Maternity Pads

I didnt wear maternity underwear, but I did buy some cheap undies at walmart that I could just throw away if I needed. The pads the hospital gives you are huge (pretty much like diapers). After the first couple of days, I just used regular pads, then pantyliners. I had a c-section, and didn't have a lot of bleeding.

I did not use maternity panties after the birth of my daughter. I wore my regular panties and used Always overnight pads with wings. The pads were plenty big and I didn't have to wear those bulky hospital pads!

Cheap undies. I recommend Hanes I think you can get a package with 5-7 pairs at WM for under $10. Also Always overnights are great. I actually took some to the hospital with me. At Baylor Grapevine they gave me disposable underwear that I toss. Good luck and congrats!

Obviously you will have bleeding after the birth. In our birthing class with the first baby they suggested wearing maternity underwear because it would be comfortable and "disposable". I bought some just for the hospital stay and just tossed them (this time I just bought some cheapie cotton "granny" panties instead). A little wasteful I know, but I wasn't going to wear maternity underwear after the pregnancy and why bother cleaning them? And as far as the pads go, I just used overnight maxi pads after the first day or so (the hospital provided the large uncomfortable perineum pads). And I only got hemorrhoids after the birth, a rather mild case, and preparation H worked for me (I didn't feel like I needed it until after the hospital stay).

Good luck! (I keep checking your posts..to make sure there isn't something I am going to regret not packing for our hospital stay - thanks!)