Question: what are nursing pads used for? If you are not sure whether nursing pads are good for you, read on to find out their uses.

It’s quite normal for women to start planning on how to raise their babies right from conception. The planning includes deciding whether to breastfeed or not.

If you plan on breastfeeding, then nursing pads will come in handy. You can get away with not using a nursing pad the first week after delivery. However, you’ll need them as the milk supply increases.

What is a Nursing Pad?

A nursing pad is a soft, comfortable piece of clothing that helps to absorb leaking milk between feedings. The pads are put in the bra to keep you comfortable and dry while preventing any leaks from staining your top.

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Nursing pads are available in different sizes, shapes and styles. Some are reusable while others are disposable. Both styles are solid options. However, check that the ones you choose are perfectly contoured for a great fit against the body.

Some nursing pads are flat and circular in shape but usually bunch when you place them in the bra. However, avoid nursing pads with plastic and waterproof liners. Instead, go for the breathable, super soft and highly absorbent ones.

Why You Need a Nursing Pad

When breastfeeding, milk tends to leak in between your feeding schedule. This is quite normal and mostly happens when it’s almost time to feed the baby or when you hear them cry. Besides, when the little one nurses on one boob, the other naturally leaks because milk let-down reflex usually happens simultaneously in the breasts. You’ll need to wear a nursing pad for quite a while before your milk regulates.

Ensure your nipples stay dry to avoid yeast infections and skin irritation. Therefore, you’ll also need to change the breast pads frequently when they get wet.

Reusable or Disposable?

Nursing comes with some beautiful associations like providing nourishment as you cuddle with the baby.

Breastfeeding is, no doubt, a rewarding experience. However, it also comes with challenges such as leaking breasts and sore nipples. Nursing pads will prevent leaks from staining your clothing, while keeping you comfortable and dry all day long.

There are two types of nursing pads – disposable and reusable. They are both solid options. However, which one suits your needs?

Disposable Nursing Pads

These nursing pads have different absorbency levels and are made of thinner materials to remain virtually invisible underneath clothing. A box comes with between 50 to 200 pieces of nursing pads. The back is sticky to help keep it in place but this can interfere with breathability. You can throw it away once it gets wet and put in another one.

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Most disposable nursing pads contain chemicals that help with absorption. These pads lack proper air circulation as they tend to trap moisture making you uncomfortable.

Women with heavy leaks are more prone to breast infections since it thrives in wet environments. Disposable pads can also be an expensive option since you’ll have to change them regularly to keep dry.

Reusable Nursing Pads

These are typically cloth pads. Some reusable nursing pads feature a leak-resistant breathable layer. The pads are made of 100% natural materials with proficient air circulation. Therefore, they are ideal for healing sore nipples.

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Reusable nursing pads are washable. This makes them ideal for nursing mothers working on a budget. They are also skin- and environment friendly.

A box comes with about 60 pieces enough to take you through the entire breastfeeding journey. Besides, these washable pads are more economical compared to the disposable ones.

Choosing Reusable Nursing Pads

How many are enough? For starters, six sets will work just fine. This way, you can put them on rotation all day long and still have one at hand for emergencies.

Since breastfeeding mothers are not the same, the number of nursing pads depends on laundry routine and the amount of leaking. You may use more nursing pads at the beginning but that reduces with regulation of milk production.

Here are some things to look out for since there are different brands in the market:

• Comfortability – You are bound to use the nursing pads everyday, so it’s important that they feel super comfortable against the skin. They should be made of a soft fabric that doesn’t stick on the nipples when wet. A perfect nursing pad features a dry layer for moisture-wicking and ultimate comfort.
• Absorbency – Ensure the nursing pad has a high absorbency level to avoid embarrassing leaks soaking through your clothing. If it’s more absorbent, you can stay dry for longer without changing, which makes it convenient especially in terms of money and laundry time.
• Coverage – The nursing pad should be big enough for better breast coverage to prevent it from bunching up inside the bra so it remains discreet underneath clothing.
• Contour – Ensure the nursing pad is contoured to cup your breasts like the bra usually does. It should also sit securely in place without bunching and moving around.

There are many challenges that come with newborns and breastfeeding but a nursing pad shouldn’t be one of them!