Pads

[MeltorPeltor]

Just packing my hospital bag, I remember after DS1 quite swiftly switching from maternity pads to Always Nighttime pads (or similar) and they were a lot more comfortable.

Do you think I could skip out the maternity pads? I can't remember how bad the bleeding was but I can remember how uncomfortable the pads were!

I couldn't but maybe things have improved in the last few years.

I think for first couple of days you'll definitely need to industrial sized ones. I switched then to the thin maternity ones. Boots and Tesco etc all do thin ones which have no plastic coating etc like regular sanitary pads do. Supposedly better for infections or something.

I'd stick to maternity pads. Or at least buy at least one pack/take a pack of both in with you.
Everyone (and every birth) is different, but I the bleeding was definitely worse after each of my births.

I meant the bleeding was got worse with each birth iyswim?!

Urghhh I don't know what I'm trying to type

Tesco do thin maternity pads that are good after the initial few days.

I took the thick ones first as they're smoother and just change every time you go to the loo so they feel fresh. Then switch to the thin ones then finally to always nighttime once healed a little. And take baby wipes and a plastic cup (to run warm water over yourself) to clean with. Don't use toilet paper.

Proper maternity pads at first to monitor blood loss. .

Normal ones so absorbant you may miss abnormal loss.

Apparently there is something in always pads that really irritates/ sticks if you have stitches....

I had stitches the first time and found the Always more comfortable than the maternity pads. I'll add both to the list.

I used those tena nappies for the first couple of days. Couldn't bare the feel of pads at all. Then just went straight onto normal ones.

I didn't even use one pack with either of mine but I would still buy at least one pack as you don't know how you'll be after this birth. I, too, switched quickly to Always pads.

My bleeding was better second time round because I didn't have the injection to get rid of the placenta straight away. I tried to get rid naturally. Didn't work, but I think not having the injection immediately shortened and lightened my bleeding significantly.

My midwife told me not to use standard maternity towels as they have a coating on them and added stuff to them (smell etc). Whereas maternity towels are "pure" so supposed to be less irritating. I bled really bad (through labour too) and was on a course of anti - biotics after birth. I'd stick to maternity towels. If you're uncomfortable run a Luke warm very shallow bath and add a small amount of tea tree oil and bathe for a few minutes, helped heal my stitches in no time. I've heard for people putting pads in the freezer too to help (didn't try that one lol). Sorry for the waffle but hope it helped (I used boots maternity towels, they were the best of all I tried) x

Sorry standard sanitary towels