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Can I Use Tampons After Birth? No, But Here Are Other Options

by Jill Di Donato

You've given birth, meaning you've not only brought an amazing new human into the world, but you've gone through labor and delivery, which is no easy feat. Although the experience may leave you feeling like a warrior goddess, it's important to ask your physician the most mundane questions, like can I use tampons after birth?

As you know, your uterus is healing from live delivery. Susan Toth, a nurse educator, told Baby Center that during the first few weeks postpartum, your body expels the lochia, which is a discharge consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Because this is considered an open internal wound, you do not want to introduce a foreign object, like a tampon, into your vagina until at least six weeks postpartum. Only after the lochia has stopped, or after your six week check up, when you get your physician's OK, can you start using tampons again. Why? Messing with an internal open wound (and by messing with, I mean inserting a tampon) can introduce foreign bacteria into your body.

The last thing you want during these early weeks with your baby is an infection. I know it's hard not wearing tampons, especially if you've worn them all your life. Perusing the message boards at What To Expect, new moms are totally irritated about not being able to wear tampons, especially if they didn't tear or get cut. But, you should definitely not risk your health during this time, or, well ever. Instead, you can try the following options.

1

Pads

They're not the cutest, especially the diaper-sized ones the hospital gives you, but sanitary pads safe postpartum, according to Baby Center. And before you know it, you'll be out of them, and only focussed on changing your newborn's diaper.

2

THINX Underwear

THINX underwear might be a good option for you during this postpartum time. According to the THINX website, the underwear is "made up of four bitsof tech that makes ‘em anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, absorbent, and leak-resistant." Run this option by your physician and follow all instructions to a T.

3

Free Bleeding

About a year or so ago, free bleeding became super trendy for women who decided to go with the flow, and not let a little blood-stained clothing stop them from living their lives. As the name of this menstrual movement implies, free bleeding is when you don't wear any type of "feminine hygiene" product when you get your period (or when you're expelling lochia) Bustle noted. If this sounds like something you want to try, go for it.