Choosing the Perfect Nursing Pads: Disposable, Reusable or Silicone?
Reading time: 3 minutes
Nursing pads, also known as breast pads, are often a breastfeeding mother’s best friend. There are several types of nursing pads on the market; each with unique advantages; we’re breaking down the benefits so you can find your perfect match!
Disposables-
Pros: Disposable pads are often the first nursing pads you see on the store shelf.
- They’re sold by a variety of brands and come in boxes of 60 or 90 pads.
- Each pad is discretely wrapped, which means they can be tossed in your diaper bag, pocket, or hand-bag when you’re on the go.
- It’s a great solution for moms who are looking to keep something on hand at all times.
- They tend to be quite absorbent and are commonly comprised of natural or man-made fibers. The pads are relatively thin, can be worn for several hours, and are not immediately noticeable when lining your bra.
Cons: Disposable pads retain moisture (& sugary compounds from milk leaks) when worn for an extended period and have a tendency to stick to a woman’s breast and may cause nipple soreness. It’s important to change the pads frequently to prevent sticking and discomfort.
Reusable-
Pros: Since re-usuable pads are washable, the pads come in quantities of 2, 6, 8, or 12.
- They don’t come wrapped or with a carrying case, so it’s important to keep them in a clean dry place prior to use.
- While these pads may not be AS absorbent as disposables, they’re environmentally friendly, super soft, and commonly made of cotton or bamboo, which is gentle on sensitive skin.
- If your breasts are tender and you need a comfortable, soft, discrete, and absorbent breast pad, washable pads may be for you.
Cons: Reusable pads come in a variety of shapes and thicknesses; a common complaint of this pad type is shifting or bunching. Our favorite reusable pads were thin, for incidental leaks, and lined with bamboo rayon for softness. With a newborn, we do laundry often, so washing these pads wasn’t a bother.
Silicone-
Pros: Silicone Nursing Pads prevent leaks by keeping milk in the breast.
- The market leader in this space uses medical grade silicone that applies gentle on the nipple to stop leaks.
- The soft pliable silicone feels like second skin and can be worn with or without a bra because it adheres to your breast. Since this pad prevents leaks, pad swapping isn’t necessary, making this product environmentally friendly.
- It also comes with a special storage pouch and instructions for cleaning.
- This pad is extremely thin, comfortable and virtually undetectable; it’s perfect for swimming, special outings, and form fitting outfits.
Cons: The silicone solution has been well received because of its effectiveness but some mothers may find the self-clinging nature of this product bothersome due to increased skin sensitivity that occurs post-partum and while breastfeeding. While it may not work for all, I’m very pleased with this product.
There are lots of great anti-leak solutions out there, hope this helps you find one that suits your style! Nurse on mamas!
Written by Melissa LaHann, Founder and CEO of Happy Fig, LLC
Like many moms before her, Melissa cradled her hungry, crying baby as she clumsily adjusted her bra and sat uncomfortably holding up her shirt. Before she knew it, her baby was squirming, her shirt was falling, and the nursing session was interrupted. She needed a better solution, so she created LatchPal, the first nursing clip of its kind.
LatchPal is a breastfeeding shirt clip that holds up a mother’s shirt during breastfeeding. It eliminates shirt re-positioning and feeding disruptions, and helps a mom nurse hands-free in comfort to maximize milk flow. LatchPal was designed with moms in mind. The multi-use solution only requires one hand to latch. It’s a must-have breastfeeding accessory and essential for post-partum moms, pumping moms, and nursing in public.
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