Breast pads are absorbent pads worn inside a bra to manage breast milk leaking. They help keep clothing dry and prevent discomfort associated with leaks. You may find leaking milk is more problematic in the first few weeks whilst you are establishing breastfeeding. Leaking may continue for the duration of your feeding journey or may settle.
Types of Breast Pads
You have a number of options when choosing a breast pad. Most commonly you have disposable or reusable breast pads. In addition you can use a milk collection shell or a silicone breast pad which sticks to your breast rather than going inside your bra. An of course, you may not need one at all.
Disposable breast Pads
Disposable breast pads are made of absorbent materials like cotton and gel, with a waterproof backing, much like a sanitary towel. Some families find them convenient as they are single-use so can be disposed of after use. They are usually thin in design so are discreet, fitting seamlessly inside your bra. Some women find this type of pad sticky on their skin or are concerned about the environmental impact of using disposable items.
Reusable Breast Pads
Reusable breast pads are usually made from cotton, bamboo, or other natural materials. They can be washed and reused, making them more eco-friendly. Many mothers find reusable pads to be softer against the skin. If you leak a lot of milk then you may find that you need to change your pad a couple of times during the day as these pads tend not to have any kind of waterproof backing.
Wash reusable pads according to their instructions and avoid the use of fabric conditioner as this can affect their absorbency. If you or your baby experiences thrush then ensure that you are changing your breast pads frequently and washing them at 50 degrees or higher. Alternatively, you can press them with a hot iron as the heat will kill the thrush.
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Milk Collection Shells
An alternative to a breast pad is a milk collection shell. These shells or cups are worn inside your bra and collect any leaking milk. This milk can either be stored or discarded. They usually consist of a hard outer shell with a softer inner layer that sits against your skin. As this is a cup that is worn inside your bra it may be more visible if you are wearing a thinner item of clothing over your bra.
Silicone Breast Pads
Silicone breast pads claim to prevent milk from leaking from your breast. They are tacky silicone cups that you stick directly to your breast. They need to be washed regularly and will need replacing every couple of months. They can be worn without a bra making them suitable for clothing options where a bra is not possible. At present I have no experience with them so cannot comment on their effectiveness or ease of use. I would feel cautious about using them in the case of thrush or cracked skin.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do contact me.
