Postpartum Comfort: All Things Pads!
You have just arrived home with your new baby, it is an exciting time… but also a time that can feel a little overwhelming due to all the immediate physical changes in your body. One topic I don’t think we talk about enough is postpartum bleeding. So, in this blog we will discuss what postpartum bleeding is and the resources we can get to prepare!
Postpartum Bleeding:
Postpartum bleeding is known as lochia. Lochia is normal vaginal discharge that occurs after giving birth and is part of the healing process. When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall there are blood vessels that still need to heal. Your uterus will contract even after birth, commonly called “afterpains” or “postpartum cramping,” in order to help with the healing of the blood vessels, shed the uterine lining that supported your baby in pregnancy and help return the uterus to its smaller size.
How long will postpartum bleeding last?
Postpartum bleeding can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. You can expect heavier bleeding the first week that gradually decreases each week. You will want to keep an eye on your bleeding. For example, if you are filling a pad in under an hour or if you pass a clot larger than a golf ball, you should contact your OBGYN and head to the hospital. If you notice that your bleeding was decreasing and then suddenly increases, it means you are doing too much too soon and should slow down. Remember, the postpartum timeframe is a time of recovery, transition and bonding with baby. Note, if you have had a cesarean delivery you should still be paying attention, you can also expect bleeding but it will likely be lighter and shorter.
What do I need to get?
Pads on pads!
There is still a wound that is healing in the uterus and due to that wound and risk of infection it is recommended that you do not put anything into the vagina for the first 6 weeks postpartum.
This is why we need…..Pads on pads!
Let's break down what types of pads are best when!
0-7 days:
Larger pads combined with mesh underwear are your best friend. For pads, I would consider getting pads like this that are long, thick and absorbent. Since these pads are going into your mesh underwear - I would refrain from buying pads with wings. If you gave birth at a hospital they are usually very generous about letting you take home all the extra mesh underwear in your room, so I wouldn’t worry about buying them unless you would really like to be prepared. If you did not give birth in a hospital, I would consider buying mesh underwear like this or this. I think high waisted are more comfortable in general, but especially if you have had a cesarean delivery!
If you would like the option of an adult diaper, this is a good option.
8-15 days:
During this time frame the bleeding is usually decreasing. You will start to move away from mesh underwear back to your regular underwear. I would consider getting some really comfortable postpartum underwear and I am obsessed with this brand. If you are a big fan of pads with wings, you can move back to buying pads with wings. Regular AND light absorbency pads are good for this time frame.
Another great option, if you are earth conscientious, would be wearing washable pads.
16 -20 days and beyond:
Now we can expect our bleeding to be getting light. In this time frame you could stick with your washable pads, move to a panty liner or even consider postpartum leakproof period underwear!
I hope this blog all about pads and postpartum bleeding was helpful. It is SO IMPORTANT to plan for postpartum in the prenatal period!
If you would like more resources here is a FREE GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR POSTPARTUM.
If you are in the Columbus area and interested in working with me, click this link!
In health,
Emma Lengerich PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, PCES, Doula Foundations PelvicPhysio, LLC Orthopedic & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist & Birth Doula Follow me on instagram: @emma_pelvichealth Subscribe to my newsletter: Click Here!
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