Postpartum flow isn’t like your regular period. It’s heavy bleeding, especially in first-time mothers.
Understandably, postpartum flow can overwhelm you as you try to care for your new baby while recovering. The last thing you want to worry about is bleeding
That’s where postpartum diapers come in and put your mind to rest.
In today’s article, I will review some of the best postpartum diapers for nighttime, C-sections, stitches, etc.
So, let’s dive right in and make a smart purchase.
3 Useful Tips for Postpartum Bleeding and Recovery
Whether you have a vaginal, unmedicated, or cesarean birth, bleeding for six weeks postpartum is normal because you’re healing.
More specifically, your uterus is tender after giving birth and recovering from a large wound where the placenta was attached. That’s where all the blood comes from, so don’t worry.
After giving birth, mothers also experience postpartum cramps. It’s a natural way of preventing hemorrhaging.
Simply put, your body reacts protectively and aids the healing process.
And although I’m sure you will completely heal within time, the following postpartum bleeding and recovery tips can help, so take a look.
1. Monitor Your Bleeding
Pay close attention to the amount of bleeding. Sometimes, after moving around too much in one day, bleeding will increase. Your body says, “slow down.” And it would be best if you listened to your body because it’s wise.
Also, a few days after birth, you shouldn’t be soaking a diaper or pad quickly (within 1 hour). And if you do, consult your doctor for advice.
Lastly, don’t worry about occasional small clots. Small clots can appear in the first days, but anything larger than a golf ball requires medical consultation. So, keep in touch with your care provider to ensure they’re within normal range.
2. Take Notice of Smell
No foul smell should be coming from your vagina, blood, diaper, or pad. So, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your doctor because foul smells can indicate infections.
3. Keep Things Sanitary
Change your pads or diapers 2-3 times a day or more frequently if necessary. Also, if possible, use a pad or diaper with minimal top weaving to keep the integrity of the stitches.
Avoid using menstrual cups and tampons. Keep anything out of your vagina, as they can slow down your healing and cause infections.
Best Postpartum Diapers: 6 Best Adult Diapers
I suggest buying 1-2 packs for the first week postpartum, so you don’t have to worry about running out of diapers.
If you have leftovers, you can gift them along with the tips above to a new mom due after you. Now, let’s review some of the best postpartum diapers and select the one that meets your requirements.
Amazon Basics Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear – Best Overall
Amazon makes postpartum protective underwear that doesn’t cost much but offers excellent protection.
You can grab a set of 54 pairs and put your mind at ease.
They’re made with maximum absorbency and comfort in mind. Additionally, the Dry-Fit technology helps you feel dry for longer.
The best part? Their Dual Odor Control helps stop and neutralize odors, making you feel comfortable and fresh.
What I appreciate the most about this product is the cotton-enhanced top sheet that pulls blood away, leaving your skin feeling dry and soft at all times.
Lastly, Amazon says they’re natural rubber latex-free and breathable, allowing the heat to go through, leaving you feeling fresh and cool.
They’re also very affordable. In fact, these diapers cost less than most postpartum diapers on the market. So, why pay extra for something of the same quality?
Things I Like:
- Budget-friendly
- Wide range of sizes
- Odor control
Things I Don’t Like:
- Strong fragrance
Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear – Best for Nighttime
Always has the ideal product for you if you’re searching for high-quality postpartum diapers for nighttime. Their underwear makes a perfect choice for new mothers who experience heavy bleeding after birth.
The best part? They’re available in small, medium, and large sizes. Some may think they’re pads.
However, they’re technically diapers that will keep you dry at night, especially during the first days when the postpartum flow is heavy.
Also, they justify their “discreet” name because they’re really discreet. I’ve tried this product, and I can promise they won’t show under clothing or make weird noises as you walk around.
Other impressive features include leak guards, odor lock technology, 360° Form-Fit design, and a liquid-to-gel core.
Things I Like:
- No leaks
- Wide range of sizes
- Comfortable postpartum adult diapers
- Absorbent and discreet
- Smooth fit
Things I Don’t Like:
- They’re a bit steep
Rael Organic Cover Overnight Underwear – Best Organic
If you’re looking for organic postpartum diapers, look no further than Rael. They’re a product of a company specializing in holistic period care for women.
They have some of the best products to meet your body’s needs. Founded in 2017 by three women, Rael’s postpartum diapers ensure comfort and dryness throughout your postpartum recovery.
They consist of certified organic cotton, ideal for sensitive skin. What’s more, they’re made without GMOs, pesticides, chlorine, and other chemicals.
What I like about Rael is that the company partners with a non-profit organization to provide menstrual products for women living in poverty.
If you opt for these organic postpartum diapers, you will get a quality product with a cotton cover that doesn’t irritate the skin and absorbs quickly. They’re also long, so you can rest peacefully, knowing you won’t have leaks throughout the night.
Rael doesn’t use any fragrances, chemicals, or dyes. So, if you prefer products with no scent, consider Rael.
They also provide 12-hour protection against leaks. So, no matter how you sleep at night, you can expect a leak-free experience.
Things I Like:
- Absorbent and breathable
- Flexible waistband that’s comfy
- They can hold the same amount of liquid as four standard pads
- No chemicals, dyes, and fragrances
- Perfect for sensitive skin
Things I Don’t Like:
- Very lumpy under clothes
Sanitary Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads – Best Reusable
Were you searching for reusable postpartum pads? If so, consider these eco-friendly and machine-washable pads.
They’re stylish, comfortable, and cheap. The best part? They stay secure thanks to the snaps that wrap around the bottom of your underwear.
The snaps resemble the wings on disposable pads. So, you will get something with a very familiar design. I prefer reusable pads because they save money as you can rewash and reuse them repeatedly.
Also, the middle layer of these menstrual pads contains charcoal bamboo that takes in and neutralizes odors.
In my experience, it’s excellent at neutralizing odors so you can stay carefree.
Things I Like:
- Machine washable postpartum pad
- Less messy than disposable pads
- Charcoal bamboo for neutralizing odors
- All-natural reusable menstrual pads
- They save money
Things I Don’t Like:
- No instructions
- Lack of breathability
Stayfree Ultra Thin Overnight Pads With Wings – Best for Stitches
New moms love Stayfree overnight pads because of their soft surface.
They’re ideal for sensitive skin and recovering surfaces, as they don’t have “woven” materials that can pull stitches.
Also, the shape of these ultra-thin postpartum pads ensures protection from leaks at night. Therefore, they’re also excellent for nighttime. They feature wings, so you can rest assured, knowing they will always stay in place.
In my experience, they’re very absorbent. Stayfree can hold liquid for up to 8 hours, so you can put a fresh one before going to bed and peacefully.
The best part? They’re not overly bulky. If you hate bulky pads or diapers, consider Stayfree as they’re skinny.
Things I Like:
- Perfect for stitches
- These pads can hold moisture for up to 8 hours
- No odor and leaks
Things I Don’t Like:
- Weak adhesive
Frida Mom Disposable High Waist C-Section Postpartum Underwear – Best For C-Section
If you’re looking for the best postpartum diapers for C-sections, consider Frida Mom. They’re disposable, high waist postpartum underwear that will protect your incision and handle the postpartum flow.
In my opinion, Frida Mom is a great company because they focus on meeting moms’ needs. For instance, these postpartum diapers rank high for disposable postpartum underwear because they’re made with C-section mothers in mind.
Frida Mom mesh panties have a high waist that won’t disturb your incision site but stay in place the entire time you have them on. They’re stretchy, seamless, and breathable, making them the perfect C-section mesh panties.
Things I Like:
- High-waisted mesh panties
- Mesh-free microfiber and spandex material
- Breathable and seamless
Things I Don’t Like:
- Lack of absorbency
What to Consider When Buying Postpartum Pads?
The wide range of postpartum diapers and pads on the market makes it hard to find the right match. Hopefully, the following features can help you rule out products that won’t work to meet your needs so that you can make a good pick.
1. Type
You can buy classic, winged, organic, or reusable pads or incontinence underwear, also known as “adult diapers.” Let’s discuss each type to make the right choice.
Classic
Classic postpartum pads come in typical sizes. They’re excellent for light or medium flow but won’t work for heavy bleeding as they don’t pack extra features.
Winged
Postpartum pads with adhesive wings wrap around your undies for extra protection against leaks. Remember that winged pads usually have a thin design, so they can’t handle the heavy postpartum flow.
Organic
Organic maternity pads and diapers usually consist of cotton. They don’t include chemicals or fragrances and make a perfect choice for sensitive skin.
So, if you have sensitive skin, opt for organic postpartum pads or diapers.
Reusable
If you’re conscious of waste, you can also find reusable postpartum underwear. You can wash and reuse these diapers and save money.
Adult Diapers for Postpartum
If you’re looking for something that provides extra protection against leaks, look no further than adult postpartum diapers. They’re great for new moms with the heavier flow in the first few days after birth.
2. Absorbency
If you wear menstrual pads regularly, you already know what you want in diapers or pads for postpartum flow.
Thicker and longer pads with wrap-around wings offer the best results for days and nights when you have a heavier flow.
Note that woven materials absorb liquid better but can also disrupt sensitive areas or stitches. So, consider a smoother adult diaper if you’re going through recovery.
New moms experience heavy lochia in the early weeks after birth and need diapers to handle all that heavy bleeding, so look for something super absorbent.
3. Comfort and discretion
Wearing a postpartum diaper isn’t the same as wearing regular pads. Still, you don’t want something restricting your movements and making you uncomfortable.
Buy pads or adult diapers of soft, flexible, and breathable materials. Also, select a more discreet design if you don’t want to appear like you’re wearing a bulky adult diaper.
How Many Postpartum Diapers Do I Need?
The number of postpartum diapers you need depends on your bleeding flow. Most women need about 6-7 diapers or pads per day after giving birth.
Postpartum diapers absorb better than pads, but you should change them frequently to keep things sanitary and prevent postpartum infections.
I suggest buying extra postpartum adult diapers for the first week (about 35-40 diapers or two packs). You can also purchase one pack of pads to try both options and see what works for you.
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How Long Will I Need to Wear Postpartum Diapers?
Mothers typically experience heavy postpartum bleeding during the first two weeks of giving birth. After this point, you can replace diapers with pads until your bleeding stops.
However, you can wear postpartum diapers or maternity pads as long as it’s comfortable and convenient.
Final Thoughts on Postpartum Adult Diapers
If you’re a new mother looking for the best postpartum diapers, I highly suggest you go through the entire guide and review your options slowly.
Always Discreet Incontinence & Postpartum Incontinence Underwear works best for nighttime. However, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, opt for Amazon Basics Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear or reusable diapers.
Lastly, pick something that meets your needs within your budget. If possible, try different adult diapers and determine what works for you during your postpartum period.
