Abstract: The pad has an upper cotton layer quilted to an underlying soaker layer formed of needle-punched nonwoven polyester fibers having good absorbency and wickability. A plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending stabilizing strips underlie the soaker layer. The strips are preferably formed of nylon fabric having a dry polymer coating which renders the fabric waterproof and heat-bondable. The pad also includes a lower layer formed of the same type of coated nylon fabric. The stabilizing strips are connected by stitching to the upper layer and the soaker layer of the pad, and are bonded to the pad's bottom layer. The bonding is effected by application of heat and pressure sufficient to effect melding of the coatings upon the stabilizing strips and the lower layer.