Best reusable and disposable nursing breast pads
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Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads | Check it out |
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Bamboo Breast Pads | Check it out |
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Silicone Breast Pads | Check it out |
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Disposable Breast Pads | Check it out |
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Hydrogel Breast Pads | Check it out |
As a new Mum we have so many things to think about, let alone breast pads and leaking boobs! Worst nightmare right? It does not have to be. Do not worry Mummy, we have you covered.
One of the most commonly asked questions expectant mothers ask about breastfeeding is whether they will need maternity breast pads. In this article, I will guide you through my recommendations of the best nursing pads I found.
Best Breast Pads to avoid the leaks
You would think that a breast pad is a fairly easy product to choose but did you know there are so many different types? Five in fact. It is a matter of personal preference which one you opt for. You may have to experiment with a few in the beginning. Let us keep things simple for now. The first being:
The best reusable nursing pads
Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads
Lansinoh washable nursing pads are the most comfortable pads, great for sensitive skins. You’ll barely feel them and it will help you avoid any stains on your clothes when you have an accidental leakage.
Pros
- Ultra absorbent
- Fast drying
- Tear-drop shape for ultimate comfort and discretion
- Washable with convenient wash bag included with the pack
- Reusable
- Budget friendly
Bamboo Breast Pads
These pads would be best suited to the Eco friendly Mum who is conscious about helping the environment. They are washable so there is no need to worry about individual wrappers. Bamboo is naturally absorbent and kind to the skin. Good for those who are sensitive.
Pros
- They are designed for ultimate comfort
- Naturally absorbent
- Antibacterial
- Eco friendly
- Slim and discreet
- Washable
- Reusable
Cons
- Not great at absorbing heavy leakage
- Not as budget friendly as other reusable nursing pads
Our Thoughts
While there are some reports stating that bamboo breast pads are not great at absorbing a heavy milk flow, they are still a wonderful eco-friendly solution to buy you some time when you have a leakage.
While they are more expensive to buy than disposable breast pads, they are washable and therefore reusable.
Silicone Breast Pads
Comfortable and eco friendly, these breast pads can even be worn without a bra. It prevent the leak instead of absorbing it. So no need to keep changing them throughout the day.
Pros
- Comfort – creates a skin-like layer
- No need to change them during the day
- Reusable
- Eco friendly
- Can be worn without a bra
- Prevents leakage by putting gentle pressure on your breasts
Cons
- Loose stickiness
- Could take time to get used to
- Initial higher cost to buy
Our Thoughts
These would be best suited to a confident Mum who does not mind spending a little more on a reusable breast pad. If you find other types of breast pads inconvenient to keep changing throughout the day (especially if you are away from home), these pads are the solution!
Best disposable nursing pads
Disposable Breast Pads
One of the most popular breast pads on the market due to their convenience and affordability.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Absorbent
Cons
- Frequent changes required
- Some woman may be sensitive to the adhesive used
- Not Eco friendly
Advice
Frequent changes are required to stay fresh and prevent infection which some women may find inconvenient. It is very important to make sure your breasts are not wet as this can increase the amount of bacteria produced which could lead to infection.
Hydrogel Breast Pads
These breast pads are an all rounder in my opinion and I have saved the best till last. These not only soothe sore and cracked nipples but they also absorb milk leakage and prevent bacteria. The hydrogel provides instant cooling relief. You can also wear them without a bra. Bonus!
Pros
- Great for soothing sore and cracked nipples
- Restores skin moisture which can speed up the healing process
- Cooling
- Absorbent
- Non toxic
Cons
- Not as affordable compared to other breast pads
Homemade breast pads
If you are feeling creative you can make your own homemade breast pads.
Admittedly this would be very time consuming but you could make them ready for baby’s arrival.
You can also tailor them to your taste and needs. You can choose which type of material to use whether that be bamboo or cotton. You can even have a fancy pattern or keep things plain.
Pros:
- Choose your own material
- Unique
- Cost effective
- Eco friendly
- Easy to follow instructions on how to make
Con:
- Time consuming
A step by step guide on how to make homemade breast pads can be found here.
Do you need nursing pads?
What is a breast pad?
A breast pad is a removable liner which is placed inside a bra to absorb leaking breast milk. It can also help prevent staining your clothes. Breast pads need to be changed frequently to prevent infections from developing.
Do you need it? It’s indispensable for me. As an active mum I don’t want to always be peeking at my boobs to make tsure they haven’t leaked.
Accident will happen, you won’t be able to control it or sometimes even feel it and the last thing you want is to end up with a stain on your shirt.
Nursing pads will be your best friends to avoid awkward milk accidents.
Help with breastfeeding
So you have established that you want to breastfeed but somehow it is not quite as simple as that. There is all the paraphernalia that accompanies it like nursing bras, breast feeding pillows, expressing machines and nursing pads! Where do you start?
I remember when I was pregnant with my son I had an overwhelming desire to breastfeed him. Mother’s instinct I guess. We only had a short breastfeeding journey but I cherish the short few months in which I was able to. I also feel like I learnt a lot and would be fully prepared if baby number two came along in the future.
There are so many resources available to help prepare you for your breastfeeding journey. Research your local antenatal classes. Here you will learn positioning techniques, attachment as well as common problems faced and how to overcome them. You will also meet other Mums who will be of great support to you.
Other sources of help include your GP, midwife and health visitor. Never be afraid to reach out to someone whether that be a friend or a family member. Discuss your desires, fears and or concerns.
Each woman’s journey is very different and unique. There will be a lot of learning and experimentation until you feel settled and comfortable in a routine that suits you and your baby.
Breastfeeding is a skill and a skill has to be learned. It will take time, hard work and perseverance but the rewards will far outweigh any difficulty.
Wrapping up
As you can see, the world of breast pads can not only be daunting but confusing too! How do you know which one is best? With a little bit of research and experimentation you will find the one that best suits your needs. Will you be the Mum who will lovingly stitch her own handmade breast pads or will you be ditching the creativity for convenience and opting for the disposables? Either way, whatever breast pad you choose you can rest assured that you will not be that Mum wondering why people are staring at her breasts.
Let us take one thing off your mind, breast pads.Did you know there are 5 different types of breast pads on the market?. Find out which option best suits your breastfeeding journey.
