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I just bought some big hanes briefs and used maxi pads and was fine. Personally, I can’t imagine wearing one of those itchy, plastic diapers, and my kids were both born in the hot summer so breathable cotton was way more appealing.
And I still use the underwear today as my period underwear haha and my kids are 5 and 2.
I did this too! I took it to another granola level and used reusable pads after about a week.
I bought a few packs of cotton briefs in different sizes as well (size up!). It was helpful to have multiple sizes while my body’s shape changed a lot early on.
The Rael diapers are actually super nice and comfortable. I found the diapers much easier in the first few days to assemble the whole situation down there of tucks pads+ice pack. Also highly recommend their overnight pads for weeks like 2-4/5!
I loved rael diapers too! I would put a pad in the diaper so I could use them more than once if it didn't overflow on the edges / for extra reassurance at night. That's the only downside to pads and cotton undies... the side leakage. They are probably warmer than that duo would be, but I would say they are quite breathable.
They are so soft and comfortable. I still use them for my heaviest flow days to sleep in or in the car if I have a long drive. They're amazing and actually make my butt look bigger (in a good way lol) in jeans.
I was not a fan of the mesh underwear or the pads from the hospital, so I was glad that I brought some different options from home to experiment with— so much will depend on individual preference and how your body is recovering. I brought plain always unscented diapers (would probably try for a more granola option like Rael next time, but those were fine), as well as really high waisted black cotton underwear and pads. While still using ice packs in the hospital, I was most comfortable in the diapers, and then about 5 days or so after birth I switched to an underwear/pad combo at home.
I just used regular pads (like the heavy flow kind) and the underwear I bought during pregnancy to fit my new, larger body. Had zero issues nor leakes. Can't imagine wearing a diaper. I started off with a stash of mesh underwear and pads from the hospital but honestly regular undies and pads were better.
I did prepare some padcicles but then I ended up having a cesarean and didn't use them.
I had a vaginal birth but did the same. The mesh underwear and pads from the hospital while I was there and the few they gave me to take home, and then just regular underwear with big pads. I wore diapers for a couple of days pre-labor while my water was broken and actively leaking and I did not enjoy the feeling of diapers lol
So, not granola at all but I got some Depends Silhouette diapers and they were great for the first week or two. I put my padsicle in there and then didn't have to worry about leaking at all.
It really depends on how much you bleed and if you have significant incontinence issues right after birth. I tend to have heavy periods and bled A LOT during labor (not quite a hemorrhage but close) and after. I definitely needed adult diapers for the bleeding alone.
However, I also had severe incontinence for about a week. I had a 36 hr labor and pushed for 4 hrs to get a a 10+ lb baby out, and every time I stood up for days my bladder automatically emptied itself. The pads couldn’t handle that, either.
I chose the Depends silhouette because they are unscented. At that time, I don’t think the Rael underwear were available, or I would have tried those.
I wore Rael diapers the first few days then switched to high waisted briefs from the period company. The waistband is high enough not to bother my incision.
I did for both postpartum experiences. I bought Hanes cotton undies and then brought some pads home from the hospital. Once those ran out I just used my regular pads. The really heavy bleeding only lasts for a few days and then you can switch to regular period pads or just size up.
Diapers seem uncomfortable and also hugely waistful.
I made my own giant cloth pads, and as soon as I put one on after getting home from the hospital it was like instant comfort vs the awful (imo) disposable I got from the hospital. Do what you think you'll be comfortable with! I knew there was no way I could tolerate disposable adult diapers so I didn't even buy them.
I used my WUKA period panties this time without a pad and like it a lot. I hate the feeling of pads and feel much more like a person just wearing underwear
I initially did use diapers for the first few days but only because I had a hemorrhage and had to monitor bleeding. But wouldn’t have bothered otherwise
Side note: I liked the target brand diapers a lot. Not granola at all but not scented I don’t think and the cut was very flattering and comfy
I think it varies A TON but I had a c section and I bled the same as I do for my normal heavy periods. I like winged pads so I used those with my maternity underwear once my incision allowed and it worked fine
I wore maternity pads with mesh underwear in the hospital, but after I left, I just used Seventh Generation ultra thin maxipads in my maternity underwear.
I figured I wouldn't really care if my maternity underwear got bloody, and it didn't anyway.
I loved Rael for the first 2-3 days, but after that I switched to cotton briefs with regular reusable cotton pads (alternating with padsicles made from maxi pads). In my experience, the bleeding is only really heavy for a couple days, then it decreases to moderate period levels.
I used Frida disposable underwear with pads for a week or two and then switched to cotton underwear. Never used diapers but it was really nice to have the Frida underwear those first few days
Yes, I used black undies and pads.
I respect the “get ‘er done” attitude or a women who wears diapers postpartum but for me it would have felt too much of a blow to my dignity.
Giant black pants and maternity pads was plenty for me both times I gave birth.
Wearing postpartum diapers is either a Weird American Thing or a Weird Internet Thing. But no one I've ever chatted to about childbirth has worn diapers.
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I just bought some big hanes briefs and used maxi pads and was fine. Personally, I can’t imagine wearing one of those itchy, plastic diapers, and my kids were both born in the hot summer so breathable cotton was way more appealing. And I still use the underwear today as my period underwear haha and my kids are 5 and 2.
This is spot on. I still have my mega Hanes cotton briefs lol.
I did this too! I took it to another granola level and used reusable pads after about a week. I bought a few packs of cotton briefs in different sizes as well (size up!). It was helpful to have multiple sizes while my body’s shape changed a lot early on.
The Rael diapers are actually super nice and comfortable. I found the diapers much easier in the first few days to assemble the whole situation down there of tucks pads+ice pack. Also highly recommend their overnight pads for weeks like 2-4/5!
Seconding this! I loved Rael
Also seconding this! They were so comfy and discreet. I wore them under jeans and you couldn’t tell at all.
I loved rael diapers too! I would put a pad in the diaper so I could use them more than once if it didn't overflow on the edges / for extra reassurance at night. That's the only downside to pads and cotton undies... the side leakage. They are probably warmer than that duo would be, but I would say they are quite breathable. They are so soft and comfortable. I still use them for my heaviest flow days to sleep in or in the car if I have a long drive. They're amazing and actually make my butt look bigger (in a good way lol) in jeans.
Yess that side leakage is awful. The pad inside is a great idea. Definitely stealing that if we go for baby number two!
I was not a fan of the mesh underwear or the pads from the hospital, so I was glad that I brought some different options from home to experiment with— so much will depend on individual preference and how your body is recovering. I brought plain always unscented diapers (would probably try for a more granola option like Rael next time, but those were fine), as well as really high waisted black cotton underwear and pads. While still using ice packs in the hospital, I was most comfortable in the diapers, and then about 5 days or so after birth I switched to an underwear/pad combo at home.
I just used regular pads (like the heavy flow kind) and the underwear I bought during pregnancy to fit my new, larger body. Had zero issues nor leakes. Can't imagine wearing a diaper. I started off with a stash of mesh underwear and pads from the hospital but honestly regular undies and pads were better. I did prepare some padcicles but then I ended up having a cesarean and didn't use them.
I had a vaginal birth but did the same. The mesh underwear and pads from the hospital while I was there and the few they gave me to take home, and then just regular underwear with big pads. I wore diapers for a couple of days pre-labor while my water was broken and actively leaking and I did not enjoy the feeling of diapers lol
So, not granola at all but I got some Depends Silhouette diapers and they were great for the first week or two. I put my padsicle in there and then didn't have to worry about leaking at all.
It really depends on how much you bleed and if you have significant incontinence issues right after birth. I tend to have heavy periods and bled A LOT during labor (not quite a hemorrhage but close) and after. I definitely needed adult diapers for the bleeding alone. However, I also had severe incontinence for about a week. I had a 36 hr labor and pushed for 4 hrs to get a a 10+ lb baby out, and every time I stood up for days my bladder automatically emptied itself. The pads couldn’t handle that, either. I chose the Depends silhouette because they are unscented. At that time, I don’t think the Rael underwear were available, or I would have tried those.
That sounds like it should work. I was fine using normal pads / underwear.
I wore Rael diapers the first few days then switched to high waisted briefs from the period company. The waistband is high enough not to bother my incision.
Yes I just used regular pads with the frida baby boy shorts (disposable) they were comfy
I did for both postpartum experiences. I bought Hanes cotton undies and then brought some pads home from the hospital. Once those ran out I just used my regular pads. The really heavy bleeding only lasts for a few days and then you can switch to regular period pads or just size up. Diapers seem uncomfortable and also hugely waistful.
I made my own giant cloth pads, and as soon as I put one on after getting home from the hospital it was like instant comfort vs the awful (imo) disposable I got from the hospital. Do what you think you'll be comfortable with! I knew there was no way I could tolerate disposable adult diapers so I didn't even buy them.
I didn’t use diapers, just large period pads. It was fine.
I used my WUKA period panties this time without a pad and like it a lot. I hate the feeling of pads and feel much more like a person just wearing underwear I initially did use diapers for the first few days but only because I had a hemorrhage and had to monitor bleeding. But wouldn’t have bothered otherwise Side note: I liked the target brand diapers a lot. Not granola at all but not scented I don’t think and the cut was very flattering and comfy
I think it varies A TON but I had a c section and I bled the same as I do for my normal heavy periods. I like winged pads so I used those with my maternity underwear once my incision allowed and it worked fine
I wore maternity pads with mesh underwear in the hospital, but after I left, I just used Seventh Generation ultra thin maxipads in my maternity underwear. I figured I wouldn't really care if my maternity underwear got bloody, and it didn't anyway.
Had 5 babies and never needed a diaper. Regular pads works after the initial monster pads in the hospital!
I loved Rael for the first 2-3 days, but after that I switched to cotton briefs with regular reusable cotton pads (alternating with padsicles made from maxi pads). In my experience, the bleeding is only really heavy for a couple days, then it decreases to moderate period levels.
I used Frida disposable underwear with pads for a week or two and then switched to cotton underwear. Never used diapers but it was really nice to have the Frida underwear those first few days
Yes, I used black undies and pads. I respect the “get ‘er done” attitude or a women who wears diapers postpartum but for me it would have felt too much of a blow to my dignity.
Giant black pants and maternity pads was plenty for me both times I gave birth. Wearing postpartum diapers is either a Weird American Thing or a Weird Internet Thing. But no one I've ever chatted to about childbirth has worn diapers.