{"id":12302,"date":"2025-11-24T10:51:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T05:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/?p=12302"},"modified":"2025-11-24T10:54:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T05:24:59","slug":"use-of-maternity-pads-whens-the-right-time-for-new-moms-to-start-using-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nuawoman.com\/blog\/use-of-maternity-pads-whens-the-right-time-for-new-moms-to-start-using-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Use of Maternity Pads: When\u2019s the Right Time for New Moms to Start Using Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The use of maternity pads should start right after childbirth. As soon as your baby arrives, your body begins to heal, and part of that healing is pretty heavy bleeding (a.k.a lochia). And maternity pads are designed to handle just that!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But childbirth can be so overwhelming that it\u2019s easy to forget about preparing yourself for your own recovery. Even the simplest questions, like when to start using maternity pads, which ones to buy or how long you\u2019ll need them, can catch you off guard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So it\u2019s wonderful that you\u2019re here, taking a moment to look into your recovery instead of getting completely swept up in the baby world. Let\u2019s make sure you feel just as cared for as your baby during one of the biggest transitions of your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is postpartum bleeding and why does it happen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Postpartum bleeding is your body\u2019s way of cleaning and healing itself after birth. During pregnancy, your uterus builds up a thick, blood-rich lining to support your growing baby. After birth, your body no longer needs this lining. It gradually sheds it, along with some leftover blood and tissue. This entire process results in lochia (the vaginal discharge that looks a lot like blood).<\/span><\/p>\n

While super uncomfortable and often painful, it\u2019s actually a positive sign of your body\u2019s transition into its non-pregnant state. And because it has to do more with the pregnancy than the actual birthing process, you will experience this postpartum bleeding regardless of a vaginal birth or a C-section.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, when should I start the use of maternity pads?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You should start using maternity pads immediately after childbirth because the lochial flow begins immediately and can be quite heavy right from the start. So much so, that on the first day, you\u2019ll likely be changing pads every one to two hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most hospitals provide maternity pads as part of the delivery package. These pads do their job, but they\u2019re often not the most comfortable. Therefore, learning about the right maternity pads and carrying your own high-quality ones can make a huge difference. The ones that are soft and highly absorbent, like<\/span> Nua\u2019s Maternity Comfort Pads<\/span><\/a>, feel much more gentle and nicer on the already-sore area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can I start the use of maternity pads before delivery?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Yes, for sure. Some women do start using maternity pads before delivery. Like in the final weeks of pregnancy, when bladder leaks are common due to the baby pressing on the bladder. And, they\u2019re better than the regular incontinence pads as they sit gently against a pregnant belly. Maternity pads also come in handy for the car ride to the hospital after your water breaks and you\u2019ve to manage any amniotic fluid leaks.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long will I need to use maternity pads?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You will likely use maternity pads for around six weeks after delivery, as that\u2019s how long lochia usually lasts. For some women, however, it can last up to eight weeks, as per <\/span>research<\/span><\/a>. Your lochia will change in color and consistency over this time, which will help you figure out when you might be able to switch to other lighter products:<\/span><\/p>\n