You’ve done it! You navigated pregnancy, conquered labour and brought a whole new person into the world. You deserve the snuggles, the intoxicating new-baby smell and a lifetime supply of all the snacks you’re craving. What you don’t deserve is the postpartum bleeding and the discomfort that comes from wearing maternity pads all day. While the bleeding is a natural part of healing and can’t really be controlled or treated, you can definitely deal with it better with the right, comfortable maternity pads. And, yes, a few tips on how to use them to prevent rashes and discomfort can also come in handy.
Because after the marathon of childbirth, the last thing you want to deal with is itching and chafing in your most sensitive areas.
So, let’s figure out how to eliminate pad rashes and discomfort from the beautiful chaos of new motherhood.
Why Do I Have Rashes from Maternity Pads?
Rashes from maternity pads happen mainly because your skin is in constant contact with moisture (a.k.a. postpartum blood or lochia), leaving it feeling irritated. On top of that, you’ve got friction from the pad constantly rubbing against your already-sensitive skin, plus a possible reaction to not-so-friendly materials or perfumes hiding in the pad itself. Let’s understand it all a bit better.
Why do I feel so wet in maternity pads?
Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It’s your body’s way of healing, as it cleans the uterus after pregnancy. However, it can be a lot to handle. Studies show you can lose up to 50ml of blood in just the first couple of hours after delivery. And while the flow gradually decreases, it can still be enough to soak a pad every 1-3 hours for the first few days. This means your pad is almost constantly damp, and when your skin is exposed to that much moisture, its natural protective barrier starts to break down, leaving it vulnerable to rashes.
Why do maternity pads cause chaffing?
Every time you shift on the couch to find a better nursing position, get up to check on the baby or simply walk to another room, your maternity pad moves with you. It rubs against your already sensitive, healing skin, especially if the pad is bulky or doesn’t fit well.
This constant, low-grade friction can cause chafing, leaving the area feeling raw, irritated and rashy.
Why are maternity pads irritating to my skin?
Many maternity pads are made with synthetic layers which are not breathable, trapping heat and moisture right against your skin. This creates a warm, humid environment where skin can’t breathe. But the problem often doesn’t stop there.
To make matters worse, some pads are loaded with chemicals, like fragrances and dyes, that can irritate your skin, making it the perfect storm for inflammation and painful rashes.
How Can I Prevent Rashes and Discomfort from Maternity Pads?
To prevent rashes and discomfort, the key is to use comfortable maternity pads and keep the area as dry and friction-free as possible. Here’s how you can do it.
Change Your Pad on Time
The golden rule of pad-wearing is to change it on time. In the early postpartum days, don’t wear a pad beyond 2-3 hours. It’s best not to wait for the pad to feel “full” because the goal here is to minimize the amount of time your skin is in contact with moisture. If you feel any dampness or discomfort, that’s your absolute cue to change your pad, even if it’s only been a short time.
However, full-coverage, comfortable maternity pads can help increase the wear time a little. For example, Nua’s Maternity Comfort Pads are designed to be larger and thicker with an extra-wide back for 100% panty coverage. This allows you to not panic-change your pad too early from fear of leaks or stains.
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Choose Your Pad Wisely
Your skin is extra sensitive postpartum, so look for pads that won’t irritate it. Comfortable maternity pads are those that are 100% toxin-free and dermatologically tested. You have to make sure the pads are free from any harmful chemicals, chlorine, parabens and fragrances.
And that’s not all. The material touching your skin should be incredibly soft to minimize friction. It might feel like too much to look for in one pad, but there are comfortable maternity pads with all the postpartum needs in mind. Possibly the best option is Nua’s maternity pads as they come with an ultra-soft top sheet, super absorbency and 4x comfort with a Zero Irritation Promise.
Be Prepared for Gushes and Clots
Postpartum flow is a whole different league than your regular period. You’re not just dealing with a heavy flow but also sudden gushes, clots and bits of tissue. All of this stuff can just sit on the surface of your pad, irritating your skin, as it’s not easily absorbed.
Therefore, you need pads engineered for this specific chaos, like Nua’s maternity pads, that can instantly pull in and lock the gushes and clots deep inside. This keeps the surface of the pad noticeably drier, protecting your skin from rashes.
Master Postpartum Hygiene
After each pad change, gently cleanse the area with warm water. You can use a peri bottle (it’s like a portable bidet) to squirt water from front to back. After cleansing, pat the area dry with a soft, clean towel. Remember to be gentle and avoid rubbing, as it can further irritate the skin.
Upgrade Your Underwear
Ditch the lacy, synthetic underwear for now and embrace the comfort of high-waisted cotton briefs. Cotton is breathable and will help keep the area dry, thereby avoiding any potential rashes. While you’re at it, it’s also best to avoid tight-fitting pants and leggings, which can trap heat and moisture. Swap them for loose, comfortable clothing that allows for airflow.
How Can I Treat Rashes from Maternity Pads?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a rash can still make an appearance. Don’t panic! There are pretty easy ways to soothe the irritation and get back to feeling comfortable.
- Use Cool Compresses: A cool compress can provide instant relief from inflammation. You can use anything from ice, gel packs, cooling pouches, to simply cold water. Just be sure to wrap ice in a clean cloth before use to protect your skin.
- Do Oatmeal Baths: A warm (not hot) oatmeal bath can be incredibly soothing. As per research, oatmeal has been used for centuries to relieve itching and skin irritation.
- Try Barrier Creams: Apply a thin layer of a zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream to create a protective barrier between your skin and the pad.
- Go Pad-Free: Whenever you can, go pad-free for a little while to let the area air out. Lie on a towel to protect your sheets and enjoy the freedom.
Don’t Worry, It’s All Temporary
Remember, the postpartum journey is only temporary. Just a little more time and everything from lochia to sore stitches will be a thing of the past. Keep telling yourself that you are doing an amazing job. Postpartum recovery is a journey, not a race. So, don’t get too busy trying to win it, be kind to yourself, as it’s okay to have bumps along the way. You’ve got this!
And if you’ve any more questions or doubts, drop them in the comments, we’ll get back to you.
