Short answer? You can—but you really, really shouldn’t. Maternity pads are way better!
Here’s the thing no one tells you until you’re literally living it: postpartum bleeding is an entirely different beast from your regular period. It’s heavier, longer, and unpredictable. That cute little ultra-thin pad you wear on your light days? It’s not built for what your body goes through after birth. The difference between maternity pads and regular pads isn’t just branding—it’s a whole different level of support, protection, and comfort that your recovering body actually needs.
Let’s break it down like we’re sitting on the couch in stretchy pants, talking real.
Why Regular Pads Don’t Cut It After Delivery
So, regular pads vs. maternity pads, what’s the big deal? On the surface, they might look similar. But one is made for light to medium blood flow over a few days. The other is designed for heavy, constant bleeding that can last up to six weeks (yes, six). Postpartum bleeding is called lochia, it’s vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue (more on this here), and it’s nothing like your period.
Postpartum bleeding can feel intense – sometimes sudden gushes, sometimes slow leaks. Regular pads don’t have the absorbency or length to keep up. They shift. They leak. And worst of all, they can feel like sandpaper against your healing perineum or stitches. Not the vibe.
What Makes Maternity Pads… Maternity-Level?
A proper maternity pad, like Nua’s Maternity Pads, is basically the VIP treatment your body deserves after delivery. Think zero irritation. Here’s why:
- Extra-Long and Wide Back: 60% longer and wider, to be exact. Think overnight pad but supercharged. Because you’re lying down a lot more and therefore the risk of bleeding is a lot more.
- High Absorbency Layers: These pads handle a lot without feeling bulky or wet. The rapid absorbent core has an elevated center designed to absorb large clots, shedding uterine tissue, and gushes, keeping you dry and comfortable. You can confidently wear our maternity pads for up to 8 hours before needing to change them.
- Feather-Soft Top Sheet: Comfort becomes sacred when you’re sore, swollen, or stitched. Nua’s pads have a soft, breathable top sheet that is gentle on your sensitive skin, offering comfort when you need it most.
- Fragrance-Free and Rash-Free: No perfumes. No itchiness. Just breathable, gentle material.
- Secure Fit: Sounds small, but not having your pad bunch up or move around? A blessing. Especially when you’re moving slow and sitting gingerly.
All this? It’s not extra. It’s essential. Choosing the right pad after delivery isn’t about luxury. It’s about feeling safe in your own skin again.
“But I’m Fine with Regular Pads…”
Totally hear you. We all want to use what we already have at home. And sometimes hospitals do hand out basic pads. But here’s the truth: so many moms end up layering regular pads, using adult diapers out of desperation, or constantly worrying about staining. That mental load is real. And unnecessary.
Best pads for post-delivery bleeding take care of you so you can take care of everything else—feeding, healing, maybe crying in the shower (totally normal). It’s not just about avoiding leaks; it’s about feeling zero irritation and not being reminded every second that your body’s bleeding.
Pads, Dignity, and Feeling Like Yourself Again
Let’s be honest: post-birth, everything feels like a mess. Your emotions. Your body. Your sleep. Using something that’s actually designed for this moment is grounding. You feel more secure. More held.
There’s something oddly powerful about not having to stress over your pad. That quiet confidence of knowing you’re covered, literally and emotionally? That’s priceless. And that’s what the difference between maternity pads and regular pads really boils down to—relief. Comfort. Dignity.
The Verdict? Just Get the Maternity Pads
Look, if you’re googling this at 2AM while organizing your hospital bag or holding your newborn with one hand and your phone in the other, here’s your sign: get the maternity pads. Specifically, go for Nua’s Maternity Pads. They’re thoughtfully designed, mom-approved, and exactly what your body’s asking for—even if you don’t know it yet.
If you still need more info, you can find it here.
Postpartum bleeding care deserves better than a regular pad. You deserve better. So give yourself that softness, that support. Because healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too.
And girl, you’ve got enough going on. Let your pad not be the problem.
