After delivery we have a bleeding that will last several weeks. It is called lochia and it goes through phases: at the beginning it is more red and intensethen it turns brownish/pink and finally more clearNot all women bleed the same: the duration, volume, and rhythm can vary depending on the type of delivery. breastfeeding and your recovery. In this context, the question arises as to which device to use to collect the bleeding: Pads, tampons, or menstrual cup? The answer depends on the postpartum period and how your pelvic floor, your skin, and your cervix are doing.
During the first few weeks, the cervix is ​​not yet fully closed and the internal tissues are healingTherefore, inserting devices into the vagina increases the risk of infection. In general, in the immediate postpartum period it is recommended to opt for specific compresses that promote perspiration and comfort, and postpone the use of tampons o cup until the postpartum check-up has been completed and professional approval has been obtained.
Compressed
I'm sure I won't discover anything if I say that they are possibly the most used device to collect menstrual flow. They come in a thousand shapes and materials and in recent years have evolved from being a non-sticky "pad" that leaked through to "futuristic" pads that neither move nor leak, prevent odor, and are increasingly more durable. Absorption capacity.
The problem is that to achieve this, processes of bleached and addition of substances deodorants that can cause allergies and skin reactions.
On the other hand, by retaining moisture alter the flora of the genitals and vagina, potentially causing candida (fungal) infections.
After delivery the skin of the perineum has suffered very important changesOn one hand, it has dilated to allow the baby's head to pass through; on the other hand, you may have some stitches, all of this along with a significant alteration of the bacterial flora The chemicals they add to these pads often cause irritation. reactions and discomfortAlso keep in mind that the bleeding won't be your normal menstrual bleeding; you'll bleed for several weeks, and that with a non-breathable pad means... yeast infections Almost certainly. So these pads they are not suitable for postpartum.
For the immediate postpartum period, it is important to distinguish between Compresses postpartum and compresses menstrual standard:
- Postpartum women are usually longest, more wide and with greater absorptiondesigned for lochia.
- Standard menstrual products prioritize discretion and may include plastic y perfumes which are more irritating at this stage.
In addition, there are compresses reusable made of fabric (cotton, bamboo, or other absorbent materials), another alternative organic farming and often more soft with the skin. Its advantages include less residue, saving In the medium term, a variety of sizes and absorption levels, and good breathability; in return they require careful washing and have enough units to rotate.
If you opt for disposables, prioritize pads made of cotton or cellulose, without perfumes or rigid plastics. postpartum panties Mesh or disposable pads can help keep them in place better during the first few days, when bleeding is heavier and you may need frequent changes.
Tampons
Do you think tampons are a recent invention? Well, it turns out they're not. Simple versions were already used in ancient times and, over time, spread to different cultures. Each culture used a different type of tampon. different material and were used throughout history. Although considered unsuitable in the first half of the last century, they later regained popularity and widespread use. Over time, they have been refined to their current form, which consists of a compressed core of a Absorbent material covered by a mesh.
For proper placement, they must be placed at the fundus of vagina, absorb the flow and swell as they become soaked. They can dry the vaginal walls and damage them when removing them, they retain moisture and can cause changes in the vaginal flora. For all of it are not suitable for postpartumIf we have any sutures, their placement will be painful, and it could also damage the sutures; even without stitches, they can cause dryness in the vaginal walls, already damaged by childbirth, potentially causing lacerations. Furthermore, they retain the flow when the cervix is ​​not yet fully closed, which increases the risk of infections.
Regardless of whether the birth was vaginal or by Caesarean sectionThe uterus is shedding lochia, so tampons should be avoided until a healthcare professional confirms that internal recovery is adequate. When you are cleared to resume using them, choose the lower absorption Compatible with your flow and limits usage time, maintaining hand hygiene scrupulous to minimize risks.
Tampon-associated toxic shock syndrome is very rareBut prevention involves ask that These types of products should be used during the immediate postpartum period and, later on, by not exceeding the recommended times and alternating with other methods if necessary.
menstrual cup
The menstrual cup is a little bell that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow. Unlike tampons or pads, the menstrual cup does not absorb the flow, but collects it inside the cup until it is removed from the vagina and the fluid is discarded. They are made of medical-grade silicone or similar materials; They are not porousThey are non-absorbent and non-fibrous, so they do not scratch or dry out the vaginal walls, and can be used regardless of the amount of flow; they are not uncomfortable to remove during the last days of menstruation and do not leave any fiber residue.
Es reusable And it can last around 10 years if properly cared for. It's not really such a new invention; they've been around for decades. Although for a long time they weren't as widely used or known as tampons and pads, their use has increased in recent years thanks to... Word of mouth between women.
The opinions of specialists about the cup are usually positive, although with some "buts": in general it seems property For many women, although there is no consensus on its use in girls. They come in different sizes (usually, small, medium and largeand are available in various colors. Some models include orifices at the top that make it easier to release the vacuum when removing it and measuring marks to estimate the flow volume.
It can be a little tricky to position the cup correctly at first, and it can even move if this isn't done properly. but once properly placed it will remain fixedThere is a possibility that a vacuum may form, preventing removal if you don't know how; to remove it, press the base of the cup with a finger to break the void and it is gently extracted.
Sometimes it's tricky to choose the right size, and we might not choose correctly the first time and need to buy a second cup in a different size. Generally, those who have had vaginal delivery or those with a more lax pelvic floor often require a size with greater capacityIf you notice the cup descending or shifting, it may be helpful to work on the pelvic floor with Kegel-type exercises or by going to a specialized physiotherapist.
Their capacity is around 30 ml and they empty with less frequently than tampons or pads, so could remain Up to 12 hours (although it is suggested not to exceed this maximum if the flow is very heavy). It does not contain bleaching agents, whitening agents, deodorants, or absorbent gels, and in general, reduces irritation and allergies to synthetic materials.
Once learned its use is placed very easily and is removed just as easily, because it is placed in the lower part of the vagina and is accessed with a finger that breaks the vacuum. It can also be left in place during the nightIf it's properly positioned, there won't be any leaks. The cup effectively seals the vagina, so neither fluid nor smell They should leave.
Although it has many advantages it is not recommended to use it to collect bleeding after delivery since the cervix is ​​not closed and insert any device into the vagina increases the risk of serious infections. When you receive professional clearance to resume it (usually coincides with the postpartum check-upRemember: sterilize it before its first use of the cycle, check the correct size for your new situation and put it on without rushing; if it helps, use a lubricant water-based to facilitate sealing.
How many postpartum pads do I need and how do I choose them?
The quantity and type depend on the intensity of bleeding and your comfort. As a practical guide:
- First 3 days: very abundant flow → approx. 8–10 compresses/day.
- Days 4–10: average flow → approx. 4–6 compresses/day.
- AfterYou can switch to softer pads light and menstrual panties.
Helpful tip: Take at least 10 large compresses high-absorption if your center doesn't provide them. To choose, prioritize:
- Materials breathable (cotton or cellulose) and perfume-free.
- Long Jump and adequate coverage to prevent leaks when lying down.
- Fixation System comfortable; if they don't fit well, use mesh panties or postpartum.
- If you are interested in reusableIt values ​​its absorption level, softness to the touch and ease of washing.
Safe use: hygiene, timing and warning signs
Good use reduces discomfort and infections:
- Change the pad frequently (every 3–4 hours in heavy bleeding) and whenever it is wet.
- Do not use tampons or menstrual cups during postpartum bleeding.
- Avoid pads with perfumes y rigid plastics that hinder ventilation.
- Wear underwear from cotton And, if you find it comfortable, disposable postpartum underwear.
- Wash your hands before and after of each change.
- For intimate hygiene, wash once or twice a day with pH neutral soap and water; avoid douching or products not specified.
- If you resume the cup later: sterilize it At the beginning and end of each cycle, clean it with water between emptyings and respect the usage times (usually no more than 8–12 h).
Seek evaluation if you experience fever, intense bad odor, clots very big repeatedly, pelvic pain that worsensdizziness, or if the bleeding becomes very abundant suddenly after having decreased.
Returning to using menstrual cups or tampons after childbirth
Once you have recovered from the immediate postpartum period and have received professional approval, you can consider using it again. cup o tampons according to your preferences. Some key points:
- Postpartum check-up: confirms that the healing is adequate and that there are no contraindications.
- Pelvic floorIf the cup descends or you notice instability, reinforce with kegel exercises or see a physiotherapist.
- Cup sizeAfter vaginal delivery, a size with greater capacityAdjust if there are leaks or discomfort.
- HygieneUse clean hands when handling; sterilize the cup and respect the sterilization times. For tampons, use the lower absorption that controls your flow.
When the cycle normalizes, the cup offers added advantages: greater capacity if the rules are more abundant, less irritation by contact, the best option organic farming y saving in the long term. If you prefer tampons, consider alternating them with pads or period underwear to protect your menstrual flow. moisturizing natural to the vagina.
My recomendation
I recommend using postpartum cotton or cellulose pads. They are natural fibers, they do not usually have bleaches or deodorants or plastics that prevent perspiration. They are usually sold in pharmacies, although lately you can also find them in big surfacesThey are available in different sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs depending on the stage of postpartum recovery you are in, although generally They are thicker than the normal ones and do not have a good fixing system to the underwear.
Anyway change the pad very often And do not use creams, disinfectants, or ointments that have not been recommended by your doctor or midwife. Do not perform vaginal douches; washing your genitals once or, at most, twice a day with soap will be sufficient. Neutral pHIf you're drawn to the idea of ​​a menstrual cup, wait until your postpartum checkup, sterilize it before the first use of your period, and make sure the size fits you. If you're interested in reusable options from the start, begin with cloth compresses For lochia: they are soft, breathable and easy to wash, as long as you have several to rotate.
Choosing the right things to wear at each stage of postpartum makes the difference between discomfort and infections or a full recovery comfortable and safeDuring the first few weeks, prioritize breathable postpartum pads; once your healthcare provider confirms it's safe, decide whether to continue with pads, try period underwear, or switch back to a menstrual cup or tampons. The key is to listen to your body, maintain good hygiene, and adapt the method to your needs. people's wellbeing your recovery rate.