Experts recommend that you feed your baby with only breast milk in the first 6 months. If you follow their advice, you will need good nursing pads. While the reason is not clear at first, there will come a time when you would wish you had bought some if you did not. Why is that, and where can you find these products? Find the answers below.
What Are Nursing Pads Used For?
The purpose of nursing pads is to absorb milk that may leak between breastfeeding sessions. They will keep your clothing dry, clean, and comfortable.
You may not need nursing pads at the start of your breastfeeding journey. That's because there's not much milk in your breasts yet. However, over time, your milk supply will be established. At this stage, some of the milk may leak between your feeding and pumping sessions due to letdown.
Letdown is the reflex that allows your milk to flow out. Several things can trigger this reflex. For example, a letdown may be triggered if you hear your baby crying. Holding your baby close, especially while making skin-to-skin contact, can also trigger a letdown. Likewise, a letdown could occur when it is near feeding time. While feeding your baby with one breast, milk from the other may also leak.
In the stages when your milk is still not regulated, this will be a common occurrence. That said, you should have nursing pads to prevent a mess.
What Are the Benefits of Using Breast Pads?
Here are the reasons why you'd want to use breast pads. The benefits include:
Prevent Stains
Breast pads ensure leaking milk does not get into your clothes, which could cause stains. While stains from clothes can be removed, it's better to avoid the hassle altogether.
Avoid Public Embarrassment
Stains on your clothes, especially on the breast part, can be embarrassing. With nursing pads, you can avoid these situations.
Peace of Mind
If your milk is leaking, you'll be constantly worried. It may prevent you from moving freely, so your daily tasks may take longer than usual. Using nursing pads will give you peace of mind, allowing you to go about your day without thinking of milk stains.
When Should You Use Breast Pads?
If you choose to breastfeed, you should use breast pads throughout the journey. Also, please note that milk production will start while you're pregnant. So, you may need to use breast pads even if you don't plan to breastfeed.
Here are other periods when you should consider using nursing pads:
After Birth (If You Choose To Breastfeed)
In the first few days after you have given birth, you may not need to use breast pads. However, as your milk supply adjusts to your baby's needs, leaks may occur.
After Birth (If You Choose Not To Breastfeed)
Your breasts will still contain milk after birth, even if you choose not to breastfeed. That milk can leak. Therefore, you should use breast pads for about 7 -10 days, which is how long it takes before your body stops producing milk.
When Breastfeeding
During breastfeeding sessions, your brain sends signals to your breasts to allow milk flow. The thing with that is it can trigger a letdown on both breasts, not just the one your baby is sucking on. Thus, your other breast may leak. Use a nursing pad to contain the leaking milk.
What are the Differences Between Disposable Nursing Pads and Reusable Breast Pads?
The main difference between these pads is stated in their names; you can use disposable nursing pads only once, while you can use reusable ones repeatedly.
If you choose to use disposable breast pads, you need to throw them away after use. Reusing them will be unhygienic, ineffective, and uncomfortable. On the other hand, you can wash reusable breast pads so that they will be clean and effective again.
Are Reusable Nursing Pads Good for the Environment?
Yes, reusable nursing pads are good for the environment. Because you can keep reusing them, you are creating less trash compared to when using disposable ones. Disposable pads are made with plastic and paper, so they contribute to landfill waste. Meanwhile, reusable pads are made of natural materials like cotton or bamboo, making them a more sustainable option.
How To Choose the Top-Rated Nursing Pads?
You need to scrutinize the nursing pad. Examine it and look for qualities that make a good nursing pad. What are those qualities? Check this list:
Skin-Friendliness
Breast pads will make contact with your skin. Therefore, you should confirm that they have been independently lab-tested for potentially harmful materials. Furthermore, low-quality nursing pads can cause chafing. So, search for ones with an inner layer of soft, breathable fabric to prevent that.
Durability
You choose reusable nursing pads to reduce waste and save money. That said, the pads must be durable. You should be able to throw it in the dryer without worrying that it may become unusable afterwards. It also offers convenience.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the nursing pad depends on its absorbency. Why buy nursing pads if leaking milk will still get into your clothes anyway? To verify, check if the pads have been independently lab-verified to be leakproof. Furthermore, check customer testimonials and reviews, as these are written by mothers who have tried the product.
Easy of Use
Breast pads may slip around in your bra. That will reduce their effectiveness and can make you uncomfortable. That said, check for some form of grip that can secure the nursing pads in place.
5 Best Reusable Nursing Pads
To make the search easier for you, we searched for amazing nursing pads and created a list. Here are the 5 best breast milk pads out of all the ones currently available on the market:
Momcozy Ultra-Thin Reusable Breast Pads
The Momcozy Ultra-Thin Reusable Breast Pads provide you with 14 pads and a bag with compartments to separate the wet and dry pads. As such, it offers unmatched convenience. The actual pads are also amazing. They absorb milk instantly! On top of that, they are made with smooth, lint-free fabric that is great for sensitive skin.
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Rating: |
4.4/5 stars |
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Price: |
$16.99 |
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Key features: |
● Quick absorption. ● One-way moisture-wicking fabric. ● Bag with separation for wet and dry pads. ● Two types: one is better for going out, and the other is better for sleeping. ● Reusable. |
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Pros: |
● Fourteen pads mean it will take a while before you run out of pads. ● The bag allows you to separate wet and dry pads, ensuring the unused ones remain clean. ● It is made with high-quality fabric that can absorb milk well without irritating your skin. |
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Cons: |
● You have to choose between the two types, or you have to buy them both. |
Bamboobies Women's Nursing Pads
Bamboobies Women's Nursing Pads are made with high-quality, soft, and comfortable material. The package contains 4 pairs of nursing pads, one of which is thicker and superabsorbent, making it the best choice at nighttime. The rest are thin, heart-shaped pads. This shape makes the pads less visible under clothing.
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Rating: |
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Price: |
$9.99 |
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Key features: |
● Heart shape so you can conceal the pads more easily. ● One pair is different and more absorbent, making it the best to wear when sleeping. ● Reusable. |
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Pros: |
● It's easy to wear when going out since the pads are not less visible. ● It's easy to identify which to wear at nighttime because the pads are of a different shape. ● The pads are made of bamboo and skin-safe materials. |
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Cons: |
● The pack contains 4 pairs only. ● The heart-shaped pads may not be absorbent enough, especially if you're leaking so much. |
Baby Bliss Nursing Pads
These reusable nursing pads are fantastic choices for women with large breasts. Unlike others, which come only in one size, these are available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes. Despite their size, these highly absorbent breast pads remain lightweight.
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Rating: |
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Price: |
$16.47 |
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Key features: |
● Comes in different sizes. ● Made from all-natural and organic bamboo fabric. ● Reusable. ● Comes with laundry and storage bags. |
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Pros: |
● You can choose between different sizes. ● Because of their bigger size, they are more leak-proof than the alternatives. ● The pads are still lightweight even though they are bigger. |
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Cons: |
● The pads are not as soft as your other options. |
Curve by Cache Coeur Nursing Pads
Curve by Cache Coeur nursing pads feature a shape and contour that allows them to lay seamlessly under a bra. On top of that, they are made with high-quality, breathable fabric that ensures comfort. Moreover, there is an indentation for the nipples, which reduces the pressure.
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Rating: |
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Price: |
$16.00 |
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Key features: |
● Perfect contour and shape for laying seamlessly under a bra. ● Indentation in the nipple area to reduce pressure and leaking. ● An antibacterial mesh lining that keeps you feeling dry. ● Reusable. |
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Pros: |
● Comes in 2 sizes with different absorbency levels. ● The nursing pads are shaped for comfort and effectiveness. ● They are made with soft, breathable materials. |
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Cons: |
● These pads are not for all breast shapes. ● These are more expensive than other breast pads. You get only 2 pads for $16.00. |
Kindred Bravely Organic Reusable Nursing Pads
The Kindred Bravely Organic Reusable Nursing Pads are great because they are shaped to fit the natural curve of your breasts. On top of that, it is made with natural materials and is OEKO-Tex certified. Therefore, you can rest assured that it does not contain harmful substances.
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Rating: |
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Price: |
$14.99 |
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Key features: |
● Shaped to fit the natural curve of breasts. ● Does not contain harmful substances. ● Thick and super absorbent. ● Reusable. |
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Pros: |
● This product is certified to be safe for the skin. ● It's easier to wear because of its shape. ● With 10 packs for $14.99, these are more affordable than other options. |
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Cons: |
● They lose their softness once they get wet and dry up. This can make you itchy. |
How To Use Nursing Pads?
Nursing pads are not complicated devices, but if you're a new mom, it's understandable if there are things you don't know yet. Even for longtime moms, some of these things may be unclear. To help you, the section below explains the basics of using nursing pads.
How To Apply Nursing Pads?
- Clean and dry your nipple. For some women, applying a small amount of nipple cream is necessary to prevent cracking and provide relief.
- If you are using a disposable nursing pad, remove the adhesive packing. If not, skip to the next step.
- If you are using a disposable nursing pad, place it on your breast and secure it with your bra. On the other hand, you can place disposable breast pads inside your bra cup.
Can I Wear Nursing Pads Without a Bra?
Yes, you can, but remember that not all pads will allow you to. Reusable nursing pads are great options because the cups of a close-fitting nursing tank top can hold them in place.
How Many Nursing Pads Should You Buy?
Three to four pairs of good nursing pads will be enough for one day. However, we recommend having more so that you don't need to wash them very frequently. To be prepared for any situation, we recommend buying 9 pairs.
How Often To Change the Nursing Pads?
You should change the nursing pads every 3 to 4 hours, even if you don't feel like it needs changing. Remember that your milk contains lots of nutrients. When combined with your body heat, it turns the breast pad into a bacteria breeding ground. It can cause infections.
Can I Wear Nursing Pads All the Time?
Yes, you can. It is good practice to prevent stains in your clothing. But you don't need to wear nursing pads all the time if you don't want to. Some women use them only when going out.
How To Wash Reusable Nursing Pads?
- Do not put the nursing pads directly into the washing machine. The washing machine may "eat" them. Instead, use a laundry bag.
- Use warm water, ideally 40°C, to wash the nursing pads in the washing machine. Use normal detergent.
- Avoid using fabric softener. It can reduce the effectiveness of the breast pads.
- Tumble dry the nursing pads. Alternatively, line dry them.
Conclusion
Good nursing pads protect your clothes from milk stains and save you from public embarrassment. They also prevent bacteria buildup, ensuring you and your baby are safe.
What makes a nursing pad good? The qualities to look for are absorbency, ease of use, and material quality. Most reusable nursing pads have these qualities. The best thing is that they are good for the environment and also your wallet.
Check out Momcozy's collection of good nursing pads now, and enjoy days not ruined by leaking milk.
