second most comfortable position. For people recovering from abdominal surgery, it's a great option since it doesn't put additional pressure on your incision, and makes getting in and out of bed easier.
In most cases, sleeping on your back may be the best option to relieve any pressure on your incision. Try placing a pillow under your knees or sometimes a smaller pillow for your neck to find a balance that works for you. If you're sleeping on your back, it is very important not to sit up directly from this position.
In fact, women typically bleed up to a half-quart of blood following a normal delivery and up to a quart of blood after a cesarean section (C-section). However, about 3 to 5 percent of new moms experience excessive blood loss, or postpartum hemorrhage.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia.
Many new moms are surprised by how much they bleed after having a baby. For two to three weeks after a vaginal or cesarean section (C-section) delivery, they experience what looks like a heavy period. This is called lochia, a mix of blood and uterine tissue the body doesn't need after pregnancy.
In the first week or two, you'll want to just use a peri bottle (filled with warm tap water) and gently blot dry with super-soft TP or, even better, medicated wipes (such as Tucks). You should be sent home with a peri bottle from the hospital — if not, ask for one before leaving.
Baby wipes or hemorrhoid pads are usually more gentle than toilet paper. If you use toilet paper, use only soft, undyed, unscented toilet paper. Take warm soaks in a tub or a sitz bath.
Yes! You'll need to bring nappies and wipes to the hospital. Although the hospital will have some nappies and wipes available, you'll be expected to bring enough for your baby.
Compared to sanitary pads maternity pads are much longer, thicker and softer. They have been designed to be more absorbent and gentle on your skin compared to sanitary products. Even if you used tampons before your birth it is best not to use tampons after you have given birth as this could lead to infection.