5 Types of Nursing Pads

Nursing pads, also called breast pads, are a very useful breastfeeding accessory. Placed into a regular or a nursing bra, they can absorb breast milk from leaking breasts to help prevent embarrassment, and protect your clothing from stains.

Leaking Breasts

Leaking is more common in the early days of breastfeeding, while the supply of breast milk adjusts to your baby's needs. You might not experience leaking at all. You might leak for a few weeks, or you might deal with leaking for as long as you breastfeed your baby.

Leaking can occur when you hear your baby cry, when your breasts become very full, when you're intimate with your partner, or for no reason at all. Here are some other reasons when you might need nursing pads:

• During the first few weeks of breastfeeding, when your milk first comes in
• If you're going to be away from your baby for a few hours
• When you're returning to work
• If you have an overabundant milk supply
• During sexual encounters
• At night when you are sleeping

Choosing the Right Breast Pad

Choose nursing pads that are soft, absorbent and made of cotton. They should allow your breasts to breathe, so avoid pads with waterproof or plastic liners that can trap moisture against your skin. You should also change your nursing pads whenever they get wet.

Types of Breast Pads

Breast pads come in different types, shapes, and sizes, and they can be disposable or reusable. Some have adhesive strips to hold them in place and prevent them from shifting in your bra, while others are contoured to the shape of your breast.

• Disposable nursing pads: Disposable nursing pads are designed to be worn once and then discarded. They're available in a variety of shapes and thicknesses, so you may want to try a few different brands to see which one you like best. Disposable pads are also great for when you're going out or traveling since you won't have to worry about washing them. But, over time, disposables can be expensive, since you have to continuously buy new ones.
• Reusable nursing pads: Reusable nursing pads are more cost-effective since you can wear them, wash them and use them again and again. They're also environmentally friendly since you're not throwing away multiple pads each day (they won't end up in a landfill). You'll have to buy a few pairs since you'll need to change them often, and you'll want to have a few pairs handy while others are in the laundry.
• Silicone pads: Silicone nursing pads are not absorbent. Instead, they put gentle pressure on the breast to prevent leaks. Made from soft silicone, these pads have a sticky surface that adheres directly to your breast, so they can be worn with or without a bra. They're often used under fancy clothing or for swimming.
• Homemade nursing pads: Nursing pads can easily be made from a variety of items. You could cut up disposable diapers or sanitary napkins to fit inside your bra, use a handkerchief or other piece of cotton material, folding it and placing it over your breasts or, if you know how to sew, you can stitch together a few layers of absorbent material into a circular shape, or any other shape that's comfortable for you. When making your own pads, avoid artificial materials. It's best to use 100% cotton fabric, which is better at soaking up leaks, and soft against your skin.
• Hydrogel pads: Hydrogel pads are not used for leaking. They're often used to help soothe and heal sore nipples, and they can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer so they can provide cool relief. If you have sore, cracked nipples, hydrogel pads may be helpful.