Maternity pads

[Dlah]

Hi all,

FTM here, just trying to get what I need for hospital bag.

Realistically what do I need in the way of pads? Are maternity pads generally different to normal sanitary pads?

Ie yesterday I picked up some maxi, extra heavy winged pads as I couldn't see anything in the shop that specifically said maternity?

Just wondering what's best to get

Maternity pads are indeed different, and you'll probably need them (I've only had c-sections, and the bleeding isn't as bad after those, buy I still used them for a short while). They are generally found in the baby section of supermarkets, rather than the sanitary towel section. They are very absorbent, but rather uncomfortable (quite thick!), so I'd get a pack and see how you go. If your bleeding isn't terrible, swap to the normal (well, super heavy nighttime!) pads for comfort.

Read on here the other day though that maternity pads also don't have the same plastic top layer as normal pads, so are better for monitoring your bleeding, so even if you do swap to normal pads quite soon, this person suggested using a maternity pad once a day just to properly be able to see what the blood is like.

Oh, and congratulations!

Thanks guys, appreciated

Mothercare with wings are good at first (about £5 for 24 but worth it) then when it's slowed down, Boots ultra slim - I'm still using them 3 and a half weeks on and no irritation etc

Also, sanitary towels can be scented and so it's easier to hide any signs of infection and yes, they're less good at being able to monitor how much blood loss you have.

Maternity towels are really padded and very comfy! You might need the padding!

Boots do down that are good - buy twice as many as you think you need as you will need to change them quite frequently to start with.

The super tuick ones are a godsend for bruised/stitched bits, and maternity pads I think are meant to have a lot less chemicals etc in them (relevant). I used the thick ones for first week or two, then switched to extra thin maternity pads from boots when the bruising died down. They are in the baby aisles and I thought they were very cheap (60p a pack in tesco 6 months ago)

Im looking at making cloth post partum pads as well as buying some of the shop maternity pads. I liked the padding of the big ones but by day 3 nice to be in something slimmer!

Also make sure DP knows where to find them in supermarket. I've helped many new dads over the years who were looking quizzically at sanitary towels by offering a " you look confused are you looking for something?" Question

Don't forget the disposable pants!!

Lol my OH would definitely be lost!

Disposable pants . . When do people normally partake in these/for how long?

I found maternity pads useless. Went with night time period pads with my second.

I didn't do disposable pants but did buy lots of massive ones from Primark which were v.comfy for the days after, maternity pads are massive and I needed them for weeks so get loads!!

I found maternity pads way softer on stitches and just bought big knickers from primark

Definitely recommend the boots own brand. I used the big ones with disposable knickers for the first 3 days (stitches) then moved to the ultra slim with wings.

I hated disposable pants. Big black ones from a cheap shop are just as good and more comfy. (and I may or may not still occasionally wear some of the huge granny pants I bought for the early days...)

All these delights to look forward to!

I found the Kotex maxi night time pads from the pound shop just as good as supermarket maternity pads.

Meant to add - congratulations on your impending arrival

No disposable pants. Nice cheap big cotton maxis for me!

Pack lip balm too.

Why do you need lip balm? I've seen it on packing lists but don't get the relevance?

Gas and air mask/nozzle thing can really dry out your lips.

Slave-gas and air can make your lips dry.

I second boots maternity pads, tescos are ok but don't buy sainsburys ones as they are rubbish-the inner filling snaps in half and the sticky bit is only a tiny thin strip on the back so they don't stick to underwear well, boots by far the best.

Didn't bother with disposable pants as they don't fit well and are uncomfortable, the last too pregnancies I've used tena lady pants-the ones that are like a pull up nappy(!!) and used a maternity pad inside those for the fist 48hrs, then gone to maternity pads in cheap knickers after that!

Btw, gets loads more packs than you think your'll need, I went through a pack of 12 a day for the first couple of days!!