Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of the postpartum period and can last for several weeks after giving birth. To manage the bleeding and maintain hygiene, new moms require specially designed postpartum pads that are absorbent and comfortable. Postpartum pads can also assist in reducing swelling in the lower body and support the muscles of the pelvic floor and abdomen.
When it comes to choosing the best postpartum pads, there are several factors to consider, such as absorbency, size, materials, and design. It is crucial to select pads that provide extensive coverage and are free of fragrances, which can be irritating to sensitive skin (1).
Read on to find out the best postpartum pads just for you.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Postpartum Pads: Stayfree Maxi Pads for Women
- Best Postpartum Pads For Heavy Flow: Always Maxi Extra Heavy With Wings
- Best Postpartum Pads Padsicles: Frida Mom 2-in-1 Ice Maxi Pads
- Best Panty Liner Postpartum Pads: Always Anti-Bunch Xtra Protection
- Best Organic Postpartum Pads: Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads
- Best Postpartum Pads For Stitches: Always Infinity Feminine
- Best Reusable Postpartum Pads: ReUseLife Washable Cloth Pads
- Best Cloth Postpartum Pads: think ECO Organic Pads
- Best Disposable Postpartum Pads: Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Postpartum Pads Picks
Stayfree Maxi Pads for Women – Best Overall Postpartum Pads
- Super affordable
- Absorb a good amount
- Easy to use
- You can just stick them on, and they stay on without having to fold any wings
- They do get a little hot if you are active
Stayfree pads are made of soft, absorbent material that provides maximum comfort and continuous freshness. The unique shape of the pad ensures that it stays in place throughout the day or night, thanks to its gentle adhesive that securely attaches to your underwear.
Stayfree pads provide four-wall protection, guarding against front-to-back and side-to-side leaks, so you can focus on your day-to-day activities without any worry. The quick-absorbing quilted cover ensures that liquids are quickly drawn away from your body, providing a natural feel. Plus, Stayfree pads neutralize scents, so you can go about your day with confidence and without changing your routine.
Always Maxi Extra Heavy With Wings – Best Postpartum Pads For Heavy Flow
- Value money
- Absorb well
- Added padding to the rear helps keep you dry
- Thick and hard to tell you are wearing with jeans
- It is not for thighs & biker shorts
These pads have a unique and flexible shape that provides maximum protection all night long. The Leakguard Core is designed to keep you protected for up to 10 hours, so you can rest easy and wake up feeling refreshed.
The deep channels in the pad quickly draw liquid away from the edges and towards the center, keeping you feeling dry and clean, which is important if you’re having heavy flow. And with Flexi-Wings, you can be sure that the pad will stay in place throughout the night. The 2x larger back offers even more coverage where you need it most.
Frida Mom 2-in-1 Ice Maxi Pads – Best Postpartum Pads Padsicles
- Provided extreme comfort while healing
- Super absorbent
- The cooling sensation is perfect to reduce inflammation
- They are very long and thick
- They stay cold for around 30-40 minutes but it makes such a huge difference so it is still worth it
These padsicles are a true lifesaver, combining maximum absorbency with instant cold therapy. These magical pads have everything you need for a comfortable recovery. The top layer is incredibly soft and gentle on your delicate perineal area, providing soothing relief.
Plus, the pad includes ice packs for instant cold therapy, so you can enjoy the recommended 20 minutes of therapy with ease. Applying and removing the pad is a breeze, thanks to its adhesive back. And, with complete coverage from front to back, the pad is the perfect choice for c-section incisions too.
Always Anti-Bunch Xtra Protection – Best Panty Liner Postpartum Pads
- Great adhesion
- Absorbent
- Feel very comfortable
- They are thin
- Peeling off the backing paper is a bit hard because it’s plain white like the pad
These liners have a unique dual-layer construction that quickly absorbs and hides leaks to keep you feeling clean for up to 10 hours.
The Edge-2-Edge adhesive used in Always liners is specially designed to grip stronger than traditional adhesives, so these panty liners won’t budge. With the Always Liners Fit sizing chart, you can find the perfect fit for your needs and body shape.
When you wear Always pantiliners, you’ll feel as if you just stepped out of the shower. The inner layers absorb and lock away moisture for a consistently fresh feeling, while the top layer is breathable to prevent moisture from reaching your skin.
Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads – Best Organic Postpartum Pads
- Very soft yet sturdy
- Comfortable
- Does not cause a rash or scratchy feelings under
- A very good adhesive that stays on underwear day and night
- The pad shifts a bit
These organic pads are made with high-quality cotton from Texas, which has earned the prestigious OCS certification for being free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals. The hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable material is gentle on your skin and helps to prevent itching and odors, while the unique side panels and channel designs provide extra security and catch any fluids that may escape.
Always Infinity Feminine – Best Postpartum Pads For Stitches
- Way more comfortable than bulky pads
- Good absorption
- Leak-free
- Great for heavy flow days and overnight as well
- The adhesive does slip on occasionally
These pads are made with FlexFoam, which is so thin and flexible that it moves with you, providing protection without the bulk. The Zero Feel protection of Always Infinity FlexFoam pads means you can make your next move with confidence, knowing that you’re covered.
The shape-fitting grooves in the pads follow the natural contours of your body, while the absorbent holes draw moisture away from your skin. But that’s not all – these pads also have a breathable top layer that helps you feel fresh and comfortable all day long which is important if you have stitches.
ReUseLife Washable Cloth Pads – Best Reusable Postpartum Pads
- Good coverage
- Great absorption
- protects the environment from just throwing away disposable ones
- Saved a lot of money
- May be too warm for very hot summer days
These pads are the perfect reusable option, measuring a generous 40 x 18 cm each and coming with a handy 18 x 14 cm bag for easy transport. With four layers of protection, these pads will keep you feeling fresh and dry all day long. The top layer is made of super-soft charcoal bamboo, which not only feels great against your skin but also helps absorb any unpleasant odors.
The core is made of two layers of absorbent microfiber, while the outer layer is completely waterproof to prevent any embarrassing leaks. And when it’s time to wash them, just toss them in the included wet bag along with any other dirty items, like handkerchiefs, bibs, or cloth wipes.
think ECO Organic Pads – Best Cloth Postpartum Pads
- The soft cotton helps to keep them in place
- Comfortable to wear
- They wash up well
- Saved the environment
- These are quite long
These pads are made from breathable and hypoallergenic cotton, ensuring that you stay comfortable all day long. Plus, you’ll love how much money you save when you switch to reusable pads – some customers report that their period duration is cut in half!
These pads are slim and perfect for daytime flow. The lovely design printing on the OCS100-certified organic cloth will add some fun to your period routine. And with easy-to-use wings that snap shut, you won’t have to worry about leaks or discomfort.
Best of all, these pads are designed to fit snugly against your body, so you won’t have to deal with uncomfortable bunching or shifting.
Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear – Best Disposable Postpartum Pads
- Comfortable, soft fabric
- Relatively easy to put on
- Keeps unpleasant smells at bay
- Great for overnight wear
- They run a little tight
Always Discreet Incontinence Underwear will keep you feeling confident with its form-fitting design that hugs your curves with a delicate fabric, giving you the freedom to move elegantly. You’ll feel dry and secure because the highly absorbent core turns moisture and odors into a gel.
Moreover, the unique side LeakGuard design helps prevent leaks at the leg, which is where they tend to happen the most. Available in sizes S/M to XXL to fit all types of curves.
How To Choose The Best Pad For Postpartum Bleeding?
- Absorbency: Make sure you have a pad that can absorb a hefty flow before using it. You don’t want to be waiting for the pad to soak while feeling perpetually moist. Pick a material that absorbs rapidly and has a large capacity for fluids. If your flow is quite heavy, you could even need an adult diaper.
- Fragrance-free: By eliminating things with strong fragrances and specific materials or textures, you can find items that won’t irritate you. While you might desire a fragrant pad to keep smells from developing, you’re actually doing more damage than good.
- Disposable Or Cloth Pads: There are several advantages to using cloth postpartum pads. They are significantly softer than disposable pads, and since they can be reused, their long-term cost is lower. However, there are other advantages to using disposable pads. They save you from having to do extra cleaning and laundry; you don’t have to worry while you’re away from home.
- Variety: You’ll want a lot of thick nighttime pads or pads designed specifically for postpartum. These very absorbent pads should make up around half of your supply since you’ll need them during the first week when your bleeding is still very heavy. But for the weeks after that, thinner pads should be adequate. You might be able to get away with just panty liners during the later stages of postpartum bleeding.
Types Of Postpartum Pads
- Classic Pads: Possess a standard size and form without any extraneous details.
- Winged Pads: Wrap them around your underwear for better leak protection.
- Disposable Pads: They’re easy to use and can be thrown away after each use.
- Reusable Pads: They can be used multiple times.
- Adult Diapers: They have coverage on all sides.
Why Do You Need Pads After Giving Birth?
After giving birth, pads are used for a variety of reasons. One reason is to absorb postpartum bleeding (lochia) (2). Your body after giving birth will expel any leftover blood and tissue. It may take many days for the bleeding to cease, and this amount of blood might be significant. This blood is absorbed by pads.
Pads are also a good idea to protect against any stitches or rips that may have occurred during delivery. Perineal lacerations, also known as these stitches or rips, typically happen when the infant is born vaginally or has a big head. The use of pads keeps the region germ- and infection-free.
In order to make you more comfortable after giving birth, pads may also be utilized. Your body undergoes several modifications following birth. Hormones are released that cause the uterus to contract and the belly to shrink. This can cause you to feel cramps, and pads can help to provide relief from this discomfort.
How Many Pads Do I Need For Postpartum?
As a new parent, it’s a good idea to be prepared with enough postpartum pads to last you through the recovery period. During the first few days after giving birth, you may need to change your pads every 60 to 90 minutes, so it’s important to have plenty on hand. You may even need to stack pads on top of each other for extra coverage.
While you’ll gradually need fewer pads as time goes on, you should plan to use them for four to five weeks (3). If you’re using cloth pads, 12 per day should be enough if you plan on washing them daily. However, if you experience heavier bleeding than normal, it’s recommended to have 150 to 200 postpartum pads available.
Are Pads Or Diapers Better For Postpartum?
Bleeding is severe during the first week or so, especially the first few days. Diapers for adults are the best option! With an adult diaper, leakage is not a concern. Using padsicles is really easy when wearing an adult diaper. Adult diapers are no longer necessary after 3 to 7 days since the bleeding has significantly decreased. You’ll be prepared to use a regular-sized pad during the day and perhaps something heavier at night after wearing heavy flow pads for about a week. Unless you’re pushing the body too hard, you’ll probably just notice brown spotting for the final six weeks after birth. Panty liners are the ideal choice here.
When Can You Start Wearing Normal Pads After Birth?
You can start wearing normal pads again after your postpartum bleeding has slowed down. This usually takes 2-6 weeks (4). In the meantime, you can use maternity pads for protection and comfort.
What Is The Difference Between Maternity Pads And Normal Pads?
Maternity pads are intended to be worn throughout pregnancy and immediately following delivery. They often have a unique contoured design to offer more support and are broader and longer than regular pads. Many women discover that during the first few days after giving birth, they must wear a maternity pad. Regular periods usually call for the usage of normal pads, which should be done every 4-8 hours (5).
How Much Do You Bleed After Birth?
Following a normal birth, women frequently have up to a half-quart of bleeding and following a cesarean section, up to a quart of bleeding (C-section). There’s a lot of blood there! Fortunately, our bodies can manage this kind of blood loss, and we often bounce back quite well. The possibility of blood loss after childbirth should still be taken into consideration, though, since it may be an indication of a more serious issue.
