In those first two to three days after birth, when your postpartum bleeding is at its heaviest, your daily use of maternity panties can be as high as about 4-6 pairs (if not more) per day. As you move through the first week, this number gradually decreases and eventually, you feel comfortable transitioning to maternity pads, regular pads and finally, panty liners. That is, if you want to, of course. It’s completely fine to continue using maternity panties or pads all the way till the end of postpartum bleeding as well.
Let’s break down the journey week by week so you know exactly what to expect, how many maternity panties you might need and when it’s okay to move on to other products.
How many maternity panties do I need postpartum?
Having the right number of maternity panties on hand can make those chaotic first weeks postpartum much more comfortable. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan:
Week 1
The first few days bring the heaviest flow. Expect to change your maternity panties every 4-6 hours, which comes to 4-6 panties a day. By the end of the week, as bleeding eases slightly, 3-4 changes will feel enough.
Weeks 2–3
Flow is lighter now, often just moderate bleeding, and 2-3 changes a day should be enough to keep you comfortable and fresh.
Week 4
From week four onwards, although things get even lighter flow-wise, you’d still need 2-3 panties a day because it’s always better not to wear them for more than 8-10 hours. Wearing the same panties for very long, even if they’re pretty clean, can increase the risk of infection, rashes or just general discomfort.
Week 5
By this stage, the flow is usually very light, so you can switch to Ultra-Absorbent Maternity Pads to reduce panty use. If you don’t want that, you can continue using your period panties, changing them every 8-10 hours.
Week 6 & Onward
Most women are only left with very occasional light flow around week 6. So, you can skip maternity panties and use regular period pads. And once it’s down to just spotting, even panty liners are enough.
So, how many maternity panties will I end up using postpartum?
You’ll likely go through roughly 70 pairs of maternity panties postpartum. This number is for the first six weeks of postpartum bleeding, which is the average duration, according to research. Of course, the total number can vary if your bleeding lasts a shorter or longer time. And it also depends on when (or if) you choose to switch to other products like maternity pads.
But this doesn’t mean you’ll go out and buy a lot of maternity panties in advance. Instead, a great starting point is to have two packs always in stock with you. Rest, you can always reorder (here) once you have a better sense of your flow and need.
Why do I need so many maternity panties after birth? Is it normal?
Yes, it’s completely normal to need a lot of maternity panties after giving birth. Postpartum bleeding, especially in the first few days, can be very heavy and often includes blood, mucus, clots, and bits of uterine tissue. So needing multiple changes a day is completely expected.
It might be hard to believe that bleeding so much for weeks can be normal, but, oh well, it is. Be it vaginal delivery or a C-section, postpartum bleeding is bound to happen and it’s a whole different ball game compared to a regular period. Think of it as your body’s amazing, natural way of tidying up after nine months of hard work. It’s clearing out all the leftover blood, mucus and uterine lining that helped nurture your baby.
This isn’t anything to worry about. It just means you’ll need reliable maternity care and pretty frequent changes to stay feeling clean, dry and as comfortable as possible.
When can I stop using maternity panties?
Most new moms stop using maternity panties around the four or five-week mark, but every woman’s healing journey is different. So, if your comes a bit later or much before, it’s nothing to worry about. However, it’s always best to check in with your doctor if you’re bleeding a lot even after 5 weeks to make sure your recovery is on track. It’ll also help free your mind of any worries or doubts.
And you don’t have to wait for postpartum bleeding to stop completely to switch to a different product. When your lochia tapers off into light spotting or a bit of discharge, you can switch to maternity pads or even regular pads and panty liners (more on that here).
Which maternity panties are best for daily use?
A high-quality, super-absorbent maternity panty can make your postpartum days much easier. For example, Nua’s 360° Comfort Maternity Panties offer:
- Full front-to-back coverage for maximum protection
- Advanced leak-lock technology to handle even the heaviest flow
- 4x more absorbency than other maternity products
- Quick absorption of clots, mucus and surprise gushes
These features keep you clean, dry and comfortable, letting your maternity panties last longer. So, you can spend less time worrying about changes and more time resting or caring for your baby.
Maternity Panties Can Make This Tough Phase a Little Easier
The postpartum period is full of emotions and adjustments. It’s messy, magical and at times, completely chaotic. In the middle of it all, having products that you can truly rely on can make a world of difference. A comfortable, soft and leak-proof maternity panty is about so much more than just managing bleeding. It’s about taking one big worry off your plate. It’s about giving you the confidence to rest, heal and focus on the beautiful new bond you’re building with your baby.
