YES! Your baby might have come out through your tummy, but your uterus still went through a lot. And so, maternity pads for C-section moms are actually a must-have. After birth, your body starts clearing out all the extra blood, tissue, and mucus from the uterus. It’s completely normal and can last for a few weeks, no matter how you delivered your baby.
As a C-section mom, you need softer, longer, more absorbent protection now more than ever. And that’s exactly what maternity pads are made for. They’re gentler and offer better coverage and comfort than regular pads.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why maternity pads are great for new moms and what the best pads after a cesarean delivery look like.
Why do you need maternity pads after a C-section?
Honestly, we understand the confusion. Why would you need maternity pads if your uterus was benched for most of the delivery? Well, there are a bunch of reasons…
They soak up post-delivery bleeding better than normal pads
Yep, you still bleed after a C-section. This bleeding is called lochia, and it’s your body’s way of clearing out leftover blood, mucus, and tissue from where the placenta was attached.
As per research, this bleeding can be quite heavy for the first few days, and regular pads just don’t cut it (more on that here). We recommend maternity pads, since they are made to handle that kind of flow. They’re thicker, longer, and way more absorbent. Some moms even need to change them every hour in the beginning! But don’t worry, by week 2, the bleeding slows down.
They’re gentler on stitches and sore skin
If you’ve had stitches or even if things just feel sore down there, normal pads can be irritating. They often have a plasticky top layer that can rub or feel scratchy. Maternity pads are made with soft, cushiony material that’s gentle on sensitive skin.
This softness makes a huge difference when you’re already dealing with a tender tummy, swollen bits, or perineal discomfort. Basically, they feel way nicer when everything feels… not so nice.
They help avoid infections, unlike other sanitary products
This one’s super important. After birth, your body is more prone to infections because of stitches, tears or cuts in or around your vagina. That’s why tampons or menstrual cups are a no-go after delivery. Research shows that anything that goes inside can increase the risk of infections, as it might introduce bacteria into your uterus.
Maternity pads sit outside your body, so they’re a much safer choice. They also let your doctor or midwife see how much you’re bleeding, which is helpful in case anything seems off.
What should you look for in maternity pads?
Not all pads are built the same. You want ones that actually help you feel better after giving birth, not add to the discomfort. Here’s what to look for in maternity pads:
Feels soft and gentle
Your body’s sore, your skin’s sensitive, and if you’ve got stitches, anything rough is a big no. Go for pads that feel super soft and gentle with a comfy top sheet.
Lets your skin breathe
You don’t want things to feel damp or sweaty. A good maternity pad should let your skin breathe. This helps keep the area dry, and that’s very important to heal properly and avoid any infections.
Is highly absorbent
Bleeding after C-section is way heavier than your usual period. That’s why you need a pad that can absorb more. Look for the ones with a rapid absorbent core and full panty coverage. It’s also important to make sure your maternity pad can absorb large clots and sudden gushes, which can be quite frequent after giving birth.
Moves with you
You’re not going to be lying still all day. You’ll be feeding your baby, getting up, lying down again and doing it all on repeat. That’s why your pad should stay in place and move with your body. A good one won’t shift around, bunch up, or leak when you least expect it.
And the good news? Nua’s maternity pads tick all these boxes. They’re super soft, breathable, extra-absorbent, and designed to keep you comfy while you recover. Basically, they’ve got your back (and front!).
How long will you need maternity pads after a C-section?
Research has found that bleeding after giving birth can last for up to 6-8 weeks. For most moms, bleeding is heaviest in the first week or two. You might need to change your pad often in those early days. After that, it usually starts to slow down, but the light bleeding or discharge can hang around for up to six weeks. Some moms notice small bits even after that, and that’s normal too.
Bottom line, for most of us, maternity pads are a part of the postpartum routine for at least the first 3-4 weeks. So, keep a stash handy. For more on when to stop using maternity pads, check out our blog here.
Say yes to maternity pads for C-section moms!
Yep, even after a C-section, maternity pads are 100% a must-have. They make those early, messy days a little easier by keeping you dry, comfy, and protected.
Your body is doing a lot of healing, and you deserve all the support you can get, starting with the right pad.
So go ahead, stock up, and give yourself one less thing to worry about. If you’ve any questions, drop them in the comments and we’ll get back to you. You’ve got this, mama!
