Maternity Pads After Birth: Choosing the Right Ones

By Lansinoh UK | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Buying Guides

A practical buying guide to maternity pads after birth: when to switch from extra absorbent to discreet, how many you need, fit tips and what to pack.

Quick answer

For the first 0–2 weeks after birth, choose a heavy-duty, extra absorbent maternity pad made specifically for lochia. From around week 2, when bleeding reduces and you become more active, switch to a slimmer, discreet maternity pad. Buy two packs of the extra absorbent pads and one pack of the discreet pads to start, then top up as your flow changes.

Match the pad to your postpartum stage

Post-birth bleeding, called lochia, changes over the first weeks. In the first 0–2 weeks it is usually heavier and needs a pad designed for lochia rather than a standard sanitary or bladder control pad. From around week 2, bleeding typically reduces and you may feel more mobile, so a slimmer pad that still handles lochia can be more comfortable under clothes. The practical move is to buy for both stages rather than one pad for the whole recovery.

Weeks 0–2: choose an extra absorbent maternity pad designed for lochia.
Week 2 onward: switch to a discreet maternity pad when flow reduces and you are more active.
Keep a few of each on hand so you can change absorbency without a last-minute shop.

How many maternity pads do I need?

There is no single correct number because flow varies, but you can plan around change frequency. In the early days, changing every 2–3 hours is common, which works out to roughly 8–12 pads a day. If you change every 2–3 hours for the first two weeks, that is around 112–168 extra absorbent pads. Many parents use fewer as flow settles, so a realistic starting point is two packs of extra absorbent pads plus one pack of discreet pads, then buy more of whichever you are using most.

Early weeks: around 8–12 pads a day if changing every 2–3 hours.
Two-week estimate: roughly 112–168 extra absorbent pads if you change every 2–3 hours.
Start with two packs of extra absorbent pads and one pack of discreet pads, then top up.

Fit, size and comfort checks

Maternity pads are not one-size-fits-all. Check that the pad sits flat without bunching, stays in place when you move, and covers enough length for your flow, especially at night. If you are between sizes, size up for the first week and down when bleeding reduces. A pad that is too narrow can shift and leak; one that is too bulky can rub against tender perineal tissue. If you are unsure, buy a small quantity first and test fit before committing to a larger pack.

Look for a pad that stays flat and does not bunch when you walk or sit.
Choose enough length for overnight protection in the first week.
If between sizes, size up early and size down as flow reduces.

What to pack and when to switch

Pack for the first stage and the transition. A hospital bag or home recovery station should have extra absorbent pads for the first days, a discreet pad for when flow reduces, and a way to keep used pads contained. A post-birth wash bottle can make cleaning and changing more comfortable because the perineal area can be stressed and tender after giving birth. A warm bath with postpartum bath salts can also be part of a soothing routine in the early weeks. Switch from extra absorbent to discreet when you notice bleeding has reduced and you are moving around more; keep a few extra absorbent pads for heavier days or nights.

Postpartum Bath Salts — postpartum bath salts

Pack both absorbency levels so you are ready for the change.
Keep a wash bottle within reach to make cleaning easier.
Switch to discreet pads when flow reduces and you are more active.

Decision rules for buying maternity pads

If you are in the first 0–2 weeks: Choose an extra absorbent maternity pad designed for lochia. Do not rely on a standard sanitary or bladder control pad for heavy post-birth flow. Buy two packs of extra absorbent pads to cover the heaviest days.
If bleeding has reduced and you are more active: Switch to a discreet maternity pad made for week 2 onward. It is slimmer but still designed for post-partum bleeding. Keep one pack of discreet pads ready before you need them.
If you are unsure how many to buy: Estimate 8–12 pads a day for the first two weeks if changing every 2–3 hours, then adjust based on your own flow. Start with two packs of extra absorbent and one pack of discreet, then top up.
If fit is uncertain: Buy a small quantity first and check length, width and how the pad stays in place when you move. Size up early and down later. A pad that shifts or bunches is the wrong fit, even if absorbency is right.

Product facts to compare

Extra Absorbent Maternity Pads: 0-2 weeks post-birth: Designed specifically for lochia, the name for post-birth bleeding that requires a different level of protection than standard sanitary or bladder control pads. Crafted from soft, breathable and dermatologically tested materials with no compromise on absorption levels. This is the pad to use in the first 0–2 weeks when flow is heaviest and you need protection made for lochia rather than a standard pad.
Discreet & Absorbent Maternity Pads: 2+ weeks post-birth: Developed to be used from week 2 post-partum, when post-birth bleeding starts to reduce and you start to become more active. Crafted from soft, breathable and dermatologically tested materials with no compromise on absorption levels. This is the slimmer, discreet option for the transition stage, so you can stay comfortable and mobile without dropping absorbency.
Post-Birth Wash Bottle: The perineal area can be stressed and tender after giving birth. The wash bottle holds up to 360ml of water and can be used upside down to reach the perineal area, with a collapsible spout and waterproof storage bag for portability. Makes cleaning and pad changes gentler in the early weeks and is easy to keep in a hospital bag or bathroom.

Is this buying approach right for you?

Best for

Parents planning for the first two weeks of post-birth bleeding who want a pad made for lochia.
Anyone transitioning from heavy flow to lighter flow around week 2 and wanting a slimmer, discreet option.
People packing a hospital bag or home recovery kit who want both absorbency levels ready.

Not for

Anyone looking for a single pad to cover the whole postpartum period; absorbency needs usually change.
People who need a pad for light everyday periods rather than post-birth bleeding.
Those who have been advised by a clinician to use a specific medical product instead.