The Ultimate Postpartum Essentials Guide (Featuring Abena Pads)
When getting ready to have a baby, it is really easy to overlook how you are going to recover in the fourth trimester. Nappies, bottles, and baby clothes get most of the focus, but what you will be needing to help your body heal seems to be a rushed after-thought. Your body has gone through something amazing; it’s time to give it some of the same love and care as you do your baby’s nursery. In this section we’ll cover the basic necessities of making the fourth trimester truly less painful both physically and mentally by looking into why so many midwives and mothers recommend such big postpartum pads like Abena.
Why Postpartum Recovery Needs Its Own Checklist
Whether your baby is delivered vaginally or via C-section, your body undergoes substantial trauma. It may take several weeks to heal from bleeding (lochia) and hormone fluctuations, and it may seem as though everyday activities such as sitting down, standing up, or even laughing could be an ordeal. Having all of the necessary items prepared ahead of time will ensure that when you are released from the hospital, you don’t have to send your partner out for those “necessary” items at 2 am, which were completely unknown until they came back with them.
Postpartum Pads: Why Abena Are a Standout Choice
Sanitary products aren’t designed to be used for post partum bleeding. As previously stated, there can be an excess amount of blood loss from a woman’s body during the first few days after giving birth, and sometimes even more than the average menstrual flow. The Abena pads help to address this issue by being developed specifically for high absorption in both medical and incontinence settings. New mothers who use them speak positively about them because they work so well. Here is how the Abena pads achieve this success:
• Much higher amounts of liquid absorbance per product unit than regular maternity pads (you’ll have less frequent changes)
• Breathable and very mild upper layers to protect the sensitive skin which has recently been healing.
• A slight improvement in staying put while you sleep at night; therefore, a slight reduction in the likelihood of leaks when compared to most sanitary towels.
• There are different sizes of absorbency for the pads available, and once you begin to see your postnatal bleeding reduce in volume, you should be able to go back down in pad size.
The reason why so many UK hospitals are providing Abena-style high-absorbent pads on their postnatal wards and also why many mothers are purchasing enough supplies to last her until they give birth is the exact same reason.
Building Your Postpartum Comfort Kit
START_TEXT There are a few things you could include in your postpartum kit, beyond just pads.
Many of these types of products fall into several different categories of post-delivery post-natal care and therefore may also include;
– The physical comforts for the new mom after giving birth including;
• High-absorbency pads for post-birth use (similar to Abena).
• A peri bottle for gentle cleansing after each urination and defecation.
These bottles are designed to help you clean yourself without causing irritation to your perineal area and can be used daily until approximately seven days post-delivery.
• Witch Hazel pad or spray for post-vaginal discomfort.
It is recommended to apply this to the affected area immediately after using the restroom or taking a bath.
• Loose-fitting/high-waisted underwear. This type of clothing can provide additional comfort during the healing process.
• Nipple cream if you plan on nursing.
• A donut pillow for added comfort while sitting – especially helpful for those experiencing issues sitting down after delivering via caesarian section or episiotomy stitches.
– Products specifically for C-section recovery:
• Soft, high waist underwear which covers the incision site.
• Silicone scar treatment applied gently to the scar tissue. Your midwife needs to confirm it’s been long enough since the surgery before applying silicone scar treatments.
• An extra pillow to place against your abdomen when laughing/coughing or feeding your baby so that you do not put excessive pressure on your abdominal wall.
– General well-being items:
• Place bottled water and healthy snack options near your feeding area.
• Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen as directed by your midwife.
• A journal for recording feedings, diaper changes, etc.
If you’re a partner reading this on someone else’s behalf, our Partner’s Guide to Supporting New Mothers is a genuinely useful companion piece — recovery goes more smoothly when there’s someone quietly managing logistics.
How Long Will You Need These Supplies For?
To purchase supplies that will match your needs throughout the period (typically lasting 4-6 weeks), you should buy:
- More absorbent pads than normal in order to last through the initial 1st week of post-delivery
• A larger number of medium absorbency pads for use during the 2nd & 3rd week post-delivery.
• A small amount of lighter weight “post-delivery” or “maternity” type pads to be used as you approach the end
When to Contact Your Midwife or GP
Postpartum bleeding that suddenly becomes heavier after initially slowing down, passes large clots, has a strong odor, or is accompanied by fever should always be checked by a midwife or GP promptly. Trust your instincts here you know your body better than any checklist does.
The Bottom Line
Postpartum recovery deserves the same level of planning as your baby’s nursery. A stocked supply of high-absorbency pads like Abena, along with a few thoughtful comfort items, can make a genuinely difficult few weeks noticeably easier. Pair this checklist with our full Newborn Essentials Checklist so both you and your baby are properly looked after from day one.
