Cloth maternity pads - For straight after birth

[PinkPlantCase]

I’ve used cloth menstrual pads for years, disposables irritate my skin and give me contact dermatitis that’s itchy. I’ve tried lots of brands and they all make me sore eventually.

Question is has anyone used cloth pads for after birth? Like immediately afterwards. I’m planning a home birth so the logistics of them should be easier than if I was in hospital, though I of course can’t rule out a potential hospital stay if needed.

Can’t tell if I’m kidding myself about the amount of bleeding and I’ll have to put up with disposables for a few days and then change back to cloth pads after a few days.

My bleeding wasn't terribly bad but I suppose it depends on how frequently you will be able to change them if needed after birth? If you needed to change every hour for example would you have the support there to enable you to do that if the baby needed attention at the same time? I would personally get some disposable ones just in case. Could you maybe donate them to a woman's shelter or food bank if unopened and you don't use them?

DH is alright at dealing with them. I guess it’s whether I want to buy enough to change them potentially every hour!

Having some and donating them if unused is a good idea

Yes it is so hard to know what you will need. Like I said, my bleeding wasn't excessive and I did over prepare but it could have been very different. Good luck with everything!