It’s best to find postpartum bleeding products that are fragrance-free, specifically after birth, and provide more than just your average coverage. We carefully considered design, value, absorbency, sizes, and materials when reviewing products. Here are the best pads for postpartum bleeding to aid in your recovery. The Stayfree Maxi Pad earned our top spot because it’s super absorbent no matter how heavy or light you’re bleeding. The pads are designed for “multi-fluid absorption,” which makes it ideal for the days following childbirth when you’re bleeding, maybe using liners with witch hazel for soothing, and possibly having trouble with your bladder (postpartum recovery isn’t pretty, but at least there’s a baby to snuggle during it!). These pads have an adhesive back to keep them stuck to your underwear and have a quilted design to not only better absorb fluids but also helps to prevent leaks. They are available in super long length to keep you covered during the early heavy days, and in regular length for when bleeding is lighter and you need less protection. They are made to be soft to avoid causing irritation as well as to neutralize odors. Price at time of publication: $7 These are specifically designed for overnight wear and have the capacity to be worn for up to 10 hours (although, you’ll want to change it out well before that to avoid irritation or infection). Just keep a stack of them near the toilet and get into the habit of changing into a new pad every time you change the baby. Price at time of publication: $28 These pads have an adhesive strip to secure them to your underwear as well as wings to make extra sure they won’t budge (there’s also a wingless option). You can wear these once you get home from the hospital since they are designed for heavy flow but you can also wear them on your light days because they’re so thin compared to a lot of other bulky, super absorbency pads. Additionally, these are made to absorb fluids and keep them away from your body to avoid too much moisture or messes. As an added bonus, Seventh Generation gives a portion of every postpartum and period product sale to organizations that provide the same products to women in need. Price at time of publication: $11 As far as their design goes, they’re made specifically for postpartum recovery/bleeding so the cotton will provide enough absorbency for the heavy days immediately following delivery while still being breathable. Additionally, they have the traditional adhesive strip to stick to your underwear as well as wings for extra security. Price at time of publication: $14 It’s important to remember you should be changing your pads regularly to avoid irritation and infection, but it’s also comforting to know that these pads were designed to work for up to 12 hours so you should not have to worry about any leaking. Price at time of publication: $45 Each pack comes with three reusable pads that are made from primarily polyester. Instead of sticking to your underwear with an adhesive strip like traditional pads, these snap around your underwear to stay in place. You can toss them into the washing machine and dryer after each use and reuse them again the next day. While these pads are a great option, it’s important to note that they are regular absorbency so you’ll want to hold off on using them until your flow has lightened up a little. Price at time of publication: $18 These pads are created to neutralize odors and quickly dry up fluids to avoid irritation and excessive moisture. Always recommends changing these liners every four hours (which is right in line with what doctors recommend) and they can also serve as a little extra protection for bladder leaks. Price at time of publication: $28 There’s no sugarcoating it, if you had a vaginal delivery you will want some pads with ice packs in the immediate days following birth. The ice will not only provide some soothing relief, but it will also help reduce swelling. Medline Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs are ideal for the immediate days following delivery because they are not only ice packs, but also pads so you don’t have to wear two products at once. Price at time of publication: $61 Additionally, this disposable underwear is made to neutralize odor, has an elastic waist for a comfortable but secure fit, and has extra protection in areas where other products commonly leak. If you continue to struggle with bladder control during the postpartum period, these panties are designed to offer you protection there, as well. Price at time of publication: $78 Thankfully, there are many great postpartum pads on the market that offer more than just your regular coverage. Postpartum pads are typically better in absorbency because your body is releasing more blood than usual. Because your body is releasing the blood and tissue from your uterus that aided in baby’s growth, it can be similar to a wound that needs healing.
Fragrance-Free
It’s no secret the vagina is already a sensitive area, especially to soaps or fragrances as they can disrupt your body’s natural process. This is why it’s best to find postpartum bleeding products that are fragrance-free, specifically after birth. Once you’ve delivered your baby, your body is extra sensitive and products with heavy scents may cause irritation. Look for products that will not cause irritation by avoiding heavy scents and certain materials or textures. While you may want a pad that’s scented to avoid any odors from occurring, you’re simply doing more harm than good. Products with these chemicals throw your pH balance out of whack and confuse your body on which bacteria is good and bad. If you’re concerned about an odor, talk to your doctor before trying to cover up the odor with a scented pad or any other products with fragrances.
Pads vs. Liners
Coverage is vital when it comes to postpartum bleeding which can leave many wondering if they should be using pads or liners. Is there a difference when comparing it to your regular menstrual cycle? Overall, you want pads and liners that will stay in place. When comparing the two for postpartum bleeding, pads will work best for those days immediately after birth as that’s when you’ll be bleeding the heaviest. They’ll absorb more fluid and prevent leakage from happening. They’re typically thicker but many new parents will add a liner on top for additional coverage. Once you’ve reached the point where your bleeding is becoming light, you can make the switch to liners. Liners are great for small coverage, so you want to make sure you’re using them once you’re many weeks out after giving birth. They’re lightweight, perfect for light bleeding or spotting, and even help with any bladder leaks.
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Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to a 1-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old daughter, each of which left her needing postpartum pads while physically recovering from delivery. Additionally, after her first labor started early due to premature water breaking, she stocked up on pads towards the end of her second pregnancy, which kept her clean on her way to the doctor’s office (and then to the hospital) after her water broke prematurely for a second time. The first stage of Lochia, also known as Lochia Rubra, typically lasts three to four days after birth. During this time, bleeding is the heaviest and blood clots may occur. The second stage, Lochia Serosa, is four to 14 days after delivery with bleeding beginning to lighten. Lochia Alba is the final stage of the postpartum bleeding process and happens around two weeks after delivery all the way up to a month. Bleeding is light and spotting may occur. With regular periods, you should be changing your pads every four to 8 hours. If your flow is heavy, though, you’ll want to change it more frequently to every two to four hours. While you don’t know how long your bleeding will last, you can assume it may be for four weeks. For four weeks worth of postpartum bleeding, with changing every four hours, you’ll need a minimum of 150 pads. Any postpartum products you don’t use can always be donated to those in need if you’re worried about buying too many.
