Breast Pads – What Are They And How To Use Them?

• Why Do Breasts Leak?
• What Are Breast Pads?
• What Are The Types of Breast Pads?
• How To Wear A Breast Pad?
• What Precautions Should I Take When Using Breast Pads?
• What Are The Best Brands For Breast Pads?

Why Do Breasts Leak?

Leaking breasts is one issue that many new and to-be-moms face. Now, at times, it could so happen that your body starts producing milk even before the birth of the baby. Leaking also happens your baby feeds lesser than usual on some days. Another cause is the long interval between feedings due to unavoidable situations. In short, your breast starts leaking due to excess milk production.

Weaning too could cause your milk to leak, and so can hyper-lactation. Yes, that’s a reality! The breast can start leaking due to various reasons like being full, excess milk production, tight clothing, or even a sudden force or pressure against your assets.

To avoid this, we have another blessing called nursing pads! Voila! They are your savior for your nursing days at home or those special occasions or outings where you would definitely not want to get noticed for the wrong reasons. So what exactly are breast pads? Read on girls!

What Are Breast Pads?

So, mommies, nursing pads are nothing but specially designed pads that prevent any milk leaks or stains that may occur during or after pregnancy due to milk production in breasts. Leaking of breasts is the most common occurrence for mothers.

It happens to regulate the amount of milk that is produced by the breast and match the baby’s needs. However, more than a boon, it often ends up as a bane as it leaves the mother with visible milk patches & stains on clothes that are stubborn to clean up as well.

What Are The Types of Breast Pads?

Now you must be wondering what type of breast pad should you go for, right? Well, since there are a whole lot of body types and requirements in this small world, there has to be a type for all.

The following are commonly used types of nursing pads in the market and you can use them all, as per requirement:

1. Disposable These are simple use and throw nursing pads made of disposable material. They are often available in various sizes for different requirements. Can be a bit expensive in the long run.
2. Reusable Made of reusable material, these breast pads are a more cost-effective solution to leaking breasts. They can be washed easily and used multiple times.
3. Homemade These are breast pads women can make at home. Simple pads made out of soft and breathable materials like cotton, cut in a suitable shape and thickness to suit one’s needs.
4. Silicone These are pads made of silicon material that puts slight pressure on the breast to prevent leaks. Moreover, they are waterproof and can be worn under swimwear!
5. Hydrogel These are breast pads designed especially for healing sore nipples. Since they contain hydrogel, they can be put into the freezer and used later to soothe the breast soreness.

How To Wear A Breast Pad?

The big question: How do I wear them? Simple! Just slip one inside the bra cup, and place it right next to your nipple so that any accidental leaks can be prevented and absorbed right away. You can even use pads with some self-adhesive that will help it to stay put. Most breast pads come with a sticky tape that helps them stay where you place them.

What Precautions Should I Take When Using Breast Pads?

Following are some points to keep in mind while using breast pads:

• Change your breast pads regularly as continuous moisture on the breast can cause some skin irritation and uneasiness. To be safe, change your pads as soon as you feel wetness in them.
• Clean your breast with a clean cotton swab to ensure proper hygiene. This is to make sure your baby does not get any infections due to bacteria growth!
• In case you plan to make your own breast pads, avoid using any non-breathable fabric or material like plastic as it may cause severe reactions on the skin due to increased bacterial growth.
• Always consult with your doctor before using any new product. After all, your safety is in your hands!

What Are The Best Brands For Breast Pads?

Now that you are sorted for the breastfeeding and leaking part, we would like to recommend a few good brands out there in the market that many moms vouch for:

Pigeon Breast Pads Honeycomb

Priced at about Rs. 200 for 12 pads, Pigeon claims that the honeycomb lining enables to spread of milk evenly and traps excess milk quickly. The pads also have a breathable layer. You can be assured to stay dry and protect your clothing, feeling always confident.

Chicco Natural Feeling Breast Pads

Priced at Rs. 699 for 60 pieces, these nursing pads are antibacterial and help keep the area dry through superior absorbency. The brand claims that the antibacterial treatment is not transmitted to the skin of the breast and so is safe for the baby. Also, come with an adhesive layer so that the pads stay in their place.

Medela Breast Pads

Medela offers washable and disposable nursing pads. The brand claims the breast pads in both categories are designed for feeding bras and are super-absorbent and offer longer protection. Being internationally acclaimed, the brand is a hit with many mothers. The disposable ones are priced at Rs. 600 for 60 pieces and Rs. 1699 for 4 pieces of washable nursing pads.

Mee Mee

Mee Mee has washable cotton nursing pads priced at Rs. 400 for a pack of 6 pieces. The brand also sells disposable breast pads priced at Rs. 799 for 96 pieces. The brand claims that the nursing pads have higher absorbency and provide better protection and comfort.

Philips Avent Stay Dry Breast Pads

A pack of 100 pieces of Phillips Avent Stays Dry disposable nursing pads costs about Rs. 650. The brand claims that the non-woven fabric is leakage-proof and can handle even heavy flows

Although there are many options available, only one person knows what’s best for you and your body, right? So go ahead and give them all try. We are sure you would find the one that suits your requirement perfectly as all we aim here is to make this beautiful journey called motherhood more enjoyable and fun experience for you!