A nursing or breast pad is a compact cushion positioned between your breast and bra, designed to soak up any leaked milk from your breasts. These pads serve to prevent milk from staining your attire and causing inconvenience (while also reducing the need for additional laundry loads). They come in various varieties, designs, configurations, and dimensions to cater to individual preferences and needs.
Why do I need Nursing Pads?
During pregnancy, your breasts may naturally begin producing milk in preparation for your baby’s arrival. As this milk has no outlet yet, you may notice leakage from your breasts. If you intend to breastfeed, it’s advisable to have nursing pads handy as breast leakage can happen between feedings. Leaking breasts are a common occurrence throughout the day and night as your body adjusts, with increased leakage often preceding regular feeding times. Keeping nursing pads available will enhance your comfort, keep you dry, and boost your confidence during both pregnancy and breastfeeding phases.
When should I buy Nursing Pads?
Each new mother’s experience is unique, so the timing for purchasing nursing pads may vary from that of your mother, sister, or best friend. It’s advisable to have a few boxes of nursing pads available during the third trimester as you approach childbirth. This way, you’ll be prepared to address any breast leakage that may occur as your due date approaches.
Read Also: Breast Milk in Baby’s Eyes: Exploring its benefits for baby Eye’s Care
What type of Nursing Pad should I get?
I understand if you’re tired of hearing this, but the choice is entirely yours! There’s a wide array of options for nursing pads, and some mothers prefer to experiment with different styles before finding the one that suits them best. However, to make your decision a bit easier, here’s everything you need to know about our nursing pad options:
Regular Bamboo Nursing Pads:
Crafted from exceptionally soft, natural bamboo, our Regular Bamboo Nursing Pads offer ultimate comfort and gentleness against your skin. They feature a hex weave channel for uniform milk absorption, a contoured shape ideal for sensitive skin, double adhesive tape, and keep you feeling dry. Here’s what some of our mothers have to say:
- “Good Quality & Affordable: Love the absorbency and soft feeling. Don’t notice it once it’s in the bra and often forget to change them!” – SK
- “Great product all around: Love the feel and fit of these beast pads. The absorbency is great. I have a heavy let-down and back to work means time away from bub so i need a reliable breast pad, and i have never had leaks with these.” – VM
Ultra-Thin Bamboo Nursing Pads:
Our Ultra-Thin Bamboo Nursing Pads are thinner, more discreet, and just as absorbent as our regular nursing pads. They can absorb 40 times their weight, made from super soft bamboo, and feature a hex weave design to draw away moisture. Ideal for those with a lighter let-down or who prefer a thinner, more discreet pad to wear. Here’s what our mothers are saying:
- “Best breast pads!: Thin, absorbent and don’t end up twisted in your bra with the sticky side on your nip like most other pads.”
- “The best breast pad I have ever used: I have tried all the other brands before, and I would say this is the best one!!! No leakage overnight, comfortable, can stick to the bra really well and is the cheapest one!!!! I would recommend this to all the breastfeeding mums!”
Washable Bamboo Breast Pads:
For an eco-friendly, super absorbent option, our Washable Bamboo Breast Pads are the perfect choice. With three layers of super soft, absorbent bamboo & cotton, leaks are a thing of the past. They feature a super soft microfiber outer layer and come with a handy wash bag to simplify washing. Here’s what moms have been saying about our brand new Washable Bamboo Breast Pads:
- “They’re amazing: I ordered three packets because I always want to make sure I have some. So comfortable for my breasts and environmentally friendly.”
- “Pretty good product: I like these because they are good quality, machine washable and probably the most cost-effective breast pads on the market. I would definitely recommend to new mums who are sick of buying the disposables.”
How to Use Breast Pads
Once you’ve selected the washable breast pads that suit you best, it’s time to delve into the next section. Here, we offer expert tips on using nursing pads, focusing on safely and hygienically placing and removing them.
How to Place Breast Pads?
- Prepare the Nursing Pads: Begin by removing the nursing pads from their packaging. If they are disposable, peel off the adhesive sticker.
- Apply the Nursing Pads: Loosen the bra strap on the side where you’ll be placing the pad. Position the pad over your nipple, ensuring it covers the entire area. Once in place, secure the bra strap back into position.
- Adjusting the Nursing Pads: Proper alignment of the nursing pads over your nipples is crucial. During the initial postpartum period when milk leakage is frequent, opt for thicker pads. As breastfeeding progresses and leakage diminishes, transition to thinner pads.
- Maintenance While Wearing: If you’re using non-adhesive nursing pads, they may shift within your bra during the day. If you need to readjust them, take a moment to visit the restroom and correct their position to prevent leakage or dampening of your bra or clothing.
How to Remove Breast Pads?
- Replacing Your Pads: It’s crucial to regularly remove and replace your nursing pads as needed. If they become damp or it’s time to feed your baby, it’s time for a change.
- Removing Them: When removing your nursing pads, especially adhesive-backed ones, do so gently to avoid skin irritation. If they’re stuck, consider moistening them with water to loosen the adhesive.
- Disposal: For reusable nursing pads, store them separately for laundering. If they’re damp from leakage, wash them promptly, as old milk stains can harbor germs.
- Clean Your Breasts: After experiencing milk leakage, clean your breasts with a wet cloth, preferably using warm water. Pat the area dry with a soft towel before replacing your washable nursing pads.
- Replacing Your Pads: If a pad becomes soiled from leakage, replace it with a new one only after ensuring your skin is thoroughly dry. If your bra was also soiled, switch to a clean, dry one before inserting a fresh pad.
Conclusion
Understanding how to properly use nursing pads is essential for new mothers during their breastfeeding journey. By following the steps outlined – from preparing and placing the pads to removing and replacing them with care – mothers can effectively manage breast leakage while maintaining skin health and hygiene. Whether opting for disposable or reusable pads, the importance of regular replacement and proper disposal cannot be overstated. By incorporating these practices into their routine, mothers can navigate the challenges of breastfeeding with comfort, confidence, and peace of mind, ensuring a positive experience for both themselves and their babies.
