When planning to become a mother, a woman needs to pack a bag for the clinic in advance, which will contain all the necessary hygiene items, including pads. If it’s difficult to choose, you need to rely on several important criteria, since not every hygiene product will cope with the upcoming tasks. So, “daily items” and means for critical days have their own shape and composition, so they cannot protect against heavy bleeding. And if a pregnant or postpartum woman has problems with incontinence, then even more so.
After childbirth, mucous tissue, blood clots and other secretions remain in the uterine cavity, which are gradually released as the muscles contract. The maximum amount of such discharge is observed in the first 2 hours after birth. They are fragments of membranes, mucus and dark liquid blood with clots. Obstetricians call such discharge lochia and recommend stocking up on sterile postpartum pads.
Sterility - important factor, because the open wound and the presence of seams require extreme cleanliness to prevent severe bacterial complications. At first, doctors closely monitor the woman’s condition and give recommendations on how to avoid problems. As soon as acute period passes, the woman is transferred to the general ward.
Further, the discharge becomes less, but clots still come out. While the woman is resting, the lochia practically does not come out, but as soon as she takes a vertical position, under the influence of gravity, all the fluids accumulated in the vagina rush down. Therefore, the use of specialized pads after childbirth is the price not only of a woman’s health, but also of her comfort.
Sterile pads must be made of cellulose, passed clinical trials and recommended by dermatologists. They absorb a lot of liquid at once and, in addition, eliminate odor. Thanks to the soft layer, they do not cause irritation, chafing or allergies. The production excludes the use of dyes and flavors that can be harmful to health.
Why are they needed?
Difficult childbirth is accompanied by ruptures and surgical incisions, which are stitched together immediately after the birth of the child. For better healing, you need to follow the recommended hygiene standards and choose hygiene products with a special surface that prevents the growth of microbes.
Of course, you can always use cotton fabric, a diaper, or wrap a piece of cotton wool with a sterile bandage instead of postpartum pads. But homemade devices will not cost less than purchased ones, and they will not be able to provide the level of safety, confidence and comfort that a weakened woman needs after childbirth. Good gaskets They have an anatomical cut, take the shape of the perineum, allow the skin to breathe, and are practically not felt. A woman can actively take care of herself and care for her baby without worrying about leakage. If you additionally wear MoliPants pants, the comfort will be maximum. These elastic mesh panties softly fit your figure and securely hold you in place.
What is the difference between special gaskets?
As already mentioned, appearance special hygiene products and ordinary ones, for critical days, are similar, but there are also significant differences. In order not to make a mistake when choosing which pads to take to the maternity hospital, you need to pay attention to the sizes - special ones will be wider and longer. Such features will provide protection against leakage even in a horizontal position. Special postpartum pads allow air to pass through, which is important in the presence of tears and seams. The filler is able to quickly absorb a huge volume of liquid and blood clots.
When ordering hygiene products, you need to pay attention that there are postpartum and urological ones. Both options perfectly absorb large amounts of liquid, but the first are recommended for preventing bleeding after childbirth, and the second for urinary incontinence in pregnant women and during pregnancy. postpartum period. If in doubt, you can consult your doctor.
When comparing products from different manufacturers, evaluate the company’s reputation and its length of stay on the market. In addition, on various forums you can find reviews from women who have already used such products and express their opinions about them. It would be a good idea to read them and make sure you make the right choice!
Carrying a child is a complex and lengthy process, during which the female body goes through many physiological changes. And childbirth itself is the final stage, during which a woman experiences enormous stress and stress. Therefore, after the birth of a child, the body enters a rehabilitation phase, which begins with the process of cleansing the uterus. It is accompanied by copious discharge of blood clots from its cavity. This is a natural physiological phenomenon, but it causes a lot of inconvenience, especially in the first days after childbirth, when the woman is in maternity hospital, while her body is still weak, but she must also take care of her baby on her own. Relieve recovery process Special adapting agents help. IN in this case We are talking about postpartum pads. Let's look at what they are, the feasibility of their use, and also review popular manufacturers.
Postpartum pads, their features
After the birth of a child, for several months a woman experiences copious discharge with blood, the so-called lochia. During this period, access to internal organs is open, so it is important to take measures to prevent infection from entering the body. Special hygiene products will help provide such protection. The most the best option There will be postpartum pads. Female body so arranged that bleeding from the vagina after childbirth are observed for one to one and a half months. But the most abundant in the first days. When heavy discharge with blood clots comes out of the uterus.
What are they? Postnatal pads have a high-quality absorbent layer, which, depending on the manufacturer of the sanitary product, also differs in potential. Therefore, we note the main features - this is a large size and the ability to absorb a large volume of secretions, and this is one of the advantages in the first days after childbirth. It should also be noted that most manufacturers produce sterile pads that protect the new mother from possible infectious infections.
And so, based on the above, we note that after the birth of the baby, it is preferable to use postpartum pads, since they:
- sterile;
- hypoallergenic;
- do not cause irritation;
- do not allow the proliferation of pathogenic organisms;
- can absorb a large volume of secretions;
- provide the greatest possible comfort.
In addition, some manufacturers offer pads that promote rapid healing of stitches and are available in the form of postpartum panties, so they are recommended for use by women after a cesarean section.
How to use postpartum hygiene products
When going to the maternity hospital, you need to think in advance about enough large quantities gaskets, since at first you will need a lot of them. Since in the first days after the birth of a child the discharge is very abundant, it is necessary to change it regularly and this must be done according to certain rules:
- Before changing hygiene products and after it, you must wash your hands;
- change the pad after every trip to the toilet;
- when changing the hygiene product, it is important not to injure the seam;
- The pad should be removed from the vagina to the anus to prevent the entry of germs.
As a rule, postpartum products are used in the first ten days after delivery; in the future, ordinary sanitary pads will be sufficient.
How to choose gaskets
Today, the market is represented by a wide variety of postpartum hygiene products that not only make life easier during this difficult period in a woman’s life, but also protect her body. But before buying, you should still familiarize yourself with the minimum requirements that they must meet. This is first of all:
- level of absorption, as a rule this indicator is indicated on the packaging (number of drops);
- the presence of wings and anatomical body shape;
- non-woven top layer, it will ensure cleanliness, dryness, will not dry to the skin, and therefore will not injure stitches or bruises.
Also today there are pads with fit inserts. This excellent remedy to prevent irritation, itching and allergic reactions. Therefore, if possible, it is better to give preference to this option.
And so, these are the main indicators that women's postpartum hygiene products must meet. Since there are a lot of options, let's look at the most popular examples.
Review of postpartum pads
The range of pads in pharmacies and stores is quite large. Among them, it is worth highlighting the Peligrin gaskets, which are affordable to a wide range of people in terms of pricing, but nevertheless effective. They have good absorbency, this is ensured by the superabsorbent that is used in them. In addition, these gaskets do not have wings, but they are perfectly replaced by special side elastic bands.
Another top seller is Helen Harper pads. Their popularity is due to their ease of use. Outer layer The pads have an adhesive tape that ensures a secure fit to the underwear. There are no wings, but there are special rubber bands that provide reliability and protection against leaks. This product has good absorbency, which means it can absorb a large volume of discharge.
The outer layer is made of dense hypoallergenic material, the pads do not contain fragrances, but they clean well bad smell.
The manufacturer offers several options for pads, which differ only in their ability to be absorbed.
It is also worth paying attention to Samu gaskets. The hygiene product from this manufacturer is different large sizes and great absorption capacity. The pads are made from sterile materials, so they are suitable for women who have had postpartum surgical interventions in the perineal area. Advantage this tool- these are soft, “breathable” materials from which it is made. But there are also disadvantages, among them the lack of wings and adhesive tape on outside. This disadvantage is very significant, since it causes inconvenience in use and also possible leaks. Also, the disadvantages include the cost of the product and the lack of individual packaging.
Postpartum pads from Canpol Babies also attract attention. They are made of soft and pleasant to the touch materials, so you don’t have to worry about skin irritation in intimate places. This product is characterized by a large area, but at the same time it is small in thickness, which makes it very comfortable during use. In addition, the product does not contain fragrances or allergens. For the convenience of women, the manufacturer offers two types of pads: day and night.
The peculiarity of the gasket is the presence of a protective layer that prevents leakage, but its presence can provoke the appearance of diaper rash.
Seni pads are also popular among women. Their anatomical shape gets rid of discomfort. The top layer of the inner surface is made of soft and pleasant material. The outer layer provides Free access oxygen. Thanks to this, you can easily avoid irritation and diaper rash. In addition, the gasket contains a special antibacterial sorbent, it absorbs the released liquid and prevents reproduction harmful microorganisms, this completely removes the unpleasant odor. For additional protection, the gasket is provided with protective stripes along the entire perimeter, and for reliable fastening with underwear There is a wide adhesive tape on the outside. The manufacturer offers several options for gaskets that can absorb different quantities discharge from the most abundant to insignificant.
Among premium class pads, it is worth highlighting products from MoliMed. They offer their potential consumers hygiene products different forms and sizes. There are also options with wings for additional fixation to the panties. There are specimens in which the inner surface follows the anatomical shape.
The manufacturer also provided sterile products that are intended for use in the postoperative period.
The disadvantages of pads from this manufacturer include only a dense outer layer; it blocks free access of air to the body, so diaper rash may occur.
1st position is occupied by the manufacturer Helen Harper.
2 — Seni gaskets.
4 – Samu hygiene product.
5 – Canpol Babies pads.
6 — Peligrin gaskets.
The choice of one or another is a personal matter for each person. expectant mother. Naturally, only the attending physician, or rather the obstetrician who is caring for the woman in labor, can help in this matter.
During the postpartum period, it is important for a woman to feel as much comfort and convenience as possible. During the period of bearing a child, as well as during pregnancy, a restructuring of all organs and systems occurs, including the excretory system. For successful rehabilitation, women choose to use special pads. Which one is better to choose depends on individual preferences.
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Product Features
Within two months after childbirth, women's internal organs return to their normal state, the body recovers from heavy loads and gestation.
Cleansing of the uterus occurs due to abundant lochia. This period is extremely dangerous for the introduction of infections. Therefore, they become indispensable at this time sterile maternity pads.
Lochia continues to be secreted for 5 to 6 weeks. The first week they are very plentiful. But over time, the volume becomes similar to regular menstruation.
Some girls think about the advisability of purchasing hygiene products. Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to limit themselves to ordinary ones or even use improvised means.
- there is a risk of infection;
- seams can be damaged if they are present;
- movements become limited and constrained.
Many people wonder what they look like and what are the features of postpartum pads. These hygiene products are made from cellulose and polyethylene and have sufficient dense structure and large size. The main points that differentiate postpartum pads from regular pads are:
- absence of wings: leakage is eliminated due to the tight fit of the side rubber bands;
- excellent absorbency: products are capable of absorbing a huge volume of liquid, which is important immediately after childbirth;
- ease of wearing: does not hinder the movements of the woman in labor;
- avoiding infections and injury to surgical sutures;
- prevention of allergic reactions;
- assistance in the speedy healing of sutures.
Based on the above points, it becomes clear that a woman cannot do without such a hygiene product. This is a matter of not only convenience, but also the health of the young mother.
Problem of choice
It is better to purchase hygiene products in advance, at the preparation stage.
Women preparing to become mothers for the first time are lost in the variety of products available,
They doubt which one to choose will be better and more comfortable.
The main selection criterion is often numerous reviews, as well as advice from friends.
Regardless of the manufacturer, products must meet a number of requirements:
- anatomical shape: provide additional comfort;
- non-woven upper layer: the product is protected from drying to the skin, and small fibers are prevented from getting onto seams and wounds;
- high degree of absorption: each manufacturer indicates on the packaging the level of absorption using drops. the more drops, the higher the level;
- no fragrances: do not cause an allergic reaction;
- length: due to the optimal size, they eliminate the possibility of leakage.
It is prohibited to wear cotton underwear in the maternity hospital. Only pharmacy disposable panties that fit to the body with elastic bands are allowed. This type of underwear goes best with hygiene products without wings.
Sterile products
In addition to a number of requirements requirements that the products must meet, they must be sterile. You can purchase products only in pharmacies and specialized stores for expectant mothers.
When the question arises “which one is better to choose,” it is important to remember that women’s health depends on them.
Sterile pads perform important functions:
- neutralization of unpleasant odors that arise due to bacterial growth;
- healing of sutures: perineal ruptures during childbirth often occur, therefore it is important to choose not only sterile, but also hypoallergenic pads;
- . The area of discharge is susceptible to infection, as it is closed from air and constantly moistened. Due to rapid absorption, they have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Rating of postpartum pads
Among the variety of hygiene products on the shelves specialty stores and pharmacies it is easy to get confused which is better. For this purpose, independent consumer surveys are conducted, reviews on forums are studied and rating is compiled postpartum pads.
When compiling a list the best means hygiene, the following criteria were taken into account:
- ease of fixation;
- structure of the top layer;
- absorption level;
- sterility;
- antibacterial characteristics.
| № | Name | Rating |
| 1 | Helen Harper | 5 |
| 2 | Seni | 5 |
| 3 | Samu | 5 |
| 4 | Molimed | 4 |
| 5 | Canpol | 3 |
Note! If you are at a loss about which products to choose, then take several different packages and during use, decide what suits you best.
After a woman decides which products are best to purchase, the question arises about the required quantity. There is no definite answer to this question, but it is better to purchase at least three packages. In the first days after birth, the lining must be changed quite often. Once the sutures are reduced and healed, you can switch to regular hygiene products.
Seni
Seni gaskets meet one of the main criteria for convenience - anatomical shape. Due to this, they do not leak and retain moisture in the inner layer.
On top they are made of porous material, preventing the occurrence of allergic reactions and diaper rash.
The inner layer prevents the growth of bacteria, therefore eliminating the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Seni products are affordable and have several absorption levels to choose from, from scanty to heavy discharge. Each has individual packaging. Available without wings.
Samu
They have an impressive size and are designed for heavy discharge. Samu products are produced in a single size of 10 pieces. Individual packaging and wings are missing. Some buyers are confused by the lack of adhesive for attaching to underwear. However, as practice shows, this does not affect the functions of the gaskets.
Canpol
Canpol pads are made from hypoallergenic materials and are fragrance-free. You can choose both day and night options.
Canpol gaskets recommended as hygiene products for heavy discharge after childbirth. They have a large area and adhesive tape for secure fixation on the laundry. Canpol gaskets are produced without wings, in individual packages.
Tena
Tena's products were intended to be urological, that is, for people with urinary incontinence. They cope with their function successfully due to the triple layer of absorbent and big size. Currently, Tena products are widely used by women after the birth of babies. According to most of them, Tena copes well with heavy discharge immediately after childbirth.
Available in packs of 6 pieces, have adhesive tape for fixation and an anatomical shape.
Useful video: choosing postpartum pads
Conclusion
Postpartum pads are one of the main products in the arsenal of the expectant mother. When all your strength went into bearing a child and long labor, it is so important to feel comfortable during the postpartum period. You need to choose products with your health in mind and remember what they do important function and must meet the specified requirements.
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Immediately after childbirth and over the next 6-8 weeks, the woman experiences active bleeding. And the question arises: which gaskets are better? Which ones to choose: special postpartum pads or urological ones? Or maybe the regular ones, the ones used during regular menstruation, will do?
In this article we answer the most popular questions about personal hygiene products after childbirth.
Inner surface the uterus after childbirth is like an open wound. The risk of infection is very high. Therefore, when choosing hygiene products, you should pay attention to some important points:
- Marked "sterile".
- Antibacterial surface (reduces the risk of bacteria development).
- Anatomical shape or wings (some specimens do not have an adhesive strip and are fixed using disposable mesh panties).
- Breathable material and soft surface (allow air circulation).
“You definitely need to choose pads with a soft surface, and not with mesh. Sutures after episiotomy can accidentally become injured on the uneven surface of the mesh and cause many problems for the young mother.”
Elastic bands on the sides protect well from leaks
What to choose: special postpartum or urological
Bleeding in the first days after childbirth is quite profuse with clots. When breastfeeding, the discharge may increase due to uterine contractions. You will need pads after childbirth with a high level of absorbent properties. These include urological or special postpartum.
How do postpartum pads differ from urological pads? Both have a number of features:
- Urological
They have very high level protection against leakage. Capable of absorbing up to 900 ml of liquid. The absorbent material is a special sorbent that turns into a gel upon contact with water. This gel absorbs odors and is distributed inside along the entire length. And in a postpartum pad, the liquid is retained in the place where it leaked. The soft surface provides comfort. Sometimes due to muscle weakness pelvic floor After childbirth, a woman may experience urinary incontinence. In this case, urological ones are much more effective than postpartum ones. - Postpartum pads
Slightly inferior in absorbency. The volume of discharge that a regular postpartum pad can absorb is a maximum of 600 ml. Inside the pad there is an absorbent material made of cellulose. This is already a natural breathable material, unlike gel. Special postpartum pads are able to absorb blood clots, unlike urological ones.
Shops and pharmacies offer a wide range of both types. Major manufacturing companies produce both types of personal care products under one brand. The most popular postpartum pads: Piligrin, molimed (Molimed), hartmann samu steril, Helen harper, Tena Lady, Seni lady Micro. On average there are 10-14 pieces per package.
All examples presented meet high quality requirements and are often chosen by experienced mothers.
We offer you to watch a useful video on the topic of the article.
How many pads to take with you to the maternity hospital
Postpartum bleeding can be very heavy on the first and second days. Then the volume of discharge gradually decreases. Therefore, urological or special postpartum pads will only be needed for the first 2 days after birth. Then you can switch to regular ones maximum number absorbency drops.
From the experience of mothers who have given birth, we can say that 2 packs of postpartum pads will be enough. Considering that they need to be changed every two hours and after each visit to the toilet. And 2-3 packs of regular pads with the maximum number of drops should be enough until you are discharged from hospital. maternity hospital.
Disposable mesh panties hold the pad in place well. In addition, they provide ventilation, which is important during heavy discharge after childbirth.
Strict adherence to the rules of personal postpartum hygiene is the main task of a woman. To eliminate the risk of infection in the postpartum tract, you should remember that:
- You need to change the pad every 2 hours and after each visit to the toilet.
- Wash yourself after each shift and after using the toilet.
- Ventilate the perineum as often as possible. This contributes to more fast healing seams. The postpartum woman has the opportunity to be in a horizontal position more often. At this time, it is best to remain without underwear and put a disposable sterile diaper under yourself.
Usually, by discharge from the maternity hospital, lochia is not as abundant as in the first days. And the need for super voluminous and absorbent hygiene products disappears.
Immediately after childbirth, a woman begins the process of cleansing and returning to the previous, “pre-pregnancy” state of the uterus, which is accompanied by bloody discharge- lochia. This period lasts 6-8 weeks.
During the first few days, the discharge is so heavy that regular menstrual pads are not always able to cope with it. It is more advisable to use postpartum pads that are specially designed for these purposes. But how do you know which ones you should choose? We present a short overview on the specifics of using sanitary pads during the postpartum period, which ones are best to choose, and how many of them may be needed.
What is the difference between regular pads and postpartum pads?
First of all, postpartum ones differ from regular ones, of course, in size. They are much larger than the largest overnight pads for critical days and absorb up to 600 ml of liquid. If this is your first birth, then its size can even cause fright. Don't worry, you won't lose all your blood - heavy bleeding There are only the first 1-3 days, then their strength declines. Do not forget that during pregnancy you have a “surplus” of circulating blood due to an increase in its volume by 30-50% to meet the needs of the growing fetus.
Secondly, postpartum pads, unlike regular ones, are sterile. The fact is that in the postpartum period, almost the entire inner lining of the uterus in a woman who has given birth is a wound surface and can be easily infected ascending through the vagina.
Besides, bleeding is a wonderful nutrient medium for various bacteria that can cause inflammation not only of the uterus, but throughout genitourinary system who have experienced stress during the birth of a child and are easily vulnerable to pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. And if there are ruptures and cuts in the perineum, then the sterility of hygiene products will not be superfluous.
The first hours after childbirth: how to behave and what to do
Some postpartum pads like additional remedy To protect against infection, bactericidal components are added that prevent the growth and reproduction of microbes.
The third difference between postpartum pads and regular pads is the “breathable” structure of the material. They are based on a waterproof but breathable material; some brands do not have an adhesive layer. For fixation, special mesh panties made of elastic fabric are used, which provide free air circulation and the “ventilation” that is so necessary for healing in the case of sutures placed on the perineum and abdomen after a cesarean section.
Natural material is used as a filler - most often “fluffy” cellulose with gel or other absorbent.
Previously, and even now, in some maternity hospitals, “in the old fashioned way,” on the first day after childbirth, doctors give women who have given birth cotton diapers as padding in order to control the abundance of lochia secretion and not to miss the situation of uterine bleeding that threatens the woman’s health.
Postpartum pads filled with cellulose without synthetic absorbent materials (gel and other super absorbents) do an excellent job of this indicator function of diapers.
The soft and delicate material from which the top layer in contact with the skin is made does not rub or stick to abrasions, seams and wounds, and is hypoallergenic.
What is the difference between urological pads and postpartum pads?
Pharmacies often offer women urological pads as postpartum pads. Which ones are better to choose?
Urological treatments are designed to solve the problem of urinary incontinence in adult women and men. They, like regular ones, are divided according to the amount of moisture absorbed (droplets on the package), the maximum ones retain up to 920 ml of liquid.
The filler is a superabsorbent - balls that turn into a gel. A distinctive property of this gel is its ability to absorb odors, it has low level ph, which prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microbes.
What is the difference between postpartum pads and regular and urological pads - which one should a young mother choose?
Urological pads consist of three layers - absorbing, distributing and retaining moisture. If ordinary pads absorb liquid at the point of entry, then urological pads evenly distribute it over the entire area.
Like postpartum ones, urological ones have a soft top layer, which eliminates chafing and irritation. They are designed to instantly absorb fluid fluid, while postpartum ones absorb viscous bloody discharge.
In the first day or two after birth, you can use it as good alternative regular urological pads with the maximum number of droplets. It is worth noting that many women after childbirth experience urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscle tone.
How many gaskets do you need?
Some women after childbirth make do with regular overnight pads for critical days with a small volume of discharge. If you are lucky and find yourself among them, we do not recommend choosing those with a top absorbent layer made of synthetic mesh - if the external genitalia are injured, it can stick to the wounds.
But it is impossible to predict in advance what kind of discharge you will have after childbirth. Even if it’s not the first birth. Therefore, it is worth taking postpartum or urological pads with you to the maternity hospital. How many?
According to reviews different women, for the first day or two, one package is enough when changing every two to three hours. Then you can use urological or special postpartum pads of a smaller size and volume of absorbed fluid, or regular menstrual pads.
- if the birth took place without complications for mother and child, then they are discharged from the maternity hospital usually on the 4th day after birth;
- liners need to be changed frequently, after each visit to the toilet, or every two to three hours, as well as in the evening before going to bed and in the morning after waking up.
Hygiene of the external genitalia during the postpartum period is a primary task in self-care. The health of the mother directly depends on it, because pregnancy and childbirth take away a significant part of the strength and the ability to resist various viruses and bacteria is significantly reduced.
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