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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Which maternity pads?

20 replies

PixieCake · 09/08/2010 10:45

I was all set to buy some of those big maternity pads from Boots/Mothercare for after the birth (first baby), but a friend has just told me not to bother and to stick with something like Always.

Any tips? What is the difference - are the maternity ones bigger or something?

I'm having a c section if that makes any difference to the amount of bleeding?

Thanks in advance

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Original poster

PixieCake · 09/08/2010 11:04

Just seen in the Mothercare brochure it says "ordinary sanitary towels are not suitable during this time as they may mask the signs of infection".

What on earth does this mean?

Sorry if this thread if a bit gross.

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BaggedandTagged · 09/08/2010 11:12

Just been through this purchase myself

The maternity ones are longer and thicker than normal STs. They are extremely unglamorous!

But,they are more absorbant than normal pads and also the extra thickness gives you a nice bit of padding (apparently)which is nice if you've got a sore fanjo post-delivery. The extra length means you are less likely to "leak" at night when you're lying down.

Not sure what Mothercare means tbh. I can see why they'd say you shouldnt use tampax, but cant really see the issue with a normal towel, other than possible "capacity issues"

notasausage · 09/08/2010 11:13

OK, that confused me too but it is true. I think it must be something to do with the composition of the loss after child birth compared to AF which means you can't really see it so well on a normal sanitary towel. Now you might think - why would I want to see it, but I wanted to be sure there wasn't infection after difficulties post birth.

Maternity towels come in long and standard sizes just like sanitary towels.

I would suggest getting some of the really thick nasty looking ones from Mothercare, Boots or similar - it's nice to have the extra padding immediately post birth and also get some of the slimline ones for later on. They work just as well as Always but they're designed for post birth loss. Once you've got to grips with what's going on you can switch back to Always towards the end if you want to.

BaggedandTagged · 09/08/2010 11:13

sorry- didnt read properly so missed bit about c-section in which case you wouldnt need to consider the fanjo padding angle

onadietcokebreak · 09/08/2010 11:14

Normal pads can mask the signs of any infection by absorbing the signs I think.

A midwife may also ask how many pads you are going through and any particular signs I think.

Thats how it was explained to me.....

onadietcokebreak · 09/08/2010 11:18

And make sure your partner/best mate/ mum or whoever you are likely to send out for some more has an idea of which aisle they are in at local supermarket.

The amount of times I have been collared by blokes looking confused in the feminine hygiene aisle!

stillbobbysgirl · 09/08/2010 11:21

I had problems after my 2nd birth - a 9 pounder - with my stiches drying out and coming loose and falling out. Sorry if TMI! I was bleeding VERY heavily but still this happened. My midwife then realised it was because I was using Always "Cotton Feel" pads. Apparently there is no actual cotton in them, they are designed like nappies to draw away all moisture and so leave the old fanjo too dry to heal properly and this was why thy stitches came out.

She advised to only use actual cotton ones, which will be the actual maternity pads or Boots do a brand of actual cotton pads.

You obviously won't have stiches there, but whatever you do don't use anything with 'cotton like' on the packet.
Good luck

EatSleepLove · 09/08/2010 13:29

I was advised by my sister-in-law to use Tena Lady Discreet disposable pants. They were a godsend, much nicer then using the maternity pads, less likely to end up with embarrassing results and really easy.

I know that everyone I have advised has preferred them to pads.... even if you do feel like an old lady buying them! They are also a better design then others (namely Boots ones which are like wearing a loin cloth).

BabyValentine · 09/08/2010 13:37

I used both Always and maternity pads after DD1 (episiotomy).

As mentioned, the maternity pads are thick and unglamorous but far, far more comfortable.

And I did find that the Always 'locks-away-moisture-top-weavy-sheet-thing' had a tear-inducing habit of catching on my stitches

BabyValentine · 09/08/2010 13:38

Ooops, sorry I missed the C-section bit, too . Although handy information for anyone reading who has a vaginal birth...

onadietcokebreak · 09/08/2010 13:50

You can buy slim maternity pads from boots now though!

Bumpsadaisie · 09/08/2010 15:22

Don't bother. Just get the Always heavy absorbent ones like your friend says. You won't even have time to think about it by the time you are actually using them!

MigGril · 09/08/2010 15:24

I would advice you to go with the maternity pads. They don't have the same absorbent gell or dry weave top sheet.

I've actually ended up allertic to normal pads as used them to early on after having DD. Should have stuck with the maternity one's for longer.

MerryMarigold · 09/08/2010 15:29

I had a C section, just used the Always night heaviest flow ones. They're a lot cheaper...never found they didn't absorb enough or that they were uncomfortable. TBH, I find having a massive wadge in my pants quite uncomfy - and I think Always are a bit slimmer, but still very absorbent.

Nattynar · 09/08/2010 15:35

Grim as it is, normal sanitary towels will mask any unpleasant smells! Maternity towels don't which means you can distinguish whether you have an infection. Something you don't want to leave untreated.

They are really unglamourous, but you can pick them up from somewhere like Sainsbury, cheaper than Mothercare where you pay a premium.

Also you don't want any leaks, you'll have enough to do with a new baby.

eastmidlandsnightnanny · 09/08/2010 15:38

I have brought 2 packs maternity pads one from tesco and one from sainsburys and then brought 2 packs bodyform nightime towels which are same absorbency.

Have lots of my normal always silk towels in bathroom

but will send husband to buy more of whatever is needed.

goodmorning · 09/08/2010 15:40

Tesco maternity pads, they were quite big but very comfortable as they were quite soft, and much cheaper than Mothercare.Make sure you buy a few packs.

cluckyduck · 09/08/2010 16:02

I tried to wear regular Always Nightime ones last time, they just were not absorbent (for me), felt really slimy on as they had that shiny/silky effect on the top layer, and they were HOPELESS when I put them on shortly after my waters breaking; they got fully saturated in a few minutes, and made me feel even more uncomfortable.

I felt a lot more secure and happier with plain old Tesco Maternity ones, however it really is horses for courses.

BaggedandTagged · 10/08/2010 02:29

Glad there's a big shout out for the maternity mattresses! Was starting to think that my purchase (3 packs of the big guns)would linger at the back of the cupboard forever but now I shall wear them with pride

FourEyesGood · 10/08/2010 13:29

My midwife gave me some incredibly thick (but not specifically maternity) sanitary towels after the birth of DC1 and told me to avoid using the slim towels for at least the first week. I bought cheapie jumbo towels from Poundstretcher (I have no idea how women can use them for normal periods, i.e. when they haven't just had a baby; I'd be waddling with those in my knickers!) But to be honest, I appreciated the extra cushioning in the first few days after childbirth!

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