Top 11 Best Pads for Postpartum (EXPERTLY TESTED) in 2023

The best postpartum pads help you to manage the higher post pregnancy discharge wherever you are.

You know you shouldn’t use menstrual cups or tampons immediately after childbirth lest you slough off more discharge and expose yourself to infection. The sanitary napkins supplied in hospitals are also a hit or miss in terms of size, absorbency and comfort.

But finding the best pads for postpartum recovery is a matter of guesswork to many and you could make your situation worse if you get it wrong.

We tested and compared brands among peers who had given birth, spoke with other users in hospitals and at home, and read reviews. From this, we’ve concluded that Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads are the finest for heavy flow and overnight use, Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads are the best for a sensitive skin, while U by Kotex Winged Pads should be your first choice if you don’t like fragrances.

When you click on the links here and better your life with post pregnancy pads, we’ll earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.

Editor’s Choice for Best Pads for Postpartum in 2023

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Name
Editor's Remark
Price
1. Always Extra Maxi Pads with Flexi-Wings for Overnight use, one of the best pads for postpartum, best maxi pads for postpartum
Best for overnight use
2. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads, best organic pads for postpartum recovery
Best for sensitive skin
3. Poise incontinence pads for ultimate absorbency, best pads for after birth bleeding
Best for heavy discharge

Review of the 11 Best Postpartum Pads

Best Postpartum Pads for Overnight Use

1. Always Extra-Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads (with Flexi-Wings)-best maxi pads for postpartum

Always Extra Maxi Pads with Flexi-Wings for Overnight use, one of the best pads for postpartum, best maxi pads for postpartum

These overnight post pregnancy pads are traditionally longer at the rear than other postpartum towels. And since post-birth blood mostly pools under your bottoms when sleeping on your back, this extra length ensures zero leaks.

You will also notice that they’re significantly wider, again to reinforce protection against leaks while you’re lying down.

Additionally, the built-in barriers all around help reduce pressure that can cause leaks on the edges.

Still, the raised core helps them hold firmly even as you toss and turn while sleeping, so blood won’t leak.

To cap what is a brilliant invention, these best pads for after birth have a rare extra heavy design and absorbs to the last drop, the whole night.

Overall, if you want to sleep like your little one, these fabulous overnight postnatal sanitary towels will do the trick.

What Reviewers Like

  • They fit awesomely to offer a good night’s protection
  • Very good quality
  • Best coverage
What they Don’t Like

  • Not very light

Best Feminine Pads for Stitches

2. Always Radiant Feminine Postpartum Pads

Always Radiant women menstrual pads, best sanitary towels for heavy flow absorbency

Always radiant best pads for postpartum have strong adhesive strips and attach strongly to your panties.

More importantly, their 100% leak proofing makes them one of the best for the early days when your flow is likely to be heaviest.

Above all, they incorporate the much praised FlexFoam technology which makes sanitary pads extremely comfortable…

In fact, they’re so soft (and lightweight) such that even if you’ve been cut and stitched up, you will still forget you have them.

The other winner here is the excellent absorbing material…

It tends to soak in liquids 10X better than its rivals.

And as a bonus, you can use them for minor urinary incontinence.

In short, these incredible best pads for after delivery have what it takes to deliver you from your messy suffering.

What Reviewers Like

  • So comfortable… you barely remember you have them!
  • They’re not irritating to your skin
  • They remain discreet and feel amazingly light
What they Don’t Like

  • You may not love the scent

Best Ecofriendly Post Pregnancy Pads

3. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads for Heavy Flow

Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads, best organic pads for postpartum recovery

What Reviewers Like

  • They have unparalleled absorbency
  • Offer complete protection against postpartum bleeding leaks
  • They stick well and stay in place
What they Don’t Like

  • Not the best for overnight protection

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4. Natracare Ultra Extra Pads with Wings

Natracare Ultra Extra Winged sanitary napkins, best postpartum pads for sensitive skin, best post partum pads, best pads for after baby

I find these winged best post partum pads incredible and I don’t think I can survive my usually heavy flow without them….

And do you know my choice?

…These Natracare ultra pads with wings.

They are simply wonderful!

You know, I have in the past experienced itchiness from some other very well-known brands of sanitary padding and I guess that’s where I got my phobia from.

What Reviewers Like

  • Outstanding absorber…no bacteria (and yeast infections)
  • Best sanitary pads for sensitive skin types
  • Securely remains in place
What they Don’t Like

  • A bit pricy

Best Pads for Heavy Flow

5. Poise Incontinence Pads, Original Design, Ultimate Absorbency

Poise incontinence pads for ultimate absorbency, best pads for after birth bleeding

I learned about these postnatal pads from a friend.

Last year, she had her first born and the C-section led to some weird complications and she was literary experiencing a downpour for about two weeks.

Her older brand won’t work and several of the substitutes and it was hell…

That is until she stumbled on these Poise Incontinence pads…

And honestly, I doubt that there is a pad that can beat these best pads for after giving birth when it comes to absorbing heavy postpartum bleeding.

What Reviewers Like

  • Very good for heavy flow.
  • Long pads – works day/night.
  • Extra coverage for more comfort
What they Don’t Like

  • Nothing major really

6. Prevail Maximum Absorbency Incontinence Bladder Control Pads

Prevail maximum absorbency and incontinence bladder control napkins, Best pads for after birth bleeding

Prevail has been a leader in introducing new technologies to help improve mothers’ lifestyle and make pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy periods less stressful.

Now, if you want to finally prevail against teething bladder control issues caused by baby bearing, you should give these bladder incontinence controlling pads a serious consideration.

Features
What Reviewers Like

  • They are cotton-enhanced and greatly reduce skin discomfort
  • They deliver optimum bladder leakage protection
  • The full-length adhesive strip helps them discreetly fit
  • They come at a very reasonable price
What they Don’t Like

  • Perhaps they can be longer

Best Reusable Postpartum Pads

7. Sanitary Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads by Heart Felt

Sanitary Reusable Cloth Menstrual towels made by Heart Felt, Best Reusable Postpartum Pads

Reusable sanitary napkins have their unique advantages including being environmentally friendly.

Better still, they are great money savers especially the ultra-durable ones… a couple of pieces can last you years (and a number of deliveries).

And so if you’re passionate about reusable postpartum pads, you may not have to look beyond these reusable cloth paddings from Heart Felt…

Features
What Reviewers Like

  • One of the most comfortable
  • Extra-large -keeps you dry all day/night long
  • No chaffing or such discomforts
What they Don’t Like

  • Can feel somewhat hot during summer

Best Cloth Menstrual Pads

8. Dutchess Cloth Menstrual Pads – Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Napkins

Dutchess cloth sanitary pads, reusable sanitary heavy flow and overnight towels made using bamboo

Features
What Reviewers Like

  • Best pads to use postpartum with waterproof outer layer- zero leaks
  • Easier to wash and dry- you can throw them with your other clothes into your washing machine.
  • Good length and width
  • The charcoal inside color beautifully hides any stains
What they Don’t Like

  • May feel slightly bigger for women with small asses

Best Postpartum Panty Liners

9. Always Xtra Protection Daily Feminine Panty Liners for Women

Always Xtra women panty liners for daily protection, best panty liners for incontinence, best panty liners for post pregnancy

These panty liners are very close to a pad, save for being a little lighter and obviously, thinner.

Features
What Reviewers Like

  • Pocket friendly pricing
  • Sit nicely against your skins
  • Super-soft and comfy
  • Best panty liners for odor– they are not scented, thus nobody will notice them
What they Don’t Like

  • Not the longest possible

Best Disposable Underwear

10. TENA Incontinence Underwear for Women

Tena disposable underwear for post pregnancy incontinence, best disposable underwear for postpartum recovery

TENA sets the standards in incontinence products and they have really made a revolutionary incontinence underwear.

Features
What Reviewers Like

  • Provides enhanced incontinence leakage protection
  • No embarrassing smells
  • Wider, more comfortable fit
What they Don’t Like

  • May feel somehow bulky

Best Fragrance Free Sanitary Pads

11. U by Kotex Fitness Ultra Thin Pads with Wings

U by Kotex fitness ultra thin pads with wings for regular absorbency, best sanitary pads for odor, best fragrance free pads

The U by Kotex Ultra Thin Pads are designed to make you feel more secure and protected.

Features
What Reviewers Like

  • Best stay put sanitary pad
  • Used safely and rarely will they cause skin irritation/allergic reactions
  • Neutralizes bad smells
  • Top, top quality
What they Don’t Like

  • Perhaps not the best for heavy periods

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A Buyer’s Guide for the Best Pads for Postpartum

Choosing from the 11 best postpartum pads can be an uphill task..,

So how do you choose?

You can then switch to ultra-thin pads like the U by Kotex Fitness Ultra-Thin Pads when it’s lighter.

Lastly, panty liners such as the Always Xtra Protection women panty liners are brilliant towards the last postpartum days.

  • Inspect their protection: For maximum protection, select winged pads such as the best-selling Natracare ultra pads with wings. These are comfy both during daytime and while sleeping.
  • Are they comfy? Your genital areas are yet to completely heal so your pad must be soft. Fortunately, practically all our nominees are gentle and will pamper your nether regions to quicken recovery.
  • Do they perform? You have no business with a sanitary towel that doesn’t meet your expectations in terms of absorbency, leak blockage, and cover you sufficiently.
  • Others: Choose the best post partum pads equipped to stay in place, won’t harm your skin, and with a nice scent (if you love fragrance, though fragrance-free is always safer).

Disposable or Cloth Pads? – Pros and Cons of Reusable and Disposable Pads

There has been a trend whereby an increased number of women are turning to reusable pads. But are they really better than disposables?

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of each type of sanitary towel…

  • Pros of reusable pads

  1. These are cheaper than commercial disposable pads in the final analysis.
  2. They are ecofriendly since you have less waste for your landfill.
  3. You always have them on hand – unlike the rest which often run out.
  4. Some are available in safer natural and organic materials and are less likely to irritate your skin.
  5. Most are available in colorful fabrics and look cuter.
  • Cons of using reusable pads

  1. The initial purchase price is way higher than disposable pads.
  2. You have to set time to wash and dry them and since some can only be handwashed, they can be at time inconveniencing.
  3. They are typically heavier and bulkier compared to ultrathin styled disposable pads like the U by Kotex Ultra-thin fitness pads.
  4. Some may find the concept of washing a soaked pad disgusting.
  5. Some cloth pads stains rather easily.
  • Pros of disposable pads

  1. These are more eminent and are stocked by nearly every neighborhood supermarket.
  2. Disposable pads come in more variety – sizes, shapes, brands, and absorbency levels.
  3. Using a disposable pad is much quicker and easier, especially when traveling.
  4. A greater majority of the community find using disposable pads more agreeable.
  5. These pads are on the whole more discreet than regular cloth pads.
  • Cons of using disposable pads

  1. Some disposable pads contain harmful additives that cause itchiness once absorbed through your skin.
  2. But for the few disposable made of organic cotton, these are largely not biodegradable and have a negative environmental impact.
  3. Some women notice more smell when using disposable pads.

FAQs: Best Pads for After Birth

Q: What is lochia?

A: Lochia is vaginal bleeding that often arises after you give birth.

It’s very similar to your menstrual period (though it can seem heavier and more intense at first). It usually lasts for about 2-6 weeks.

Q: How long should you wear pads after giving birth?

A: Since lochia can last between 2-6 weeks, prepare to wear postpartum pads for up to 6 weeks.

Remember things will get worse before they become better so it’s going to be absolutely heavy at first before it starts to lighten over the weeks.

Sometimes it can last a bit longer but you should seek medical advice if you feel that it’s showing no signs of letting up.

You should also contact a professional if you experience other symptoms such as incessant pain.

Q:What are the signs of haemorrhaging after birth?

A: There are several ways you can use to tell if you’re suffering from a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). First, you may notice a constant heavy bleeding from your vagina with no signs of slowing or stopping.

Then, most women feel generally sleepy and weakened all over the body and you can sometimes even feel like you are about to faint.

Besides, you vision grows weak and you even occasionally experience sudden chills.

Some mothers also report a racing heartbeat, low blood pressure, and being sleepy.

Though uncommon, PPH can be life threatening and it’s important that you see your doctor immediately you identify these signs.

Q: How often should I change my postpartum pad?

A: To stay fresh, change your postpartum pads often. This also helps prevent potential infections like urinary tract infection and skin rashes.

Specifically, try to change your pads 1-2 hours when bleeding is at its heaviest, then about 2-4 hours once it begins to get lighter.

You can allow six hours once you achieve a standard flow (same like menstrual periods).

Needless to say, you may have to rush to the bathroom more frequently if you are using weak postpartum pads.

Final word

As you can see, the market is teeming with some fabulous post pregnancy pads. So the best news is that you’re not limited to one category- you can even be alternating between a reusable model with a typical disposable pad.

From our tests and customer reviews, we concluded that Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads are the finest for heavy flow and overnight use, Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads are the best for a sensitive skin, while U by Kotex Winged Pads should be your first choice if you don’t like fragrances.
Nonetheless, whichever pad you choose, remember to check all the essentials including comfort, performance, and intensity of your flow.

In truth, compiling this list of the best postpartum pads was not a walk in the park…that’s how phenomenal the current offerings are.

The best news is that you’re not limited to either category so you can even be alternating between a reusable model with a typical disposable.

And remember to check all the essentials including comfort, performance, and intensity of your flow.

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