Choosing the postpartum pads well is essential for a very delicate moment. It is essential to have everything prepared for those first days after giving birth, because it is what will help you experience your recovery without having to worry about these types of issues. And just after giving birth, postpartum care begins that you should not neglect to recover correctly and as soon as possible.
Whether it is a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, postpartum compresses will be necessary. Besides, you will be using them for several weeks, which is the duration of the process of expulsion of the lochia, that is, the blood, the remains of placental tissue and the cervical mucus. In short, it is important to choose the postpartum pads well to be calm during your recovery.
How to choose postpartum pads
During the weeks that the expulsion of the lochia occurs, you will need two types of compress, since the amount of flow changes as the days go by. At the beginning, during the first 7 or 8 days postpartum, the secretion from the expulsion of the lochia is quite abundant. Then, around the tenth day the flow is reduced, but it can last until after 6 or 8 weeks after delivery.
What is recommended for the first days?
The most advisable thing for the first days postpartum is to choose cellulose or directly cotton compresses, it is essential that they do not contain any plastic. Taking into account that the secretion is important, it is advisable to use disposable panties. This is because the bleeding is so profuse that it is quite common to stain underwear, so it is more practical to throw them away instead of washing with bleach after each change.
To feel more protected, you can put on two superimposed compresses. It is not the most comfortable, but it will help you feel calmer. Now, it is very important that you change the postpartum pads frequently, not only because they fill up quickly, but also because humidity can cause infection. For this reason, it is preferable not to look at the best quality ones, but at affordable prices so that you can change them without affecting your pocket too much.
From the second week postpartum
After the first 10 days or so, the amount of discharge decreases markedly. already at that time you can use your normal underwear again because the probability of suffering stains is already reduced. You can also stop using the specific postpartum pads and use the usual pads. However, it is still advisable to use cotton pads, since the risk of infection persists for several days.
What is essential in any case is extreme hygiene measures. Any mistake can cause you to suffer an infection that complicates your recovery. These are some recommendations for the care of your intimate area after delivery.
- Wash twice a day, using a specific soap for the intimate area. You should also wash after going to the bathroom, with warm water and soap, no disposable wipes.
- The shower is preferable to the bath, avoid submerging for a few days.
- After washing or showering, you must dry the area very well and carefully. It is essential to avoid the production of humidity, since it is the perfect source of proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Use small towels, preferably single use, and wash them with hot water.
- When it's time to clean yourself, remember which is the correct form in any case, from front to back. This is how we prevent bacteria from reaching the vaginal area and causing infections.
Lastly, avoid wearing very tight underwear or unnatural fabrics. Cotton is the most recommended in these cases, both for postpartum pads and underwear. Do not forget about medical check-ups, since they are essential to verify that the recovery is satisfactory. And remember that in order to take care of your baby, it is essential to take care of yourself first.