The 8 Best Pads for Postpartum Bleeding and Recovery

Find absorbent options in a range of sizes and materials

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A variety of pads for postpartum bleeding on a pink background

Verywell Family / Kevin Liang

Whether you have a vaginal delivery or cesarean section, you will likely experience postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, that starts heavy and red before gradually changing colors with a lighter flow. This postpartum bleeding, called lochia, comes from the uterus, where the placenta was once attached. Postpartum bleeding duration varies from woman to woman but can last anywhere from two to six weeks after delivery. Throughout this time, you’ll want pads to absorb the bleeding to keep your clothes protected and yourself clean.

It's best to find postpartum bleeding products that are fragrance-free, specifically after birth, and provide more than just your average coverage. We carefully considered design, value, absorbency, sizes, and materials when reviewing products.

Good to Know

  • Lochia will start heavy, dark red, with some small blood clots (typically lasting 3-4 days); it will then become more pinkish in color with a lighter flow (lasting around 10 days); then it will turn into a more yellowish color before it turns clear around four weeks postpartum.
  • The cycle of lochia is the same for everyone, but the duration of each stage can vary.
  • The University of Michigan advises patients who had a vaginal delivery and experienced tearing or underwent an episiotomy to change their pads “at least every four hours to prevent irritation and infection.”
  • If you’re changing your pad every four hours, you’ll need a minimum of six pads a day for the duration of the bleeding, which, on average, lasts four weeks (so it’s safe to assume you’ll go through 150+ pads). 
  • Monitor your postpartum bleeding closely and contact your doctor if things don’t seem right, as there could be signs of postpartum hemorrhage.

Best Overall

Stayfree Maxi Pads

Stayfree Maxi Pads for Women

Amazon

Pros
  • Different sizes and absorbency levels are available

  • Affordable option that can be purchased anywhere

  • Soft and comfortable

Cons
  • No wings

Why We Recommend It

The Stayfree Maxi Pad earned our top spot because it's super absorbent no matter how heavy or light you're bleeding. The pads are designed for “multi-fluid absorption,” which makes it ideal for the days following childbirth when you’re bleeding, maybe using liners with witch hazel for soothing, and possibly having trouble with your bladder (postpartum recovery isn’t pretty, but at least there’s a baby to snuggle during it!). These pads have an adhesive back to keep them stuck to your underwear and have a quilted design to not only better absorb fluids but also help to prevent leaks.

They are available in super long length to keep you covered during the early heavy days and in regular length for when bleeding is lighter and you need less protection. They are made to be soft to avoid causing irritation as well as to neutralize odors.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 24, 32, 48, 66
  • Material: Unlisted
  • Wings: No
  • Flow Stage: Heavy

Best Overnight

Always Maxi Extra Heavy

Always Maxi Extra Heavy With Wings Overnight Pads

Amazon

Pros
  • Affordable, easily accessible option

  • High absorbency

  • Long pad helps prevent nighttime leaking

Cons
  • Might feel a bit bulky

Why We Recommend It

While you probably won’t be getting a ton of sleep during the early postpartum period, the last thing you want is for your pad to wake you up during the few precious hours you do get. Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads are shaped to give you the best protection while you’re sleeping, have wings to keep them in place and have a special “LeakGuard Core” that will soak up fluid first before it starts to spread out further onto the pad.

These are specifically designed for overnight wear and have the capacity to be worn for up to 10 hours (although you’ll want to change it out well before that to avoid irritation or infection). Just keep a stack of them near the toilet and get into the habit of changing into a new pad every time you change the baby.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 20, 27, 36, 72, 108
  • Material: Unlisted
  • Wings: Yes
  • Flow Stage: Extra heavy

Best for Stitches

The Honey Pot Company Postpartum Herbal Pads

The Honey Pot Company Postpartum Herbal Pads with Wings

Walmart

Pros
  • Made with organic cotton

  • Infused with soothing natural herbs

  • No fragrances or harsh chemicals

  • Made specifically for postpartum bleeding

Cons
  • Limited options

  • Higher price per pad

Why We Recommend It

Recovering from a vaginal delivery while also bleeding is uncomfortable (to say the least). Once you get past the need for ice packs, you may still want some sort of soothing as you heal. You could add a liner to your pad or skip that step by getting the Postpartum Herbal Pads by Honey Pot, a Black-owned brand. Each pad is made with organic cotton, mint, lavender, and aloe to provide a bit of cooling comfort.

As far as their design goes, they’re made specifically for postpartum recovery/bleeding, so the cotton will provide enough absorbency for the heavy days immediately following delivery while still being breathable. Additionally, they have the traditional adhesive strip to stick to your underwear as well as wings for extra security.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 12
  • Material: Organic cotton
  • Wings: Yes
  • Flow Stage: Heavy

Best for Heavy Flow

Poise Incontinence Pads

Poise Incontinence Pads

Amazon

Pros
  • High absorbency also recommended for incontinence

  • Features odor control

  • Designed for a close, flexible fit

Cons
  • No wings

Why We Recommend It

Poise Moderate Absorbency Pads are a go-to for new moms during their heaviest postpartum bleeding as well as for continued protection if they’re experiencing bladder leaks. They provide wider and longer coverage than a traditional pad, so you don’t have to worry about anything soaking through onto your pants. These pads are also carefully designed with a woman’s anatomy in mind, so you will get a close flexible fit, a stark contrast from a stiff bulky pad.

It’s important to remember you should be changing your pads regularly to avoid irritation and infection, but it’s also comforting to know that these pads were designed to work for up to 12 hours, so you should not have to worry about any leaking.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 16, 48, 108, 132
  • Material: Unlisted
  • Wings: No
  • Flow Stage: Heavy

Best Reusable

Knix Reusable Pads

Knix Reusable Pads

Knix

Pros
  • Eco-friendly

  • Can be tossed in the washer and dryer

  • For each purchase, company donates products to the Positive Period Campaign

Cons
  • Regular absorbency might not be enough for initial heavy bleeding

Why We Recommend It

Reusable pads are a great alternative for environmentally-minded parents. This option by Knix is made with four layers to maximize absorbency and prevent leaks using fabrics like nylon, spandex, modal, and polyester. According to the manufacturer, these super thin pads can absorb as much as 12 teaspoons of blood, which is great but might not be enough during those initial days of heavy postpartum bleeding. The pads also feature wings that wrap around your underwear and have hook and eye closures to secure them in place. Washing these cloth pads could not be easier: Simply toss them in the washer with cold water and tumble dry at low temperature.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 3
  • Material: Main body: 70% nylon, 30% spandex; top layer: 84% modal, 8% spandex; second layer: 100% polyester; third layer: 91% polyester, 9% spandex; waterproof fourth layer: polyurethane film
  • Wings: Yes
  • Flow Stage: Heavy

Best Panty Liner

Always Xtra Protection Dailies Feminine Panty Liners

Always Xtra Protection Dailies Feminine Panty Liners

Amazon

Pros
  • Thin and comfortable

  • Can neutralize odors

Cons
  • For light discharge only

Why We Recommend It

Once you get past the heavy flow stage, you’ll still need some protection but far fewer layers. The Always Xtra Protection Extra Long Daily Liners are great for this point in postpartum bleeding because they’re thin enough to be comfortable but still thick enough to keep your clothes clean. They attach to your underwear with an adhesive strip and are longer in length, so you don’t have to worry that they’ll move so much that they won’t protect you.

These pads are created to neutralize odors and quickly dry up fluids to avoid irritation and excessive moisture. Always recommends changing these liners every four hours (which is right in line with what doctors recommend), and they can also serve as a little extra protection for bladder leaks.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 92, 368
  • Material: Unlisted
  • Wings: No
  • Flow Stage: Light

Best Ice Pack Hybrid

Medline Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs

Medline MDS148055pk48 Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs with Adhesive Strip

Amazon

Pros
  • Ice pack provides relief after vaginal birth

  • Cooling pads don't need to be stored in the freezer

  • 2-in-1 design is also absorbent

Cons
  • Thin adhesive strip and no wings

Why We Recommend It

To activate the cooling ice, you just need to crack the pad by folding it over and giving it a few shakes (there’s no need to store them in the freezer); then, you can attach the pad to your underwear using the adhesive strip on the back of it. These can be used intermittently for the first 48 hours after delivery. 

There’s no sugarcoating it: If you had a vaginal delivery, you'll want some pads with ice packs in the immediate days following birth. The ice will not only provide some soothing relief, but it will also help reduce swelling. Medline Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs are ideal for the immediate days following delivery because they are not only ice packs but also pads, so you don’t have to wear two products at once.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 24
  • Material: Unlisted
  • Wings: No
  • Flow Stage: Moderate

Best Disposable Postpartum Panties

Always Discreet Incontinence Underwear

Always Discreet Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear

Amazon

Pros
  • Full coverage and anti-leak protection

  • Prettier than hospital mesh underwear

  • Can be used for incontinence

Cons
  • May be uncomfortable for some people

Why We Recommend It

If you’re delivering in a hospital, you can certainly snag some of their mesh panties for postpartum recovery, but they’re not very comfortable, and you won’t want to wear them once you’re home. Always Discreet Underwear will give you the same security but will be much more comfortable, and you won’t have to wear an extra pad with them. They are thick enough for heavy flow and provide all-over coverage, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your clothes.

Additionally, this disposable underwear is made to neutralize odor, has an elastic waist for a comfortable but secure fit, and has extra protection in areas where other products commonly leak. If you continue to struggle with bladder control during the postpartum period, these panties are designed to offer you protection there, as well.

Key Specs:

  • Count: 15, 17, 19, 28, 44, 57, 64, 84
  • Material: Cotton
  • Wings: No
  • Flow Stage: Moderate

How We Selected Postpartum Pads

We reviewed countless options for postpartum pads, looking at value, size, absorbency, materials, and other factors. After comparing options, we made our selections of the best buys on the market.

What to Look for in a Pad for Postpartum Bleeding

  • Absorbency: You spend so many months preparing for your little one's arrival that postpartum items you'll need, like pads, are often forgotten. For many days, even weeks, immediately following delivery, you'll want to have high-absorbency pads on hand. After not having a menstrual cycle for several months, postpartum bleeding will likely feel like the longest (and heaviest) period of your life. Thankfully, there are many great postpartum pads on the market that offer more than just your regular coverage. Postpartum pads are typically better in absorbency because your body is releasing more blood than usual. Because your body is releasing the blood and tissue from your uterus that aided your baby's growth, it can be similar to a wound that needs healing. Check for a pad with good absorbency, like the Stayfree Maxi Pads for Women. The quilted design helps to absorb fluid better while preventing any leakage in the process. They're also very budget-friendly.
  • Fragrance-Free: It's no secret the vagina is already a sensitive area, especially to soaps or fragrances, as they can disrupt your body's natural balance. This is why it's best to find postpartum bleeding products that are fragrance-free, especially after birth. Once you've delivered your baby, your body is extra sensitive, and products with heavy scents may cause irritation. Look for products that will not cause irritation by avoiding heavy scents and certain materials or textures. While you may want a pad that's scented to avoid any odors from occurring, you may be doing more harm than good. Products with these chemicals throw your pH balance out of whack and confuse your body on which bacteria are good and bad. If you're concerned about odor, talk to your doctor before trying to cover up the odor with a scented pad or any other products with fragrances.
  • Pads vs. Liners: Coverage is vital when it comes to postpartum bleeding, which can leave many wondering if they should be using pads or liners. Is there a difference when comparing it to your regular menstrual cycle? Overall, you want pads and liners that will stay in place. When comparing the two for postpartum bleeding, pads will work best for those days immediately after birth, as that's when you'll be bleeding the heaviest. They'll absorb more fluid and prevent leakage from happening. Once you've reached the point where your bleeding is becoming light, you can make the switch to liners. Liners are great for small coverage, so you want to make sure you're using them once you're many weeks out after giving birth. They're lightweight, perfect for light bleeding or spotting, and even help with any bladder leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does postpartum bleeding last?

    Postpartum bleeding, while somewhat similar to a regular menstrual cycle, is different when it comes to how long it will last. Bleeding after delivery will last differently for each person, but there are general timeframes you can be aware of. If you're bleeding too much or have any concerns, consult your doctor first, as postpartum bleeding can turn into a postpartum hemorrhage. This can result in your blood pressure dropping, which can lead to severe complications.

    The first stage of lochia, also known as lochia rubra, typically lasts three to four days after birth. During this time, bleeding is the heaviest, and blood clots may occur. The second stage, lochia serosa, is four to 14 days after delivery, with bleeding beginning to lighten. Lochia alba is the final stage of the postpartum bleeding process and happens around two weeks after delivery all the way up to a month. Bleeding is light, and spotting may occur.

  • How many postpartum pads will I need?

    Because everyone's body is different, this can vary depending on each person. Bleeding can last up to four to six weeks after birth, so you'll want to factor in that amount of time into how many pads you'll be buying. It's also important to note you should only be wearing pads, liners, or disposable underwear after giving birth (not tampons, menstrual cups, or any other device that needs to be inserted into the vagina).

    With regular periods, you should be changing your pads every four to eight hours. If your flow is heavy, though, you'll want to change it more frequently to every two to four hours. While you don't know how long your bleeding will last, you can assume it may be for four weeks. For four weeks' worth of postpartum bleeding, with changing every four hours, you'll need a minimum of 150 pads. Any postpartum products you don't use can always be donated if you're worried about buying too many.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to a 1-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old daughter, each of which left her needing postpartum pads while physically recovering from delivery. Additionally, after her first labor started early due to premature water breaking, she stocked up on pads towards the end of her second pregnancy, which kept her clean on her way to the doctor’s office (and then to the hospital) after her water broke prematurely for a second time.  

6 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy: physical changes after delivery.

  3. Cleveland Clinic. Are scented tampons and pads bad for you?

  4. Evensen A, Anderson JM, Fontaine P. Postpartum hemorrhage: Prevention and treatmentAm Fam Physician. 2017;95(7):442-449.

  5. Cleveland Clinic. Physical changes after child birth.

  6. ACOG. Your changing body: puberty in girls.