An introduction to nursing pads

An introduction to nursing pads (what are they, what are they used for, different types)

A nursing bra or a nursing pad is made of fine and comfortable fabric and has fuller cups. The wider shoulder straps bring good support to breasts which may feel heavy from breast milk production. These special types of bras are designed in such a way to support the increased breast size during the period of nursing babies especially during lactation. The nursing pads help make breast feeding easy as it has panels that form the bra cup which can be folded down with one hand and thereby exposing the nipple to make lactation in a proper way. All nursing pads or bras are designed to allow the mother lactate her baby with minimum effort especially in public places. These nursing bras can be worn under any outer garment like a non-nursing bra and come in many styles and fabrics.

Nursing pads, otherwise called breast pads are very useful during breast feeding. While many Moms receive them as a baby shower gift or purchase them before delivery, they are beneficial far beyond newborn breastfeeding. They can be placed easily into a nursing bra. They are designed in such a way that they can absorb breast milk from leaks and help protect your shirt or dress from stains. Leaking of breast milk can be common in early days of lactation when the baby needs more milk. By wearing a suitable nursing pad there are no chances of leaking or you may be able to deal with leaking as long as you lactate. Leaking of breasts can occur when the baby is crying or at times when the breasts are full with milk.

Necessity of Nursing Pads

• You may need nursing pads during the initial stages of breast feeding or at the time when the first milk comes “in” to your breasts.
• When you are away from your baby for a long time and experience let down or leaking
• When you go for work and pump
• If you have milk supply in abundance.
• At times when you are having sex and may release breast milk
• While sleeping when prolactin levels are highest

There are different types of nursing pads having different shapes and sizes that are available in the market. They can be simply classified as disposable or reusable. Some of them have adhesive strips to hold your breasts in place that prevents them from shifting from your bra. Others are designed to the size of your breasts. Whereas disposable pads are convenient as there is no necessity to wash them .You can wear these and throw away after use. Reusable breast pads are not that much expensive as you can wash and reuse them. You can select breast feeding pads that are soft and made of pure cotton.

Nursing pads generally allow your breasts to breathe. You can avoid pads having plastic liners as these types collect moisture. You need to change breast feeding pads at times when they get wet. Too much exposure to wetness can cause skin irritation, encourage growth of bacteria and can lead to skin infection

(Pin image below)

Different Types of Breast Pads

Disposable Breast Pads: Disposable breast pads are designed in such a way that you can wear once and throw away. They are available in different types and shapes and the thickness also differ in certain cases .You can try and select the best. Disposable pads are quiet useful at the time of travelling as you need not worry about washing. Buying disposable pads can be expensive as you have to buy them every time when you want to use a new one.

Reusable Nursing Pads: These types of nursing pads are more users friendly as you can wear them, wash them and use them continuously. You need not throw away each and every pad and thereby cause damage to nature. Only thing you have to do is to buy few extra pairs and keep them handy when other pairs are given for washing.

Silicone Nursing Pads: Silicone nursing pads are not absorbent types. Silicone nursing pads put gentle pressure on your breasts and thereby prevent leaking. They are made of fine, soft silicone .These nursing pads have a surface that sticks and adheres directly to your breast. You can wear these pads with or without wearing a bra. You can use these types of pads under your fancy dresses or while swimming.

Homemade Nursing Pads: You can make nursing pads using different types of materials available in your home .There may be disposable diapers or sanitary napkins in your home which you can cut and make into size to fit inside your bra. You can also use a handkerchief or a piece of cotton cloth which can be folded and kept easily over your breasts .If you know sewing, take a few pieces of absorbent materials, put it together and sew .While making homemade pads you need to avoid artificial or synthetic materials which can cause irritation to your skin. It is always better to use pure cotton materials which are soft and absorbing leaks and soft.

Hydrogel Pads: Hydrogel pads are not intended for leaking of breasts. They are used to heal the irritation and sore in the nipples of the breast and these types of pads can be stored in a refrigerator as they provide cool relief to your breasts.

Wearing nursing pads can give good relief to you during your lactating months .These are more useful to mothers who travel a lot for work or for other purposes .Wearing of breast pads avoids unwanted attention while lactating your baby in public places and helps you boosting your self confidence in a big way.