Breastfeeding brings with it many challenges, one of which is keeping a nursing mom's bra and clothing dry, day and night. Milk leakages and unprompted milk let down can cause an uncomfortable wetness that nursing pads can help you avoid. A nursing pad is a small, usually circular, absorbent pad meant to soak up excess milk and keep it away from your skin and clothing. Not all breastfeeding moms will find the need for nursing pads. Breastfeeding mother's bodies adapt differently to milk production and supply, as well as their baby's feeding schedules. You may want to buy at least one set of nursing pads until you know how your body will respond to breastfeeding.
Keeping a new mom's breasts and nipples dry and healthy is important to keep breastfeeding on track and to keep mom comfortable! Knowing how to buy and use nursing pads effectively can help do that.
What to Look for
Breastfeeding moms have two options for nursing pads: reusable, washable pads and disposable pads. Over time, the disposable pads may prove more expensive. Both washable and disposable pads come in different thicknesses to accommodate differing absorbency needs. Some moms may prefer a combination of both reusable and disposable pads to provide for convenience. Some disposable pads come with an adhesive strip to secure the nursing pad in place.
Reusable nursing pads should be made of cotton, preferably 100 percent cotton. Cotton allows for air flow between the nursing pad and the nipple and breast. Disposable nursing pads should be made of cotton or paper, not plastic.
Common Pitfalls
Nursing pads, both reusable and disposable, should be changed and or discarded as soon as they are damp to prevent infection, usually yeast, on the nipples and breast. If you decide to go the reusable route, be sure to have enough pads on hand and to keep up on washing them ahead of time so you are prepared with a dry set when you need them. If an infection does occur, be sure to change and wash your nursing pads more frequently.
Do not purchase nursing pads with a plastic lining. A plastic lining is meant to protect the nursing bra and clothing from getting wet. When the nursing pad does become damp, the plastic lining keeps the moisture close to the nursing mom's tender skin, increasing the risk of infection and delaying healing if the nipples and breasts are already infected. There are some disposable nursing pads that come with a breathable plastic liner. As long as the plastic liner is breathable and will allow for air flow, there is no greater risk for infection than with a nursing pad that does not have a plastic liner.
Member Comments