During the time of bearing a child and the birth process, a woman experiences an incredible number of physiological changes that require long-term rehabilitation. The recovery process should be accompanied by a variety of stimulating and adaptive means that will help you “get back on your feet” in the shortest possible time. Considering the fact that childbirth entails the restructuring of various body systems, including excretory ones, this forces one to resort to special postpartum pads, which differ significantly from classic or everyday options.

What are postpartum pads and why are they needed?

The fact is that in the first time after pregnancy for several months, each mother is faced with such a phenomenon as abundant discharge with blood impurities, which are called lochia. In order to reduce the risk of infection in the body and feel normal, you should resort to such a hygiene product as postpartum pads. So the question of whether postpartum pads are needed or not, in itself, disappears.

Allocations remain with a woman for five to six weeks - this is all very individual. In the first days after childbirth, the discharge is abundant, and comes out in large volumes with a bright color. A week later, the nature of their course acquires less pronounced features, they are much paler and more similar to the usual menstruation. This process is characterized by the cleansing of the uterus, in which everything superfluous comes out of its cavity.

In order to understand how postpartum pads differ from conventional pads, you should pay attention to the absorbent potential of each of the products. First of all, the remedy for pregnant women is large, and secondly, it is able to absorb large amounts of secretions, which is very important in the first postpartum days. It is possible in some situations to get by with the usual version of the maxi size, but they do not protect the mother who has just given birth from infectious infections to the same extent.

Maternity pads are more comfortable and are made in such a way that they do not injure the seams and do not cause irritation or allergic reactions. Such a remedy is simply necessary for those who have gone through a caesarean section, since special pads contribute to the speedy healing of the sutures.

What are the best postpartum pads?

Today, on the shelves of pharmacies and shops you can find a huge range of pads designed for women who have already given birth. Which one is better to choose - this question arises immediately, but trying each type separately is a waste of time and money.

Disposable pads Peligrin

This variety is chosen by many women - it is affordable, of high quality and, most importantly, has excellent absorbency. "Peligrin" are sold in packs of 10 pieces.

The main feature is the absence of wings on the sides, which are customary for women; in these pads, protection against leakage is provided by special side elastic bands. The manufacturer also focuses on the content of a superabsorbent that can absorb large amounts of secretions (the product is also adapted for stress urinary incontinence). The hygienic product is made of cellulose and polyethylene. Manufacturer - Russia.

Urological – MoliMed (Molimed)

The line of urological pads Molimed is represented by several varieties. Women are offered to choose classic, ultra-thin, winged, sterile and premium options.

The most common option is the classic, there are 28 pieces in the package. Anatomical shape, non-woven material used in the manufacture. Absorption is provided by a three-layer pillow with superabsorbent. This type of hygiene products for women has an important characteristic for the postpartum state - antimicrobial effects. Many women note the main drawback of this product is the lack of wings. Fixation is carried out only due to a wide adhesive tape, which does not always provide the desired reliability, as with fixation with wings.

The Premium line is distinguished by the presence of more options for absorbency and quantity in a pack. The rest of the tools have characteristics similar to the classic version.

Canpol Babies (Kanpol Baby)

This version of the gaskets as a whole has similar characteristics. The package contains 10 pieces, the size of each is 35 by 19 centimeters. The top layer is pleasant to the touch, does not irritate the skin. The thickness is only 5 millimeters, which can be considered a feature of the product - a thin absorbent layer is more comfortable to wear. Another important characteristic is good odor neutralization. For fixing on linen, the manufacturer offers a wide self-adhesive tape. This type of feminine hygiene products belongs to the middle price category.

Sterile pads Hartmann Samu Steril

Gynecological pads brand Hartmann have all the necessary characteristics for a product in this category. They have an anatomically comfortable shape, equipped with an absorbent pad made of fluff pulp, designed for large volumes of secretions.

In addition, postpartum pads are a means of preventing infection in the most dangerous first days after childbirth. Dimensions - 32 by 12 centimeters, in one pack there are 10 pieces. We can talk about the presence of several disadvantages, namely: the lack of individual packaging for each gasket and adhesive areas for fixing.

Helen Harper (Helen Harper)

These postpartum pads are an excellent option as they have great absorbent potential. Given the fact that pads are designed for postpartum urinary incontinence, there is no doubt about their absorbent properties. For convenience, this hygiene product does not have wings, they are replaced by special fixing elastic bands, allowing them to be used comfortably.

This tool is in the middle price segment, making specific postpartum pads more affordable. It should be noted that Helen Harper products are the leader in the European market, producing the highest quality products intended for pregnant women.

How many postpartum pads should I take to the hospital

In order to pass most comfortably, you should take care of such means as specialized gaskets in advance. They must be purchased in advance and taken with you to the hospital during the collection. The answer to the question about their number cannot be given unambiguously, since it all depends on the characteristics of the body of each individual woman. It is recommended to take two or three packs with you, and which ones - Seni Lady (Seni Lady), Peligrin or Bella Mom - the woman in labor will choose, it depends only on her preferences. Too much of this remedy does not need to be purchased, because abundant discharge will last no more than eight days.

After a week, it will already be possible to use the most ordinary pads, since the need for absorption in such volumes will simply disappear. Of course, it should be noted that the postpartum option is very convenient, however, a hygiene product of such a plan largely constrains movements, since they are not designed to actively walk in them all the time.

Video about postpartum hygiene products

The video provides all the necessary information about postpartum hygiene. After watching a video consultation, you can prepare in advance for postpartum rehabilitation, and be fully equipped when you need it. A specialist doctor tells the pros and cons of postpartum pads, which allows you to make the right choice when choosing a specific personal hygiene product.

Pregnancy and childbirth are very complex and large-scale processes. For 9 months, a woman experiences a large number of physiological changes. In order to return to normal after them, she needs to go through many rehabilitation measures. After childbirth, the body needs to be helped to restore all the necessary processes, including excretory ones. Since there is a restructuring of many systems of the female body, women begin to suffer from copious blood discharge. This phenomenon is called lochia. To cope with them, doctors recommend starting to use hygiene products in the postpartum period, which differ significantly from the usual ones.

What is lochia

The term lochia refers to the discharge from the female vagina that appears after childbirth.(we are talking about both natural childbirth and caesarean section). If no complications are observed, then after childbirth, lochia will continue for 2 months. If we compare, then such discharge is much more abundant than menstruation.

Unfortunately, in this situation, conventional pads are unlikely to be useful., even if a lot of “droplets” are drawn on their pack. To cope with such strong secretions, many maternity hospitals give out sterile gauze, which must be folded several times before use. After discharge from the hospital, doctors recommend starting to use special postpartum hygiene products.

What are postpartum pads for?

What is the point of using postpartum pads? The fact is that after childbirth, the body spends the maximum amount of its own resources in order to recover. Abundant vaginal discharge indicates that the uterus is being cleansed, removal from the body of all unnecessary.

Sanitary pads, which are now sold in pharmacies and used in maternity hospitals, have a number of useful properties. They can be counted:

Those women who give birth for the first time do not fully understand what awaits them immediately after childbirth, and what the postpartum recovery process looks like. Such women naively believe that they can do without special postpartum pads.

Doctors strongly recommend buying such hygiene products, as it is much more convenient and profitable. The use of homemade pads with natural fabrics as a material, for example, pads from sheets, is the last century. It is absolutely inconvenient and unsafe.

How many such pads may be required

It is necessary to stock up on special hygiene products even at the stage of fees for the maternity hospital, respectively, and it is better to buy them in advance. Of course, it is quite difficult to determine how many of them may be needed in total. Taking too much does not make sense, since the discharge will be plentiful only 10 days after the birth, then their number will begin to decrease. But you should not be greedy either: at first, the gaskets will need to be changed very often. Approximately worth taking about 2-3 packs with you with this product. 10 days after birth, there will be a need for the usual hygiene products.

How not to make a mistake, and what should be considered when choosing?

Currently, the market is filled with a huge number of special hygiene products. They can be purchased both in stores and pharmacies. But when choosing, it is worth considering a few points, since the range on the market is wide, prices vary, and trying and choosing is very costly and energy-intensive.

What kind of postpartum pads to choose? Below is a list of features to keep in mind when buying.

Most often, women choose to use flavored pads, or with a phyto-filler (for example, with chamomile). They explain this by the fact that such pads can relieve irritation on the skin. But we must understand that it is this type that can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, the choice should be stopped on the classic version of the gaskets.

What is better to choose?

What are the best postpartum pads? The range of special hygiene products is quite wide. There are several companies on the market that sell such gaskets.

Disposable pads "Peligrin"

Many women like this particular brand. It is of high quality, affordable price, as well as excellent absorbency. The package contains 10 pieces of gaskets. Produced in Russia.

This brand of gaskets has its own peculiarity, namely the absence of wings. Protection against leakage occurs due to special side elastic bands. The manufacturer draws the attention of buyers to the fact that the pad can absorb a large amount of secretions (due to the superabsorbent in the composition). It also contains cellulose and polyethylene.

Urological - "MoliMed" (MoliMed)

There are several types of such pads. Manufacturers offer to pay attention to ultra-thin, classic, with "wings", sterile and premium.

Most often they buy classic pads, there are 28 pieces in the package. Non-woven material is used in production. They are anatomical. As for absorbency, it is provided by a three-layer pillow with superabsorbent. Women should pay attention to this detail, as this pillow is responsible for the antimicrobial effect, which is especially important in the postpartum period.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then many women single out one significant one - the lack of "wings". Fixation occurs due to a wide adhesive tape, which may not always provide the necessary reliability.

Canpol Babies

There are 10 pads in a pack, each measuring 35 by 19 cm. It is worth noting that the top layer is quite pleasant to the touch, which means that it will not cause skin irritation. The absorbent layer is very thin, only 5 mm, but, according to women, this thickness provides comfort during use. An important point: the pads of this company neutralize odors. Adhesive tape is also used for fixing. In terms of cost, this model belongs to the products of the middle price category.

Sterile pads Hartmann Samu Steril

Women note the excellent quality and ease of use of gaskets of this brand. They have an anatomically comfortable shape, an absorbent cellulose pad that helps to cope with a large amount of secretions. In one pack - 10 pieces, size - 32 by 12 cm. If we highlight the shortcomings, then they include the lack of adhesive areas for fixing, as well as individual packaging for each gasket.

"Helen Harper" (Helen Harper)

Due to the powerful absorbent effect, these pads can be called a good choice. There is no doubt about this, since, among other things, these pads are used in cases of postpartum urinary incontinence. There are no "wings", but there are special elastic bands for fixing - they are the ones that provide ease of use.

The products of this company are of very high quality, therefore it is rightfully the leader in the European market.

Does anyone else doubt the need to use postpartum pads? It is unlikely, because every woman wants to feel comfortable, especially in the period after childbirth. The range of goods is quite large, but if you know the features of each manufacturer, then it will be much easier to make your choice.

Immediately after childbirth, the woman begins the process of cleansing and returning to the previous, “pre-pregnant” state of the uterus, which is accompanied by bloody discharge - lochia. This period lasts 6-8 weeks.

The first few days of discharge are so abundant that regular menstrual pads can't always handle them. It is more advisable to use postpartum pads that are specially designed for this purpose. But how do you know which ones you should choose? We present a short overview on the features of using sanitary pads in the postpartum period, which ones are better to choose, and how many of them you may need.

What is the difference between regular pads and postpartum pads?

First of all, postpartum ones differ from the usual ones, of course, in size. They are much larger than the largest night pads for critical days and absorb up to 600 ml of liquid. If this is your first birth, then their size can even cause fear. Do not worry, you will not lose all the blood - only the first 1-3 days are profuse bleeding, then their strength declines. Don't forget that during pregnancy you have "excess" circulating blood due to an increase in its volume by 30-50% to meet the needs of a growing fetus.

Secondly, postpartum pads, unlike conventional ones, are sterile. The fact is that in the postpartum period, almost the entire inner lining of the uterus in a woman who has given birth is a wound surface and can be easily infected by ascending through the vagina.

In addition, blood secretions are an excellent breeding ground for various bacteria that can cause inflammation not only of the uterus, but of the entire genitourinary system, which experienced stress at the birth of a child and is easily vulnerable to pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. And if breaks and cuts of the perineum occur, then the sterility of hygiene products will not be superfluous.

The first hours after childbirth: how to behave and what to do

In some postpartum pads, as an additional means of protection against infection, bactericidal components are added that prevent the growth and reproduction of microbes.

The third difference between postpartum pads and regular pads is the “breathable” structure of the material. They are based on waterproof, but breathable material, some brands do not have an adhesive layer. For fixation, special mesh panties made of elastic fabric are used, which provide free air circulation and the “ventilation” necessary for healing in case of stitches on the perineum and abdomen after cesarean section.

As a filler, natural material is used - more often "fluff" cellulose with a gel or other absorbent.

Previously, and even now, in some maternity hospitals “in the old fashioned way” on the first day after childbirth, doctors give women who have given birth cotton diapers as bed liners in order to control the abundance of lochia discharge and not to miss the situation of uterine bleeding that threatens the woman’s health.

This indicator function of diapers is perfectly handled by postpartum pads filled with cellulose without synthetic absorbent materials (gel and other super absorbents).

The soft and delicate material from which the upper layer in contact with the skin is made does not rub and does not stick to abrasions, seams and wounds, it is hypoallergenic.

What is the difference between urological pads and postpartum pads

In pharmacies, women are often offered to purchase urological pads as postpartum pads. Which is better to choose?

Urological are designed to solve the problem of urinary incontinence in adult women and men. They are also, like ordinary ones, divided by the amount of moisture absorbed (droplets on the package), the maximum retain up to 920 ml of liquid.

As a filler, superabsorbent is used - balls that turn into a gel. A distinctive feature of this gel is its ability to absorb odors, it has a low ph level, which prevents the growth of pathogenic microbes.

How do postpartum pads differ from regular and urological pads - which ones should a young mother choose?

Urological pads consist of three layers - absorbing, distributing and retaining moisture. If ordinary pads absorb liquid at the place of its entry, then urological ones evenly distribute it over the entire area.

Like postpartum, urological ones have a soft top layer, which eliminates chafing and irritation. They are designed for instant absorption of flowing liquid, while postpartum ones absorb viscous spotting.

On the first or two days after childbirth, it can be used as a good alternative to conventional urological pads with the maximum number of drops. It is worth noting that many women experience urinary incontinence after childbirth due to the weakened tone of the pelvic floor muscles.

How many pads do you need

Some women after childbirth manage with ordinary night pads for critical days with a small amount of discharge. If you are lucky and you find yourself among them, then we do not recommend choosing those in which the upper absorbent layer is made of synthetic mesh - in case of injuries to the external genital organs, it can stick to wounds.

But it is impossible to predict in advance what kind of discharge you will have after childbirth. Even if the birth is not the first. Therefore, it is worth taking postpartum or urological pads with you to the hospital. How much?

According to the reviews of different women, for the first day or two, one package is enough when changing every two to three hours. Then you can use urological or special postpartum smaller sizes and volume of absorbed fluid, or regular menstrual pads.

• if the birth went without complications for the mother and child, then they are usually discharged from the maternity hospital on the 4th day after the birth;
• liners should be changed frequently, after every visit to the toilet, or every two to three hours, as well as in the evening before going to bed and in the morning after waking up.

Hygiene of the external genital organs in the postpartum period is a paramount task in personal care. Mom's health directly depends on her, because pregnancy and childbirth have taken a significant part of her strength and the ability to resist various viruses and bacteria is significantly reduced.

In the postpartum period, one of the issues that come to the fore is personal hygiene. The uterus, which not so long ago contained the child and the placenta, begins to actively contract and produce a “cleansing” of the remnants of the membranes, mucus and blood clots (the so-called “lochia”). That is why pads after childbirth are a very necessary thing, and in this article we will analyze the main points that are important in this matter.

At the consultation of an obstetrician-gynecologist, each woman in labor receives a list of what should be taken to the hospital. But the fact that gaskets are needed that differ from simple ones is not discussed in most cases. Then, faced with such information or discussing it with her friends, she may not attach importance to such a topic, especially when it comes to the financial side of this matter. This will be exactly until the first days of the child's life, when she begins to understand why this is necessary.

As soon as the child is born, it becomes very difficult and, most importantly, painful for a young mother to get up, and it is advisable to change all dirty things about 4-6 times a day (every 2-3 hours), as doctors recommend. At the same time, the discharge will be quite large in intensity and ordinary linings will not help - they will leak and restrict movement. And besides, their change can be difficult due to pain during movement.

We should not forget about another important fact: for this period, the doctor controls the amount of blood lost by counting the used diapers, preventing the development of uterine bleeding. Sometimes he allows you to use other assistants in measuring losses. Therefore, answering the question: “What kind of pads to take to the hospital after childbirth?” it is better to recommend urological ones, because they are also designed for this.

Differences between special and ordinary

It is natural that as a result of reading, the following clarifications will arise: is it possible to use the usual ones and which ones are better? Therefore, to answer them, it is worth comparing urological and ordinary ones, highlighting the following points:
the size;
sterility;
material structure.

Firstly, the size affects the ability to absorb and can hold about 500-600 ml of liquid, which is unlikely to be handled by the usual hygiene product used by girls during critical days. Even wide night ones for five “droplets” will not work, but it is not advisable to worry, since only the first 1-3 days will be plentiful normally. They decrease over time and stop altogether at 5-6 weeks. The amount of blood lost is also not so detrimental, because during pregnancy its volume increases by 30-50% to meet the needs for the delivery of nutrients for the growing fetus.

Secondly, these hygiene products are sterile, since during this difficult period, the entire inner layer of the uterus, then called the myometrium, is a large wound that can easily become infected through the vagina (ascending path) using simple means. In addition, blood is an excellent breeding ground for a variety of microorganisms that multiply rapidly and grow thanks to it, causing various diseases. Sometimes they even add various bactericidal substances, which is another protection factor.

It is important to remember that sterility is the main advantage that urological pads have after childbirth,

after all, they are one of the methods for preventing the development of complications and diseases. Such as, for example, endometritis - inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus.

The third difference is a structure that can "breathe" due to the absence of an adhesive layer and the presence of a natural material as a filler - cellulose with a gel absorbent. The filler is a ball that turns into a gel with a low pH level, which also prevents the reproduction of pathogenic flora. All this is provided by a soft upper layer, which prevents chafing and tissue trauma.

They also have three layers - absorbing, distributing and retaining moisture, which allows you to absorb secretions on the entire surface, and not just at the point of entry, as simple ones do. Additional items include mesh panties that can allow air to circulate and heal faster if there are various seams.

Choose a brand

Opening the World Wide Web, the new mother is immersed in offers of various brands of postpartum pads. This is often a problem when choosing the right option. One of the most popular today are Tena, and also Seni Lady. Let's consider which of them and in which case is more suitable.

First, let's look at Seni Lady's pads:

• this company has been on the market for over 40 years;
• the absorbent layer is located over the entire surface;
• increased softness of the surface;
• an extensive range: ultrathin, thin, "normal", "extra" and "super".

Compared with the previous ones, Tena has its advantages:

• the presence of an anatomical shape, which minimizes discomfort;
• inside - impregnation with a sorbent with bactericidal properties;
• the outer layering is made from a material that allows air to pass through;
• due to its structure, an unpleasant odor will be absent;
• protective strips from leakage are attached along the edges;
• do not contain fragrances4
• This product is in the middle price category.

Each of the brands also has its drawbacks: Tena do not have wings, and Seine prices range from 120 to 400 rubles for 10 pieces.

It is important!

Exploring the proposed options, a woman in labor may be faced with the fact that Seni Lady and Tena are not suitable for her for various reasons, but you still have to choose some. For this situation, criteria are useful in order to navigate and take into account certain nuances.

Let's start with the first important detail - absorbency. Usually it is indicated by the company on the packaging in the form of a certain number of drops, focusing on which you can successfully select the right pack. Otherwise, they will either leak or rub with their dry top layer where there are seams or abrasions, bringing not the most pleasant sensations.

By the way, it is important to remember that there are smooth surfaces and those covered with mesh, and, according to customer reviews, the latter often stick to wounds. You should pay attention to details with a non-woven top layer, because even rubber bands on the sides can create a lot of trouble. The next point is the shape, preferably as close as possible to the anatomical one, it is it that is most comfortable to use. Particularly valuable are companies that produce them with wings, which ensures a tight fit and no slipping, and this simply saves from leaks.

Many women choose hygienic pads with fragrances or phyto-fillers (aloe, chamomile, calendula) to relieve irritation. It is important to remember that a variety of fragrances can provoke an allergic reaction, which will negatively affect the health of not only the mother, but also the baby.

Required amount

In addition to the benefits and brand of goods, many pregnant women think not only about which ones are better, but also about how much to take with them. It is difficult to predict the reaction and behavior of the body, as well as the answer to the tricky puzzle about how many pads will be needed. That is why many of those who gave birth, for greater convenience and the elimination of unpleasant situations, take urological ones with them.

1. You need to change them every 2-3 hours, in the evening before going to bed and in the morning, just waking up.
2. In the maternity hospital, the woman in labor spends about 4 days, if everything went without complications.

According to various reviews of women who have survived this period, you need to take one or two packs with you if you follow the recommendations and renew them at least 4-6 times a day. This amount should be enough for the first “abundant” days, after which you can switch to the same special pads for women after childbirth, but with a smaller amount of absorbed fluid and size, or very simple ones.

Following the birth of a child, cleanliness is one of the main tasks in self-care, because it is on it that the health of the woman in labor and the child who does not receive enough milk and care if the mother falls ill depends. Therefore, the answer to the question of what hygiene products are best used after childbirth is so important and prevents the development of unpleasant problems in the future.