A method for forming an absorbent pad comprising a first layer, a second layer and an absorbent material interposed between the first and the second layer and arranged according to a spreading pattern M1 having at least one channel which is free of absorbent material, comprises a step of feeding a first web (NW1), intended to form the first layer of the pad; a step of feeding a second web (NW2), intended to form the second layer of the pad; a step of spreading the absorbent material on the first web (NW1) according to the spreading pattern M1; a step of spreading an adhesive on the first web (NW1) according to a gluing pattern (M2); a step of welding the first web and the second web (NW1, NW2) according to a welding pattern M3 comprising at least one welding zone at the channel on the pad.