I would do Depends or similar, personally. The funk from post-baby, at least for the first week, is better for a disposable product, imo. I do like period underwear, but wouldn't use them immediately postpartum. That said, I'm really fat and short, and my fave are brief style, from any of the brands I have tried. The other ones feel less comfy - bikini and boyshort style. Fabric... I like airier synthetics vs cotton. I bought mine several years ago so I don't think I can link to specifics.
Right? The mesh ones aren't super comfy, but they're great for that first bit because you know they're just getting thrown away so you don't sweat too much of the nastiness. Depends would be even better because you don't have to worry about cleaning them.
I ordered mesh undies identical to what you get in the hospital the last two babies I had and they were very nice for the first week or so. But after that, the bleeding slows a lot and frankly pads begin to feel sweaty and unpleasant. I have the same problems with depends, I’ve tried them for postpartum and hated them
I tried depends when I had my third, they’re sweaty and a massive sensory nope for my autistic self. Thank you for the rest of your pointers though, they are very appreciated. If I go the period undies route, I’ll still probably choose regular pads for the first week or so.
Sensory stuff is so hard. Seems like many things meet one need while hitting another nerve, you know?
I saw the comment below about not wanting the undies because it's harder to know if you are bleeding too much. A lot of cloth pad sellers use non-black fabric. It still indicates less than a traditional disposable product but ime, pads are great to pair with period underwear because you can wear a pad IN the underwear and then remove the pad. Saves changing underwear when you are out and about. So if you wanted to grab some for this need, they probably wouldn't go to waste long term.
For disposable, I found several brands that offer free sample packages. You could order a few and see if any are manageable for you without being stuck with whole packs.
Lastly, forgot before but congrats on the pregnancy!! I hope you'll end up with something that helps you feel really comfortable so you can focus on your new arrival when the time comes.
I used cloth pads post partum and really liked them! In a lot of ways, I still prefer cloth pads over period underwear because I can change them without having to take my underwear off. Period underwear are my favorite as a backup for my cup or on super light days(which are rare for me now 😅)
Thank you very much! Sensory stuff really *is* so hard and it seems like people who don’t really deal with that genuinely don’t understand what an impairment “sensory nopes” can be. I really appreciate your good wishes and I feel very heard by the content of your reply ❤️
I had an excessive amount of receiving blankets when my son was born. I cut a couple of the flannel ones into squares and folded them into a sort of pad.
I need diapers and I like the Always Discreet, they're more comfy in the crotch and not so wide it's uncomfortable. They're a little higher waisted than I like, but I just fold the top down some. Doesn't affect performance. They're not noticeable under clothing, not even leggings.
Just one thing, my midwife specifically said not to use period undies for at least the first two weeks, it can be harder to tell if you're bleeding excessively or having other issues post birth as the blood isn't visible like with pads or disposable undies.
If you end up having a c-section, nothing high waisted that covers the incision. The depends and mesh somehow keep the incision dry, but notnpoatpartum underwear. My incision got infected because cotton underwear was covering it and not letting it breathe.
In a perfect example of what happens when you ask a large group for opinions about personal things: after my C-section, I wore my high-waisted period underwear because nothing was low-waisted enough not to touch the incision at all, and I preferred having it covered completely rather than the waistband rubbing on it!
Yeah... that's the way I went too, before it got infected. Ended up having to wear regular underwear and fold it in front.
I'm stage 2 obese and it was summer, so I sweated more, I guess, and the high waste cotton panties didn't let the sweat dry.
I’m SO HAPPY with how the bambody’s turned out. I had find them myself after I went to target to look at tinx and thought I was stroking out at the price tag. OP, bambody comes in a lot of different styles as well for whatever time point you’re at and need more support. They also don’t look or feel like briefs for later on when there’s not so so much discharge.
I came here to say this, they were listed on one of those 'what to take to hospital before birth' threads in the new parents sub. I actually wore them for a bit longer than I needed postpartum. I could have switched to pads earlier, but these were comfortable, and disposable underwear seemed so much easier than actual underwear plus pads.
Omg it really is! I’d probably choose regular pads for the first week or so but after that the bleeding slows and even though I still smell kinda funky, pads are…sticky on my skin somehow. Like, I stick them on the right way they just make my skin feel sweaty and gross. I’m not convinced period undies would be any better though. As to depends, same problem as pads but times a million. I get so sticky/sweaty in them and feel absolutely vile
I used washable pads from Luna pads (aisle) and got the super long ones as soon as I was out of the hospital. I like that the pad inserts could get changed frequently and catered to my needs through the process. I also had a C-section and after the wound vac was removed it was still a bit weepy and I could use a pad inserts to catch any seepage for the few days
I’m Mommin from an era of less options. I rocked those mesh panties but I also bought briefs in about 3 sizes too big, came up to the nips! I would recommend the more cotton the better
Edit changed “to” to “too” 🙄
I just used depends & then transitioned to poise pads (what I had available to me at the time, living with my amazing grandma 💗) in a T shape near the bum.
I had lochia for 18 weeks, so please take care of yourself and stay in contact with your OB practice if something abnormal like this happens to you!!
(It was not typical or expected, and thankfully I did not have any infections or complications other than extended bleeding. Just a super tough cesarean recovery)
I have an insane cycle normally, so I've ended up with 3 weeks of bleeding per month no matter what form of birth control I've tried using 🤣
No fibroids, pcos, or endo either – they made sure to test out the wazoo!! Lmao you are right, I was exhausted physically & emotionally. It's bad enough having to change so many newborn diapers, let alone your own!! 😆
But I was told anything over 6 weeks is abnormal, so definitely watch yourself & make sure you're fueling up well 🧃 and make sure you bring your own incontinence undies when you give birth, because nothing sucks more than the mesh fish net they supply you with!!
The icy pads are nice though, even if you end up having a c. I put those over the incision instead of down below lol
C-section mama here, I used Nyssa Postpartum Recovery Underwear and I LOVED them. High waisted, felt like they held me together honestly, lol. And hey have two small inserts where you can place a soft ice/heat pack on either your abdomen or perineal area.
For period panties, I’ve used Thinx high waisted for my days and Knix Boyshorts for nights and they’ve been game changers for me.
Congrats on the baby!
Thank you so much, we are very excited about our new addition! I have seen ads for the Nyssa undies, I’ll have to take a closer look at them. Thank you!!
Depends silhouette. Even if you’re not sure about the texture (I saw those comments). I would honestly prepare to be over prepared then if you can switch to pads sooner you’re lucky. I used Knix later but not for a solid three weeks as I was bleeding a fair bit.
I mean, this is my fifth baby so I have a good handle on what my pp bleeding is like…I just, somehow, have never figured out what products feel most comfortable. Much to my annoyance lol. I really don’t think I want to bother wasting money on a product I am sure I will not like (I have tried Depends Silhouette specifically, and they too are hot and sweaty). Thank you, though, I appreciate the input very much
I work for Saalt.com and would love to get you a pair for postpartum use! Customers love the Comfort Boyshort or Seamless High Waist and they both come in super absorbency which is recommended for postpartum bleeding.
You will need to change the pairs every few hours the first few days with the heavy bleeding. The good news is you can wear them for daily uses during the lovely 6 week spotting period and then for periods later on.
Send us a message at [email protected] and I'd love to help you out with a special code. Feeding 4 kids must add up! 😳
I am about to have my 5th baby in August too, and I cannot do another postpartum bleed in anything disposable. It's just so stinky and gross and sweaty like you said. Since I cloth diaper, my plan is to use cloth diapers for myself as I've seen this recommended by other cloth diaper moms. Yes, it will be a bit bulky, but I'm old and tired and plan on staying home all day for the first few weeks.
I tried using cloth diapers way back when I had my period and it was great. There are newborn sized prefolds that are pretty small. They are white so I can see how much I'm bleeding. They are 100% cotton. They wash so nicely. And if I can keep the stains out of them, I can use them as cleaning rags when I'm finished diapering the baby with them. They last for years. I'll switch to cloth pads once the bleeding is slower.
I get mine from greenmountaindiapers.com and they are pretty cheap.
It made me feel like I had a bit of my dignity back haha I’m also not a sweat pants kinda girl no matter what I wanna be in at least jeans to feel like myself so the diapers were just not going to work.
That totally makes sense! Most of the time I am very much a sweatpants girl at this point, but diapers don’t work for me either ~ I know I’m repeating myself, but they were just. so. sweaty!! 🥵 and when I’ve tried them I’ve felt like they make the postpartum funk like, way, way funkier 🤢
I would do Depends or similar, personally. The funk from post-baby, at least for the first week, is better for a disposable product, imo. I do like period underwear, but wouldn't use them immediately postpartum. That said, I'm really fat and short, and my fave are brief style, from any of the brands I have tried. The other ones feel less comfy - bikini and boyshort style. Fabric... I like airier synthetics vs cotton. I bought mine several years ago so I don't think I can link to specifics.
Right? The mesh ones aren't super comfy, but they're great for that first bit because you know they're just getting thrown away so you don't sweat too much of the nastiness. Depends would be even better because you don't have to worry about cleaning them.
I ordered mesh undies identical to what you get in the hospital the last two babies I had and they were very nice for the first week or so. But after that, the bleeding slows a lot and frankly pads begin to feel sweaty and unpleasant. I have the same problems with depends, I’ve tried them for postpartum and hated them
I like the shorts from FridaMom. Still disposable but much sturdier!
I tried depends when I had my third, they’re sweaty and a massive sensory nope for my autistic self. Thank you for the rest of your pointers though, they are very appreciated. If I go the period undies route, I’ll still probably choose regular pads for the first week or so.
Sensory stuff is so hard. Seems like many things meet one need while hitting another nerve, you know? I saw the comment below about not wanting the undies because it's harder to know if you are bleeding too much. A lot of cloth pad sellers use non-black fabric. It still indicates less than a traditional disposable product but ime, pads are great to pair with period underwear because you can wear a pad IN the underwear and then remove the pad. Saves changing underwear when you are out and about. So if you wanted to grab some for this need, they probably wouldn't go to waste long term. For disposable, I found several brands that offer free sample packages. You could order a few and see if any are manageable for you without being stuck with whole packs. Lastly, forgot before but congrats on the pregnancy!! I hope you'll end up with something that helps you feel really comfortable so you can focus on your new arrival when the time comes.
I used cloth pads post partum and really liked them! In a lot of ways, I still prefer cloth pads over period underwear because I can change them without having to take my underwear off. Period underwear are my favorite as a backup for my cup or on super light days(which are rare for me now 😅)
Thank you very much! Sensory stuff really *is* so hard and it seems like people who don’t really deal with that genuinely don’t understand what an impairment “sensory nopes” can be. I really appreciate your good wishes and I feel very heard by the content of your reply ❤️
I had an excessive amount of receiving blankets when my son was born. I cut a couple of the flannel ones into squares and folded them into a sort of pad.
I need diapers and I like the Always Discreet, they're more comfy in the crotch and not so wide it's uncomfortable. They're a little higher waisted than I like, but I just fold the top down some. Doesn't affect performance. They're not noticeable under clothing, not even leggings.
Just one thing, my midwife specifically said not to use period undies for at least the first two weeks, it can be harder to tell if you're bleeding excessively or having other issues post birth as the blood isn't visible like with pads or disposable undies.
Thank you, that’s really good information to have and I appreciate you passing it along
No problem!! I had to go back to hospital 1 week after birth for excessive bleeding/clotting so I think it's important info to share :)
The Frida Mom pp boy shorts were amazing!
If you end up having a c-section, nothing high waisted that covers the incision. The depends and mesh somehow keep the incision dry, but notnpoatpartum underwear. My incision got infected because cotton underwear was covering it and not letting it breathe.
In a perfect example of what happens when you ask a large group for opinions about personal things: after my C-section, I wore my high-waisted period underwear because nothing was low-waisted enough not to touch the incision at all, and I preferred having it covered completely rather than the waistband rubbing on it!
Yeah... that's the way I went too, before it got infected. Ended up having to wear regular underwear and fold it in front. I'm stage 2 obese and it was summer, so I sweated more, I guess, and the high waste cotton panties didn't let the sweat dry.
Thank you! 😊
Bambody on Amazon has some good higher waisted ones for extra supper in the lower ab area
I’m SO HAPPY with how the bambody’s turned out. I had find them myself after I went to target to look at tinx and thought I was stroking out at the price tag. OP, bambody comes in a lot of different styles as well for whatever time point you’re at and need more support. They also don’t look or feel like briefs for later on when there’s not so so much discharge.
I love mine and I have most of their styles. my friend recommended them to me for period wear about 2 or more years ago.
I feel like I jipped myself not knowing they’ve been around for that long already!
Try the Depends Silhouette. Felt pretty close to actual underwear.
I came here to say this, they were listed on one of those 'what to take to hospital before birth' threads in the new parents sub. I actually wore them for a bit longer than I needed postpartum. I could have switched to pads earlier, but these were comfortable, and disposable underwear seemed so much easier than actual underwear plus pads.
And postpartum is like… stinky. Barn yard.
Omg it really is! I’d probably choose regular pads for the first week or so but after that the bleeding slows and even though I still smell kinda funky, pads are…sticky on my skin somehow. Like, I stick them on the right way they just make my skin feel sweaty and gross. I’m not convinced period undies would be any better though. As to depends, same problem as pads but times a million. I get so sticky/sweaty in them and feel absolutely vile
Thank you, I’ll consider them. Historically I have not enjoyed depends postpartum, they are sweaty 🥵
Always discreet boutique. Those are my favorite.
Yeah but are they sweaty? I have tried depends following one of my previous births and hated the way they felt so so so much
I don't know how they compare to depends. Bit I've really liked them for both of my post partum experiences.
Okay, thank you!
Always overnight disposable period underwear are really nice. I feel they’re pretty breathable.
Kindred bravely underwear with pads were super comfortable, they have a wide gusset that accommodates the pads great.
I used washable pads from Luna pads (aisle) and got the super long ones as soon as I was out of the hospital. I like that the pad inserts could get changed frequently and catered to my needs through the process. I also had a C-section and after the wound vac was removed it was still a bit weepy and I could use a pad inserts to catch any seepage for the few days
I like Thinx high brief. Provide a nice compression when I have cramps
I used the Always brand disposable period underwear and they were perfect
I’m Mommin from an era of less options. I rocked those mesh panties but I also bought briefs in about 3 sizes too big, came up to the nips! I would recommend the more cotton the better Edit changed “to” to “too” 🙄
With the thin but HEAVY DUTY overnights always pads.
I just used depends & then transitioned to poise pads (what I had available to me at the time, living with my amazing grandma 💗) in a T shape near the bum. I had lochia for 18 weeks, so please take care of yourself and stay in contact with your OB practice if something abnormal like this happens to you!! (It was not typical or expected, and thankfully I did not have any infections or complications other than extended bleeding. Just a super tough cesarean recovery)
18 weeks! That is CRAZY!!! You must have been so tired of bleeding by the time that was over!
I have an insane cycle normally, so I've ended up with 3 weeks of bleeding per month no matter what form of birth control I've tried using 🤣 No fibroids, pcos, or endo either – they made sure to test out the wazoo!! Lmao you are right, I was exhausted physically & emotionally. It's bad enough having to change so many newborn diapers, let alone your own!! 😆 But I was told anything over 6 weeks is abnormal, so definitely watch yourself & make sure you're fueling up well 🧃 and make sure you bring your own incontinence undies when you give birth, because nothing sucks more than the mesh fish net they supply you with!! The icy pads are nice though, even if you end up having a c. I put those over the incision instead of down below lol
C-section mama here, I used Nyssa Postpartum Recovery Underwear and I LOVED them. High waisted, felt like they held me together honestly, lol. And hey have two small inserts where you can place a soft ice/heat pack on either your abdomen or perineal area. For period panties, I’ve used Thinx high waisted for my days and Knix Boyshorts for nights and they’ve been game changers for me. Congrats on the baby!
Thank you so much, we are very excited about our new addition! I have seen ads for the Nyssa undies, I’ll have to take a closer look at them. Thank you!!
Rael has been my go to. They have disposable and reusable undies.
Thank you!
Depends silhouette. Even if you’re not sure about the texture (I saw those comments). I would honestly prepare to be over prepared then if you can switch to pads sooner you’re lucky. I used Knix later but not for a solid three weeks as I was bleeding a fair bit.
I mean, this is my fifth baby so I have a good handle on what my pp bleeding is like…I just, somehow, have never figured out what products feel most comfortable. Much to my annoyance lol. I really don’t think I want to bother wasting money on a product I am sure I will not like (I have tried Depends Silhouette specifically, and they too are hot and sweaty). Thank you, though, I appreciate the input very much
I work for Saalt.com and would love to get you a pair for postpartum use! Customers love the Comfort Boyshort or Seamless High Waist and they both come in super absorbency which is recommended for postpartum bleeding. You will need to change the pairs every few hours the first few days with the heavy bleeding. The good news is you can wear them for daily uses during the lovely 6 week spotting period and then for periods later on. Send us a message at [email protected] and I'd love to help you out with a special code. Feeding 4 kids must add up! 😳
I am about to have my 5th baby in August too, and I cannot do another postpartum bleed in anything disposable. It's just so stinky and gross and sweaty like you said. Since I cloth diaper, my plan is to use cloth diapers for myself as I've seen this recommended by other cloth diaper moms. Yes, it will be a bit bulky, but I'm old and tired and plan on staying home all day for the first few weeks. I tried using cloth diapers way back when I had my period and it was great. There are newborn sized prefolds that are pretty small. They are white so I can see how much I'm bleeding. They are 100% cotton. They wash so nicely. And if I can keep the stains out of them, I can use them as cleaning rags when I'm finished diapering the baby with them. They last for years. I'll switch to cloth pads once the bleeding is slower. I get mine from greenmountaindiapers.com and they are pretty cheap.
This seems nuts but I was so comfortable wearing a tank top body suit with the string cut and pads. It made me feel so held together.
That DOES seem nuts lol but I’m really glad it worked for you! It’s a very creative solution!
It made me feel like I had a bit of my dignity back haha I’m also not a sweat pants kinda girl no matter what I wanna be in at least jeans to feel like myself so the diapers were just not going to work.
That totally makes sense! Most of the time I am very much a sweatpants girl at this point, but diapers don’t work for me either ~ I know I’m repeating myself, but they were just. so. sweaty!! 🥵 and when I’ve tried them I’ve felt like they make the postpartum funk like, way, way funkier 🤢