Nursing Pads – To Buy or Not to Buy?

Nursing pads are a necessity for some moms. They help hide any embarrassing (though common) leaks.

Other moms hardly need nursing pads at all. Leaking varies among moms, although most women will find nursing pads to be quite useful in the immediate postpartum period when their body is adjusting to breastfeeding.

Nursing Pads – What Kind to Buy?

There are both disposable and reusable nursing pads and every nursing mom has a preference for one or the other. Most reusable nursing pads are made of cotton and are easily washed and dried. You can even find ones made of soft fleece or flannel and ones made of organic material.

Disposable nursing pads are thin, discreet and highly absorbent. Look for ones made of cotton or paper and avoid any pads with unbreathable plastic linings, which trap heat and wetness up your risk of infection.

With both reusable and disposable nursing pads, make sure you change them immediately when wet. Don’t try to save money by wearing damp pads, which may lead to thrush.

Moms can make homemade nursing pads with cut-up rags or cloth diapers to save money. Another good idea is to ask for nursing pads when you have baby showers. If you do a baby gift registry, you’ll find nursing pads in most large baby stores as well as department stores.

Popular nursing pads you can buy:

NatraCare disposable organic pads

Lilypadz silicone nursing pads

Organic cotton nursing pads