Best Postpartum Diapers & Pads For New Moms 2023
Postpartum diapers can be a real life saver for new moms. This is because new moms may find it much easier to use postpartum adult diapers rather than using bulky maxi pads inside mesh panties.
Why Are Postpartum Diapers Great?
These disposable diapers actually look like high waisted panties but they area actually disposable underwear. Diapers for postpartum bleeding and postpartum underwear can be a great option for a person who has recently given birth.
What many people don’t realize is that there is usually heavy bleeding that follows the birth of a child and wearing diapers postpartum will make your life easier as you adjust to your new normal. Maternity pads can also be used, but they are just not as comfortable as using the right postpartum underwear.
Will Postpartum Diapers Be More Helpful After Vaginal Delivery Or C-Section?
Vaginal bleeding happens to everyone after giving birth, whether you had a C-section or a vaginal delivery. It is the heaviest in the first week postpartum, and will usually continue for several weeks. When choosing the best adult diapers for postpartum, you should consider the fact that in the first few days the bleeding can be quite heavy so you will want something that you don’t mind throwing away.
After the first 10 to 14 days you can also consider using washable underwear with panty liners inside. Once you decide which is best for you, you will want to pack these in your hospital bag so that you can use them in the first days following birth.
Best Postpartum Diapers For Vaginal Delivery
Essentially all of the choices mentioned above can also be used for vaginal delivery. However, since you will not have a scar from the C section surgery, you do not need to worry about having a postpartum diaper that is very high waisted. Remember that it will take time for your uterus to contract, so your belly will not be what it was before pregnancy. You should choose postpartum underwear that can easily be pulled up over the belly so it does not slide down.
Here is a short list of the best postpartum underwear after a vaginal delivery:
This high waist postpartum underwear is the luxury option for all postpartum moms who have given birth vaginally. It is wide enough to hold postpartum pads and even has included perineal gel packs. The included gel packs can be cooled in the freezer or warmed in the microwave. Once set to your desired temperature (be sure to read instructions first), they can then be put into one of the three pockets inside the underwear. There is one for perineal pain after vaginal delivery, one near the stomach for uterine cramps, and one in the back for back pain.
If you are not experiencing any perineal pain and have not had any tears during birth, you can start using disposable underwear right away. This is a super convenient and easy option for moms who don’t want to think about lining their underwear with pads. Just pull on, pull off and dispose of the dirty diapers easily .
Best Postpartum Underwear For C Section
After a C section, most women are in a lot of pain. A Cesarean section is major surgery, and the pain afterward can be significant. The area of the c section incision is very sensitive and you do not want anything rubbing up against it. You will want to purchase a high-waisted postpartum underwear that goes several inches past your scar so that there’s no concern for it rubbing against it.
In the earliest days following delivery, use a pad with your high waisted underwear to absorb as much blood as possible. Once the scar is less sensitive (usually after week 3 or 4 post partum) you can switch to completely disposable postpartum underwear. Here is a list of the best postpartum diapers after a C section:
- Kindred Bravely High Waisted Underwear – A soft high waisted underwear is an essential part of your postpartum recovery kit. These underwear are far enough away from your C-section incision and will not rub against it in an uncomfortable manor. Pair these underwear with an ultra thin maxi pad with wings for ultimate comfort. Because this is real underwear, it feels natural to wear. This combination is the top choice for comfort and hygiene during the first few weeks postpartum for mom’s who have recently had C sections. Especially if you have sensitive skin this is one of the best options as it is made from breathable materials and comes in different sizes.
- Always Discreet – This is a great option right around week 3 or 4 post partum, especially for women who still may be having heavy postpartum bleeding. Unlike other bulky adult diapers, these are fairly discreet underwear and can be worn under most types of clothing without being noticed.
This postpartum option is a good fit for when you may be wearing a maxi dress or sweatpants, but may be more noticeable if you are wearing tight fitting leggings. In the case of any very tight fitting pants, you will want to pair normal underwear with a maximum absorbency thin maxi pad. This particular brand also has a high waist which is really essential for c-section moms.
Related: Postpartum Rib Pain
Best Postpartum Pads
The best postpartum pads are the ones that offer the best protection with a high level of absorbency, but are also comfortable to wear. Ultra thin pads with wings are a great option and the only downside is that you will have to change them out every 3 to 4 hours depending on your blood flow.
Our favorite brand when it comes to the postpartum pads are Poise Ultra Thin With Wings. These have a high absorbency and are thin enough to be comfortable unlike some of the huge pads made by other brands.
How Many Postpartum Diapers Do I Need?
You will need more diapers postpartum in the early postpartum period than you will as you get to week six and week seven postpartum. In the first week, plan to have at least seven pairs of high waisted underwear that you can combine with maxi pads to help absorb your blood flow. You can wash mesh underwear, but you will want to have several pairs handy so that you can always easily switch into a clean pair.
After the first week or two, you can switch to postpartum diapers. You will likely need four to five diapers a day for the next ten to fourteen days, depending on your comfort level and how often you prefer to switch them out. It is a good idea to have about twenty to start and then purchase more if you need to.
Postpartum Diapers Vs Pads
When thinking about buying postpartum pads or diapers, it really depends on the amount of bleeding you are having. In the beginning, the bleeding is likely to be significant so mesh under and a large pad (which the hospital will usually provide) is a good choice.
Once at home and moving around with your little one, postpartum diapers may be more convenient and comfortable. You should try both and see which works better for you. Remember that whatever you choose be sure that you change it frequently and use a new pad or new diaper every few hours to stay clean, dry, and comfortable.
Incontinence Underwear Vs Postpartum Diapers
Incontinence underwear (designed for urinary incontinence and urine leakage) and postpartum diapers share a lot of the same qualities. Postpartum diapers however usually have the right size when it comes to accommodating the uterus. Remember it will take a few weeks to months for your uterus to go back to its size before you had a baby. Therefore postpartum diapers are designed with this in mind, and have extra give in the lower belly portion of their feminine design.
Postpartum diapers also are designed to not irritate the incision site for anyone who has had a C section delivery. This is why the average adult diaper may not be best choice for a first time mom. Choose an option that has been specifically designed with postpartum moms in mind.
Postpartum Diapers For Mom: Summary
Postpartum life is not easy and neither is postpartum care. The last thing you want to worry about in addition to caring for your newborn is worry about how you will stay dry down there. Between postpartum bleeding, bladder leakage, and other postpartum discharge, it is a good idea to have some postpartum diapers and postpartum underwear on hand.
Diapers postpartum can be very useful and they may become your best friends in the postpartum recovery period. For C section moms be sure to wear soft underwear and maxi pads in the initial weeks post partum as you dont want anything that rough rubbing against your scar. Moms who have a vagina birth can use disposable underwear right away.
If you have a perineal pain, consider buying an underwear that can hold a cooling or heating gel for pain relief. The best part about postpartum diapers is that you can easily dispose of the diapers when they become soaked.
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