Are Washable Nursing Pads Helpful in Absorbing the Breast Leakage?

During the initial few weeks after delivery, you may experience accelerated breastmilk production. In fact, the supply of milk mainly depends on your baby’s current needs. You may or may not experience heavy breast milk leakage. Besides, it is possible to experience breast milk leakage for a few days or for a few months. Yet again, you may have to deal with this experience as long as your nurse your child!

If you are planning to buy nursing pads but are constantly confused about which type of nursing pads to invest in, then this article is for you! You can now learn how a nursing pad works and the benefits and advantages of using one. You can also learn about a few requirements that your purchased nursing pad needs to fulfill! Therefore, continue reading through to learn more.

When Does A Mother Experience Breast Milk Leakage?

Your breasts may produce milk and eventually lead to leakage if you hear another baby’s cries or even if you are encountering a sexual experience. Either way, a nursing pad can turn out to be the best solution for all your breast milk leakage problems. A few instances where you might require nursing pads include the following.

1. When you start working a few weeks after your delivery, you might have to spend long office hours.

1. Initial weeks after delivery.

1. Accelerated production of breast milk due to fluctuating hormones of a mother.

1. While sleeping at night, or constantly changing positions, eventually leads to the squeezing of breasts.

1. When you are sexually aroused.

Since breast milk can stain your clothes and make it difficult for you to wash off the smell or stains, it can turn out to be beneficial for you to invest in some good quality nursing pads. You may want to purchase nursing pads, preferably made of cotton.

Consider avoiding nursing pads that are made of plastic since these can trap dirt and moisture and eventually cause rashes on the chest region. Besides, it may also be best to avoid nursing pads made of waterproof materials.

Constant exposure to wetness or damp conditions in your breast region can lead to soreness or even itching of the nipples. In severe conditions, it may lead to mastitis as well. Therefore, consider changing your nursing pad as soon as it gets a little damp or wet. Wearing a wet nursing pad can lead to infections, eventually making it difficult for you to breastfeed your baby. In other words, you may face discomfort or pain when your baby feeds on milk!

What Are Some Of The Best Nursing Pads You Can Use?

Indeed, not all breasts are the same since they vary in size as well as shape. Therefore, breast pads are designed in such a way as to fulfill all the requirements of a breastfeeding mother. The two types of nursing pads are disposable nursing pads and reusable nursing pads. Each of them satisfies the same purpose. However, their only difference is based on the number of times you can use them.

A few of the nursing pads are adhesive on one side, thus making it easy for mothers to keep the pad in place. Milk leakage can also be effectively stopped since the nursing pads will not have greater coverage and therefore, not shift in your bra. Apart from that, you can also purchase nursing pads that are solely designed for your breast shape and size.

1. Disposable Nursing Pads

Disposable nursing pads are to be thrown out after one-time use. Yet again, it may be important for you to throw away the nursing pad the moment it is wet or damp. These nursing pads are available in different shapes as well as thicknesses. The only setback is the fact that one may have to constantly keep investing in these since these are to be thrown away after one use.

Disposable nursing pads can turn out to be an excellent option, especially if you are traveling or planning to go for an unexpected evening date. Yet again, with time, these can turn out to be quite expensive, and therefore, you would want to stick to a reusable nursing pad.

2. Reusable Nursing Pads

Reusable nursing pads can be used over and over again after a good wash. It may be important for you to read the label and hence wash the nursing pad accordingly. These nursing pads are environmentally friendly, and therefore, you do not have to throw them away after using them once. It is usually best to purchase about six pairs of reusable nursing pads to be on the safer side since you can then have a few nursing pads handy while the used ones are in the laundry or are drying.

3. Silicone Breast Pads

Apart from disposable and reusable nursing pads, one can opt for silicone pads as well as homemade breast pads. Silicone pads do not absorb breast milk. Instead, they put pressure on your breasts to avoid any leakage. One can use these pads when going for a swim or when wearing fancy gowns.

4. Homemade Breast Pads

Homemade breast pads can be made at home using a few items, including sanitary napkins, handkerchiefs, or other materials made of cotton. You can stitch all the fabric together and place it between your nipples and your bra. Yet again, you will need to make sure that the material you are using is clean and free from any roughness. Yet again, make sure to go for a smooth cotton material that is quite absorbent and breathable!

Another benefit of using these items is that you can customize them according to your needs and therefore prevent breast milk leakage effectively! In case you are planning to make your own nursing pads, it is recommended that you consider using only cotton material since cotton is usually considered the best when it comes to absorbing milk leakages.

5. Hydrogel Breast Pads

One of the most popular choices today when it comes to nursing pads is hydrogel nursing pads. These pads aren’t specifically used for preventing breast milk leakages. However, they are used for reducing rashes or relieving you from the soreness of the nipples. You can keep the hydrogel pads in the freezer to enhance their effectiveness.

How Can One Choose The Most Compatible Nursing Pad?

Now that you know the different kinds of nursing pads available, you can opt for the one that perfectly suits you. Yet again, you will also need to make sure that the nursing pad is also affordable and not too expensive. Make sure to go for a breathable fabric that absorbs breast milk quite effectively. Apart from that, you may want to stay away from plastic-lined or even waterproof breast pads.

No matter what type of nursing pad you wish to use, the only thing you need to ensure is that you change your damp nursing pads before they are completely wet. Constantly exposing your nipples to damp conditions might lead to skin irritation and other soreness problems. You may also be prone to yeast or fungal infections.

What Requirements Are Your Nursing Pads Supposed To Fulfill?

There are a few functions that your nursing pad needs to carry out. In case you are planning to purchase a pair of nursing pads, make sure they carry out the following functions!

1. Prevents Milk Leakage

This will help you avoid milk stains on your clothes and thus the embarrassment that follows, especially in public regions. The nursing pads you purchase should have an absorbent material, apart from being breathable!

2. Maintains The Shape Of Your Breast

Constantly breastfeeding can make your breasts saggy or tender. The shape of the breasts might make you feel less confident even when wearing a bra. Breast pads can enhance the shape of your breasts besides providing extra support. Apart from that, these pads should also be able to hold your chest in place!

3. Prevents Soreness Of The Nipples

Breastfeeding your baby for long durations can also lead to soreness of the nipples. You can go for hydrogel nursing pads that reduce the occurrence of friction between your nipple and the bra, eventually reducing the discomfort and the pain. Apart from that, these nursing pads can also accelerate the healing process!

Should You Go For Reusable Nursing Pads?

Reusable nursing pads are washable and hence make it easier for you to use the nursing pads over and over again. You may also want to purchase about six pairs so that you always have additional pairs handy when a majority of them are in the laundry.

Another benefit of going for reusable nursing pads is that they are quite absorbent and can turn out to be a very reliable investment in the long run. Therefore, do not think twice, and consider purchasing reusable nursing pads today!

Conclusion

Indeed, when a new member joins your family, it can be an extremely joyous moment. Besides, breastfeeding your baby is one of the ways to build a strong bond with your child. Yet again, a new mom might have to face a few problems during the initial stages. But this journey is sure to bring in a lot of laughter, joy, and happiness.

A few minor problems during your postpartum journey may include leaking breasts. In fact, milk stains on your clothes can also turn out to be mildly embarrassing. In such situations, opting for a good quality nursing pad can solve a majority of your breastfeeding problems. And today, numerous brands are coming up with creative designs of nursing pads, all suited for different occasions. Indeed, you must not give this a second thought and opt for a reusable nursing pad today!

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