A Guide to: Pads, Padsicles & Peri bottles. Postpartum Comfort as you heal from birth.
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and momentous occasion, but giving birth can also bring a range of physical challenges or discomforts during the postpartum period. In this blog, we'll discuss things that we have learned through our many years of experience that can help you feel more comfortable as you heal from birth. From choosing maternity pads or adult diapers to padsicles and peri-bottles, we'll ensure you're prepared with all the tips and tricks to make healing as smooth as possible!
Postpartum Bleeding or Lochia
Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, is part of the healing process after having a baby. When the placenta detaches from the uterus post-birth, it leaves behind open blood vessels in the area where it was attached. These vessels begin to bleed into the uterus. As the placenta is delivered, the uterus continues to contract as it did during your labour, closing off these blood vessels and decreasing the bleeding. These contractions also help your body shed the remaining uterine lining that provided support to your baby during pregnancy and assist the uterus in returning to its pre-pregnancy size and condition.
How long will my bleeding last after giving birth?
For most people, postpartum bleeding will last somewhere between 4-6 weeks, with the first week or so being the heaviest and then gradually decreasing. Be mindful; if your bleeding is slowing down and then increases, this could be a sign that you are doing too much and need to allow your body to rest and heal. If you have had a cesarean, your bleeding will likely be lighter and shorter than if you had a vaginal birth.
How much bleeding is too much after giving birth?
After giving birth, you'll want to keep an eye on your bleeding and contact your care provider or head into the hospital to be checked if you are filling a pad in under an hour or if you pass a clot the size of a golf ball or larger.
Postpartum mesh underwear.
One of the best purchases that you can make for postpartum healing are disposable mesh underwear. They are comfortable and will work great whether you gave birth vaginally or by cesarean. Mesh underwear like these or these are high-waisted so they will not bother an incision if you have one and are big enough to hold the long, large pads that you will use in your initial stages of healing. Frida Mom even makes a c-section specific version, however, if your cesarean was unplanned you will likely find that the regular version will work just as well.
Do I have to use pads after birth?
After giving birth you you are more at risk for infection as you have a wound in your uterus where the placenta was attached. For this reason you can not have anything in the vagina for a full 6 weeks. This means that you cannot use tampons or menstrual cups. You can use pads - disposable or washable, period underwear or adult diapers.
Choosing Pads for Postpartum Healing:
Choosing the right pads to use after giving birth can seem overwhelming. You head to the store and suddenly you are standing in an aisle looking at a wall full of choices. So which pads are best? Well, that is going to change as you recover and your bleeding descreses. Let’s break it down:
Day 1 - 7: This is when you can expect your bleeding to be the heaviest. During this stage, you will want maternity pads that are long, thick, and highly absorbent. These are our favourites. You may also find that adult diapers like these are a more comfortable alternative during the time when your bleeding is heavier. You can use washable pads or period underwear, however, you may find when your bleeding is heavier that they are more prone to leakage.
Day 8 - 21: You will likely find that your bleeding is slowing down as you are beginning to heal. A regular pad, disposable or washable, may feel more suitable during this phase. Some people find that leak-proof period underwear like these are a good alternative to disposable pads and may be more comfortable.
Day 22 & beyond: Your bleeding will likely be quite light at this point in your healing. You may find that moving to a panty liner feels more comfortable. If you have been using leakproof period underwear or washable pads, you may continue using these too.
TENA Extra Coverage Pads Vs. a regular Super Absorbency pad.
This is why we recommend the TENA brand for after you give birth. BIG difference!
**Important note: During initial healing avoid Always brand as they have a plastic coating that can be irritating or snag on stitches.
How can I make my healing more comfortable?
The Peri Bottle
A peri bottle is a simple yet important aid for postpartum perineal care. Nowadays, there are many variations of these bottles, such as those pictured here, here and here, but they all serve the same purpose. The upside down version are probably a little easier to use for most people. Peri bottles are meant to increase your comfort by reducing stinging sensations as you pee and help with cleanliness when your perineum may be sensitive from birth.
Using the Peri Bottle
Prep: Fill the peri bottle with warm, not hot, water. The warmth aids in relaxing your perineal muscles and can provide relief when you are feeling tender or sore.
Positioning: Find a stable and comfortable position while seated on the toilet. This should allow you to spray the perineum and have the excess water fall into the toilet bowl.
Direction: Before you begin to pee, hold the peri bottle and direct the nozzle about an inch or two away from your labia and squeeze the bottle gently to release a soothing stream of warm water. Always guide the water from front to back, moving from the vagina towards the anus which helps prevent the spread of bacteria. This is very important during your healing to reduce the risk of infection. After you are done peeing, spray the area again to assist with cleaning.
Drying: After thorough rinsing, gently pat the perineum dry with toilet paper.
Frequency: Use your peri bottle as needed, especially after urination or bowel movements.
Cleaning: Empty your peri bottle and wash it with warm soapy water. leave the lid off to allow it dry between uses.
**Pro tip: Have a postpartum kit in each bathroom that you will use throughout the day so that your things are already in the bathroom and ready to go. Go to the dollar store and grab a basket or a bin that will contain your peri bottle, pad, sprays, or anything else that you will use.
Have everything ready to go in each bathroom that you will use.
Support person tip: Take on the job of ensuring that the basket is full of everything your partner will need each day. You could even leave a sweet note as an extra touch!
Padsicles.
One tried-and-true solution that many new parents swear by is the "padsicle." These frozen pads are a game-changer when it comes to postpartum comfort and recovery. Making a batch of these as part of your prenatal preparation is a great way to set yourself up for healthy healing once you are home.
What are padsicles?
Padsicles are maxi pads dampened with water or sometimes a soothing and healing mixture, then frozen. They provide much-needed relief for postpartum discomfort, including swelling, pain, and general soreness. Here are a some of the benefits they provide:
1. Reduced Swelling: The cold temperature and healing ingredients in padsicles can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the perineal area.
2. Pain Relief: Padsicles can provide relief from the discomfort that often accompanies the healing process after childbirth.
3. Healing Ingredients: Many DIY padsicles incorporate natural ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel, known for their healing and soothing properties. It is important to know that additional ingredients are completely optional and a personal choice. Be aware of any sensitivities that you may have before adding anything extra to your pads.
How to Make Your Own Padsicles:
“The Simple Recipe”
Ingredients:
- Extra long, super absorbent maxi pads
- Filtered Water
- Ziplock bag
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workstation and wash your hands: Make sure you have a clean area to work and that your hands are clean.
2. Open the Pads: Open the maxi pads but leave them attached to the adhesive wrapper if they have one so they can be resealed once they ready to go. If they have wings, place the little piece of paper that goes over the adhesive off to the side as you will want to put this back on once you’re done preparing the pad.
3. Add the ingredients: Apply the filtered water. If you are using a big jug of water put a small amount into a clean measuring cup or something with a spout so it is easier to pour and control how much water goes on the pad. Pour the water over the the pad. You don't need to soak it, just a few tablespoons down the entire length of the pad will do. You want it to be wet enough to have the whole pad freeze and be cold when you use it, but not so wet that it makes a big mess when it melts.
6. Fold and Reseal: Reapply any tabs that were covering the adhesive parts. Fold the pad back up, and carefully reseal it in its wrapper.
7. Store in the Freezer: Place your prepared padsicles in a Ziplock bag and store them in the freezer until you are ready to use them.
“The Other Recipe”
Note: Before adding additional ingredients to your padsicles be sure that you do not have any sensitivities to them. The last thing you want is additional irritation that can hinder healing.
Ingredients:
- Extra long, super absorbent maxi pads
- Witch hazel - alcohol free (alternatively you can you the Frida Mom Perineal Healing foam)
- 100% Aloe vera gel - this should be clear, not green.
- Lavender essential oil (optional)
- Ziplock bag
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workstation and wash your hands: Make sure you have a clean area to work and that your hands are clean.
2. Open the Pads: Open the maxi pads but leave them attached to the adhesive wrapper if they have one so they can be resealed once they ready to go. If they have wings, place the little piece of paper that goes over the adhesive off to the side as you will want to put this back on once you’re done preparing the pad.
3. Apply Witch Hazel: Sprinkle witch hazel over the length of the pad. You don't need to soak it, just a few spritzes or a light drizzle will do.
4. Add Aloe Vera Gel: Apply aloe vera gel over the length of the pad. Use a clean spoon to spread it out, not your fingers.
5. Optional: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Many recipes suggest using lavender oil for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Ensure the brand you are using is meant for topical use.
6. Fold and Reseal: Fold the pad back up, and carefully reseal it.
7. Store in the Freezer: Place your prepared padsicles in a Ziplock bag and store them in the freezer until you are ready to use them.
*Want to watch a video on how to make padsicles? You can see it on our Instagram here.
How many padsicles should I make?
We recommend starting with about 6-10 padsicles. This is enough for most people. Since they are so quick and simple to make, you can easily make more if needed.
How to Use Padsicles
Once you've prepared your DIY padsicles, you can use them as needed during your postpartum recovery. Many people find that using them 2-3 times a day can help with swelling and feelings of comfort. Simply unwrap a frozen pad, let it thaw for a minute or two, and place it in your underwear. If your bleeding is heavy, you may want to place the padsicle into an adult diaper or on top of another pad. Because the pads are frozen and will be partially saturated as they melt, they are not quite as absorbent as dry pads. Once the padsicle is in place, the cold temperature and healing ingredients will provide relief and comfort. You will likely find that the cold sensation will last for about 30 minutes or so. At that point, you will want to remove the pad and dispose of it.
If you don’t want to make your own padsicles, you can purchase a similar product like these ready made Ice Pads from Frida Mom. These can be great but in our experience aren’t quite as cold as the homemade version.
Hemorroids…a pain the the bum, literally!
Unfortunately, pregnancy increases your risk of developing hemorrhoids due to several factors, including hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and pressure from your growing uterus and baby. Constipation during pregnancy can also increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids which is why it is always a good idea to speak with your care provider if you are having trouble staying regular. Statistics show that approximately 30% - 40% of pregnant individuals will experience hemorrhoids. This may happen during pregnancy, after delivery, or even during the postpartum period as you recover from childbirth. Your healthcare providers will assess for hemorrhoids during post-birth checkups. Once at home, watch for symptoms such as:
Itchiness around your anus
Pain with bowel movements
Blood with bowel movements.
What can help with hemorrhoids?
Thankfully, most hemorrhoids can be treated at home. Your healthcare provider will assist you in developing a treatment plan for your hemorrhoids, which may include using topical medications like Preparation H. Here are some additional tips and tricks to aid in comfort as you heal:
A high fibre diet or talk to your care provider about the suitability of stool softeners for your recovery.
Staying hydrated.
Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet or straining during bowel movements.
Try to avoid standing or sitting on your perineum too long. This is always a good idea when healing from birth in general.
Use a peri-bottle to help keep the area clean and comfortable.
Using tucks pads or a healing foam like the Frida Mom Perineal Healing foam. These both contain witch hazel which will provide a nice cooling sensation and can help with swelling. You can line a pad with tucks pads or you can cover it in the foam like we have pictured below:
A few times a day as you heal, you can line the entire length of the pad with either the Tucks pads or the Healing Foam.
Pads pictured are TENA Sensitive Extra Coverage Overnight Pads - Our favourite for the early days after birth!
The most important part of postpartum healing…
Be gentle on yourself. Accept help when you need it. Allow your body the time it needs to heal. Plan for the postpartum period prenatally so that you can focus on resting, recovering and bonding with your baby.
We hope these tips and tricks will help your postpartum recovery be easier and more comfortable! Follow us on Instagram at @welcomebabyco for new blogs and posts on all things pregnancy, birth and babies!
Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.
If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, breastfeeding support in Calgary or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have.