In the first week after giving birth, most new moms end up using around 10 or more maternity pads per day. That’s because postpartum bleeding (also called lochia) is usually quite heavy in the beginning. Your body is clearing out everything, extra blood, mucus, and tissue, that it no longer needs after delivery. It can feel like a lot at first, but it’s completely normal. As the days go by, the bleeding slowly starts to reduce. From 12 pads a day, you might go down to 8, then 6, then 4. At some point, you could even shift to normal period pads or panty liners.
Let’s walk through it together to understand the math better.
Do You Really Bleed That Much After Having a Baby?
Yes, you do, and it’s completely normal. In fact, it’s expected. What you experience after childbirth isn’t like a regular period. It’s called lochia. It’s the postpartum discharge that includes blood, mucus, and the lining of your uterus. It’s your body’s way of clearing out everything it no longer needs after housing a baby for nine months.
This bleeding begins soon after delivery, whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section. Research shows that it lasts up to 5 weeks postpartum, and for the first 1 to 4 days, it can be really, really, really heavy. That’s because the area where your placenta was attached inside your uterus is now a raw wound. And like any wound, it bleeds as it begins to heal.
You might also pass small clots or feel a gush of blood when you stand up or breastfeed. This means you’ll need to change your pad more often…like once every 1-2 hours, to stay clean and comfortable.
After those initial days, the bleeding usually becomes more manageable. Between days 5 to 9, it shifts to a moderate flow, and by the end of the second week, it tends to taper off into light spotting.
So, How Many Maternity Pads Do You Need Per Day?
In the early days, especially during the first two or three days postpartum, you might find yourself changing pads every 1 to 2 hours. That adds up to around 12 maternity pads per day.
By week 2, the bleeding gradually begins to slow down, and you might find that changing your pad every 3 to 4 hours is enough. That still comes to about 6-8 maternity pads per day. So, if we do the math for just the first week, you’re likely to go through 40-60 pads.
After the first week, even though the bleeding usually slows down, it’s still a good idea to change your pad every 6 to 8 hours to avoid rashes, irritation, or infection. So, over the entire postpartum period (around 5 weeks), you might end up using 100-150 pads.
But the number of pads you need per day also depends on the maternity pad you choose. Some pads absorb better, which means you may not need to change them quite as often. The perfect example of this is Nua’s Ultra-Safe Maternity Pads. They have a rapid absorbent core that locks in sudden clots and gushes with a 60% wider back for full coverage, making them ideal for long use.
Priyanka, a new mom from Mumbai, can vouch for this. “Nua’s maternity pads were a lifesaver for me. They absorbed those unexpected clots and gushes so well that I didn’t feel wet at all, even during heavy flow. I didn’t have to worry about constant changes, making my postpartum journey so much more comfortable.”
But How Many Should You Actually Buy Before The Baby Arrives?
Now, don’t let these big numbers scare you. You don’t have to go out and buy 150 pads in one go. A good place to start is with 2-3 packs of maternity pads before the baby arrives..
Once you’re back home and have a better sense of your flow, you can always stock up again or order more online (here). But yes, do keep at least a pack or two handy to avoid any last-minute rush.
Can You Tell When Bleeding Might Suddenly Get Heavy Enough to Change the Pad?
One of the lesser-known things about postpartum bleeding is that it doesn’t come out in a constant stream. Often, it collects in your uterus while you’re lying down or resting, and then comes out in a gush when you change position, walk around, or go to the bathroom. That’s why you might notice a sudden rush of blood when you stand up after a nap.
The same thing can happen during breastfeeding. Research shows that when your baby latches and starts to feed, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin, which causes your uterus to contract. Those contractions help your uterus shrink back to its normal size, but they also push out lochia. So it’s not unusual to bleed a bit more or pass a small clot, right after a feed.
These little surges are part of your body’s healing and adjusting, but they can also lead to pad leaks. So, being aware of them and using a fresh pad before sleeping or feeding can help.
Don’t Want to Use So Many Pads?
Even with the best maternity pads, changing them every few hours can get tiring. You’re already low on energy, recovering from birth, and juggling a newborn. And for some, pads just don’t feel right.
So, yes, there’s another option that might suit you better. It’s disposable maternity panties.
These are designed to absorb heavy flow, stay in place, and protect against leaks, all while feeling like soft, full-coverage underwear. Plus, they can last longer than a pad. But again, the trick is to choose the right ones. But don’t worry, Nua has you covered here too (quite literally!).
Nua’s Ultra-Safe Maternity Panties are made to support you through this very phase. With full 360° coverage and a 25% longer absorbent core, they help you rest a bit easier, even in the middle of night feeds or quick naps.
So if pads don’t work for you…or you simply want to give yourself a break from changing them so often, disposable maternity panties can be a super comforting alternative.
You Won’t Need Maternity Pads Forever Anyway
By week three or four, many moms still prefer the comfort of maternity pads, while others feel ready to switch to heavy-duty regular pads (like these), especially the kind designed for longer wear and better absorption, ideal for this in-between stage
By weeks five or six, most women notice that the flow has turned into light spotting or just a bit of discharge. At this point, panty liners are usually enough to keep you dry.
If you need more guidance on exactly when to make the switch? We’ve got a simple guide that walks you through it, right here.
Every Postpartum Journey is Different
Whether you’re reaching for a pad, a panty liner, or just a moment to breathe between feedings, what matters most is that you feel safe, clean, and cared for. Birth may mark the beginning of motherhood, but postpartum is where healing, learning, and adjusting begin. So be kind to yourself and your body.
Tried something that worked well for you? Share your tips in the comments for other expecting mums!
