Postpartum protection: postpartum guide
Postpartum, postpartum, bleeding, adapted protection or classic pads... difficult to navigate when you are a future mother who is about to experience such a big upheaval as the birth of her baby! Smoon tells you all about it in this handy postpartum guide that helps you choose the best postpartum protection .
Before talking about protections: what is postpartum?
The period a new mother experiences after the birth of her baby is called postpartum. Whether the delivery took place vaginally or by Caesarean section, it is always a delicate and special period, which has its share of physical and psychological manifestations. Among them :- the fall in hormones
- tiredness
- pain due to the uterus moving back into place
- bleeding
- the baby blues
Heavy bleeding that lasts a few days after childbirth, called lochia or postpartum , is particularly confusing and requires specialized postpartum protection . They can even be accompanied by urinary leakage due to the complete relaxation of the perineum after childbirth.
It is better to wear appropriate and comfortable maternity protection to absorb all these abundant flows. The good news is that thanks to Smoon, you will be able to forget the old solution of the sanitary napkin thanks to postpartum period panties at the top!
What protections to wear for postpartum?
Postpartum, the time that the uterus and the reproductive system are back in place, the flows are very abundant and continuous. It's not just about menstruation, so you need to opt for a hygienic postpartum protection system that can absorb this bleeding .What about internal protection systems?
Internal protection systems - tampons, cups, etc. - are to be avoided, in order to avoid any risk of infection; Indeed, the cervix is still open, all bacteria have free access to the uterus and the risks are real. It is also for this reason that baths are prohibited during the direct postpartum period. The midwives will be able to give you all the necessary information and recommendations to know!
Classic disposable towels
There are many types of classic disposable pads specially designed for postpartum. They can contain a very abundant flow but must be changed often, or even doubled each time . It is therefore a particularly heavy organization to plan for the stay at the maternity ward of the young mother.Special postpartum menstrual panties
It is common for disposable sanitary pads to scratch, move, leak... If you are looking for an alternative, postpartum menstrual panties are there for you! Indeed, wearing a washable maternity protection system is a way of living your postpartum in a way:- ecological
- economic
- comfortable
And to accompany your postpartum protection, opt for cotton underwear for even more softness and comfort. To find a firm belly, some women prefer to wear postpartum shaping panties .
Whatever postpartum sanitary protection you choose, remember that the most important thing is to maintain a regular rate of exchanges and impeccable hygiene to avoid any infection .
How long will you need protection after giving birth?
Postpartum lasts from a few days after delivery to several weeks or even months. It is even said that with all the upheavals it causes, it can last up to 3 years! It refers to the transition time needed after pregnancy for the body to recover and for the new mother to take her first steps into motherhood .
Regarding bleeding after childbirth, if they are initially very abundant, but they gradually decrease and can last up to 6 weeks after childbirth without this being worrying. It is therefore better to provide postpartum protection that suits you because you may have to wear it for several weeks.
So what is the cheapest postpartum protection? In any case, be aware that disposable maternity pads quickly become very expensive over such a long period of time, and are often uncomfortable.
Opting for washable maternity panties with a very high absorption capacity is therefore an economical and ecological alternative that will allow you to live peacefully after your birth.
Postpartum: what monitoring and what care after childbirth?
Essential medical supervision
Postpartum medical supervision is necessary to ensure that everything is in good physical order and that there is no risk of infection . A midwife will then follow you at home after your return home to ensure that your postpartum period goes smoothly.
She will check:
- your bleeding status
- your healing
- the repositioning of the uterus.
A postpartum appointment with your gynecologist or midwife is also recommended 6 weeks after delivery, especially when the flows are less abundant.
If your delivery did not take place vaginally but by caesarean section, you will also need to ensure that the stomach and uterus have healed, and have the staples removed by a health professional.
Also note that if you gave birth by caesarean section, you will still have heavy bleeding ; you will therefore need to wear sanitary protection during your postpartum period. Post-caesarean panties are all indicated.
Psychological monitoring: an element to take into account
Psychological monitoring is also important postpartum . Indeed, it is quite normal during this period to feel a drop in morale, due to the drop in hormones.
But this little moment of "baby blues" should not last more than a few days, after which it can turn into postpartum depression and require more extensive support. This is why it is already important to have an ideal postpartum protection to leave at least this concern aside!
Take care of yourself after giving birth
Apart from medical supervision, it is also important to take care of yourself during your first months as a young mother . The postpartum period is often centered on the baby; but don't forget !
If you are advised at this point not to take the subject of protection after childbirth lightly, it is because you are going to experience great upheavals in your body and your head, you will have less time for yourself, but your comfort and your well-being remain paramount.
In particular with everything that is going on in your body... You can notably provide in your maternity bag a body cream, for the face, a comforting lip balm, or any other product that it will do you good to have. have postpartum .
Once back home, the daily life of a young mother accelerates greatly without the physical inconveniences fading away (profuse bleeding, pain in the breasts or possible scars, urinary leakage, fatigue, etc.). Again, don't forget yourself; Prioritize rest and comfort whenever you can .
Comfort therefore begins with having the postpartum protection that meets your expectations. Postpartum bleeding is particularly unpleasant and can be overwhelming. What will help you get through this period more serenely? Postpartum hygienic protection:
- adapted
- comfortable to wear
- gentle
- sufficiently absorbent
Postpartum: prepare well to live it better
Whether your delivery is planned vaginally or by caesarean section, it is better to prepare for the postpartum period before birth, in order to live it better . You have probably, like any future mother, had information about the contents of your maternity suitcase. But they are often centered on the baby, not on the young mother!Comfortable clothes to put in your suitcase
Remember to take comfortable clothes for you , in which you are comfortable and you will feel good. Plan clothes that are not too scary , because stains due to postpartum bleeding or milk leaks are common in the first few days.
For those who are breastfeeding, don't forget to slip into your suitcase some comfortable nursing bras adapted to your new status as a young mother! They will be of great help to you, in addition to the expert advice of the team of midwives present at the place of your delivery.
Soft, effective and pleasant hygienic protections
Finally, don't forget your postpartum protections. Your flow will be very abundant when you are in the maternity ward the days after delivery; it is also not uncommon for urinary leakage to occur. Plan to wear sanitary protection capable of absorbing these different flows and, if possible, while remaining comfortable ! Washable postpartum pads are ideal because they:- are sweet
- are very absorbent
- do not move throughout the day or night
What you must remember
Why do you need postpartum protection?
Postpartum refers to the postpartum period. It ranges from a few days after birth to several months. During this period, the young mother will undergo multiple upheavals, both physical and psychological. Among the inevitable inconveniences, the heavy bleeding following childbirth, whether it took place vaginally or by caesarean section and which therefore requires so-called postpartum hygienic protection.What hygienic protection should I plan for after childbirth?
It is particularly important in the postpartum period to have pads capable of absorbing heavy bleeding, while paying attention to hygiene and comfort . Avoid internal protection systems such as tampons or cups, which increase the risk of infections.
Among the external hygienic protection systems, disposable maternity sanitary napkins are obviously possible but we do not recommend them. You can also opt for an ecological, economical and particularly comfortable alternative : the special postpartum menstrual panties, perfectly adapted to this particular period of your life as a young mother.
By Aurelia.
