What Exactly ARE Green Maternity Pads?

If you’re a first-time mum packing your hospital bag, there’s a good chance you’ve had a moment of pause looking at your checklist thinking“What exactly ARE green maternity pads?”!! (a bit like the “I don’t know what a tracker mortgage is” ad from the 00s). 

But don’t worry, you’re absolutely not alone. So, let's break it down:

What Are Green Maternity Pads?

Green maternity pads are large, highly absorbent sanitary pads specifically designed for the days immediately after giving birth.

They’re a staple on every hospital bag checklist, and for good reason.

After birth, your body goes through a natural healing process where you experience bleeding calledlochia. This is heavier than a normal period (especially in the first few days), which is why regular pads just won’t cut it.

Green maternity pads are:

• Extra long
• Thick and cushioned
• Super absorbent
• Breathable and gentle on sensitive skin

They’re designed for comfort, protection, and healing — not discretion.

Why Are They Green?

The colour is usually the first thing that throws people.The green shade isn’t random, it's for the following reasons:

• To help distinguish them from regular sanitary products
• It’s associated with medical-grade hygiene products
• It disguises staining better than white

In short, it’s less about aesthetics and more about function.

Why Don’t They Have Sticky Backs?

Another common question, and one that always baffled me to be honest. But after a little bit of investigation, I discovered that the reason for this is:

1. They’re Designed for Breathability

After birth (especially if you’ve had stitches or tearing), airflow is really important for healing. Adhesive-backed pads tend to sit tightly against the body, while maternity pads allow for more ventilation.

2. They Can be Used With Mesh Pants

Many mums will wear disposable mesh underwear immediately after birth and these are designed to hold the pad securely in place without the need for adhesive.

3. They’re Easy to Change Frequently

You (or your lovely midwife if you are unable to walk yet) will be changing these pads regularly, sometimes every couple of hours, so fuss-free removal and replacement is key. 

How Long Do You Use Green Maternity Pads?

You won’t be in them forever, I promise (although it feels like it at the time!) and here's a general guideline (although everyone will be different):

Days 1–5 Postpartum

You’ll needfull maternity pads (the green ones). Bleeding is usually at its heaviest during this time.

Days 5–10

You can start transitioning toslimmer maternity pads or heavy-flow sanitary pads (lots of our customers recommend Kotex night-time pads for when you come off the maternity pads) as bleeding reduces.

After 10 Days+

Most mums move ontoregular pads, depending on their flow.

Every body is different, though. Some women may need maternity pads for a little longer, some for a shorter period of time, and that’s completely normal.

How Many Do You Actually Need?

A typical recommendation is:

• 2 packs of maternity pads for your hospital bag and another 1-2 packs for the early days at home

It’s always better to have more than you need than to run short, especially in those first few days when rest and recovery are your priority.

A Gentle Reassurance for First-Time Mums

If you’re feeling unsure about anything on your hospital bag list, try not to get overwhelmed, it is all new to you now.From green maternity pads to tiny baby vests, there’s a lot that suddenly becomesyourresponsibility to understand. And yes, it can feel like ALOT.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to know everything right now.

You just need the right essentials, and a little bit of guidance along the way.

 

Ulluv includes green maternity pads in all of our contents bundles and also offer them to be purchased individually!