If you’re searching for postpartum diapers and pads, you’re probably preparing to have a baby (or just did!). Congratulations! The postpartum period can be uncomfortable at times, but I hope after reading this post you are more prepared for how to handle the bleeding that comes with postpartum life.
In this post, we’re going to go over why you might want to choose postpartum diapers versus postpartum pads and the best ones on the market!
Postpartum Diapers Versus Postpartum Pads
Regardless of whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section, you are going to experience bleeding after delivery. Your uterus is attempting to heal after the birth of your baby and placenta. Because of this, you are going to need to wear something to absorb the heavy bleeding you will experience in the early days postpartum and the bleeding for the following weeks.
Postpartum Diapers
Postpartum diapers are essentially adult diapers you can wear after giving birth. Adult diapers designed for urinary incontinence work well too. There are many benefits to choosing postpartum diapers. In my opinion, they are less messy in the first week postpartum. And much easier!
Rather than having to assemble multiple pads and make sure they’re properly placed in your underwear, you just pull a diaper on and you’re good to go! You will experience a heavy flow in the first week following the delivery of your baby. I like the diapers because they don’t shift like a pad would, and contain all of the bleeding.
You can easily take them off and dispose of them. And I recommend placing some witch hazel pads in the center for soothing and healing benefits.
I like to pack my own postpartum diapers in my hospital bag. These were much more comfortable for me after my vaginal delivery with my second baby than the postpartum pads my hospital provided.
Postpartum Pads
Postpartum pads are regular pads that are super sized, or like a maxi pad. Most hospitals provide postpartum pads and mesh panties after the delivery of your baby. I used the ones provided when I was a first time mom, and they worked just fine. However, I did have a few experiences where the pad would shift in the mesh underwear and I would bleed through.
For this reason, I prefer to use maxi pads and mesh underwear after the first week when I am home. When my bleeding isn’t as heavy, but still more than usual. Then once I am a few weeks postpartum, I will use postpartum underwear or my normal underwear with the maxi pads. If you’ve had a c-section, I recommend sticking to high waisted postpartum underwear until your incision is healed.
As your bleeding lessens, you can step down to regular pads until your bleeding stops. You can also use your pads to make postpartum padsicles.
Best Postpartum Diapers
attn: grace briefs
Attn: Grace briefs are my new favorite option for postpartum diapers. I just used them for my postpartum recovery with my third baby and they were great!
The best part about them is they are skin-safe! They didn’t cause my skin any irritation like some of the other options on the market may. They’re made from breathable, natural materials with no harsh dyes, bleaches, fragrances, or petro-chemicals.
The briefs are high-rise, so they won’t irritate your C-section incision if you have one. And they’re leak-free with moisture-wicking and fast absorption. So you don’t need to worry about them not being able to contain your postpartum bleeding.
The only “con” to these briefs is that they do appear like a traditional diaper. However, they’re ultra-thin and comfortable. And I don’t mind sacrificing the “cute” look for great quality, free from products that may irritate my skin. Postpartum recovery is messy anyway!
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always discreet underwear
Always discreet underwear are another great option for adult diapers postpartum. They are soft, comfortable, and really absorbent.
They don’t slide around and they contain your heavy postpartum bleeding. And they aren’t bulky like traditional adult diapers.
The two options shared here are very similar. The boutique style just features a more feminine design. They are high waisted so this is a great option if you’ve had a c-section to prevent rubbing on the incision.
There is also a low rise option that comes in black which feels even more discreet if you want to wear them out in public (like to baby’s first doctor’s appointment!). Nothing to be ashamed of, you just birthed a tiny human! These may not be the best option if you’ve had a c-section though.
If you prefer an organic option, I love the Rael Organic Overnight Underwear. Whether you have sensitive skin or just prefer something with natural ingredients, these are a great option. They are made from organic cotton and are very soft. However, they do appear much like a traditional diaper if that’s uncomfortable for you.
Best Postpartum Pads (& Underwear)
Postpartum pads are great after that first week postpartum when your bleeding starts to slow down a little. When choosing a postpartum pad, I prefer pads that have wings. This helps them to stay in place to prevent any bleeding escaping into your underwear.
As my postpartum bleeding slows down, I like to transition “down” in pad size. From the largest maxi pad to a regular thin pad.
My favorite pads when my bleeding is still heavy are the Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads with wings. This is a really large pad. But I love them because they provide coverage up the back of your bottom as well. So if you have heavy bleeding and you’re laying in bed, you won’t make a mess.
If you would prefer an organic option, my favorites are the Honey Pot Herbal-Infused Postpartum Pads with wings. They are really long and very absorbent. They also contain lavender, rose, Aloe vera, and mint to soothe and calm your perineum.
And if you’re looking for a good pair of mesh underwear, look no further than Frida Mom. They have the best disposable postpartum underwear that come in boy short or a high waisted bikini option. They’re super stretchy as well as soft and breathable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will you need postpartum diapers?
Postpartum diapers work best during the first two weeks of postpartum bleeding. This is when your bleeding is heaviest and the diapers will be the most convenient. After this point, you would wear a pad until your bleeding stopped. However, if you’d like, you could wear postpartum diapers as long as it’s comfortable for you.
Do you have to wear a diaper after giving birth?
No! You can wear whatever is most comfortable to you! If you would prefer to wear the mesh underwear and a pad, you can wear the ones that the hospital provides for you. Or bring the best options from this list!
What diapers are best for postpartum?
Postpartum diapers that are soft, stretchy, absorbent, and not bulky. This will keep you most comfortable!
What are the best postpartum diapers for c-section?
Postpartum diapers that have a higher waist are best for c-section! This prevents rubbing on your c-section incision which would not only be really uncomfortable, but also cause irritation to the incision. All of the postpartum diapers recommended in this list are perfect! (Except the low rise option)
How many postpartum diapers do I need?
Depending upon the amount of bleeding you experience postpartum, this may vary. Most women use at least 6-7 pads per day after delivery. Diapers tend to be more absorbent, but I wouldn’t use them much longer than a postpartum pad. You should prepare to have about 35-40 postpartum diapers for the first week or so (which is about two packs of diapers).
Some new moms prefer postpartum diapers and others prefer pads! It’s really whatever you feel most comfortable with! I recommend having both on hand and trying them out those first few days after having your new baby. I hope after reading this post you feel more confident and ready for your postpartum recovery!
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