Breastfeeding pads

Protective breast pads are pieces of absorbent material that are placed on the breast of the breastfeeding mother to prevent the small drops of milk that are lost naturally stain clothing or do not let the skin of the breast stay dry.

They are very necessary for the health of the breast, as the loss of small amounts of milk between feedings is very common, but some women can lose much larger amounts if they have to breastfeed and cannot do so or even as a subconscious response to stimuli such as hearing a baby cry.

How do breast pads work?

Breast pads are usually placed between the bra and the breast. As they are made of absorbent materials such as cotton, they absorb milk loss and keep your breasts and clothes dry.

When and how should I use breast pads?

There are different types of breast pads. Disposable pads are for one-time use and tend to be made of cotton, synthetic fibres, cellulose or polypropylene. They are highly absorbent, so night-time pads or those designed for heavy leakage are usually of this type. Washable pads, on the other hand, can be reused after washing, so they generate less waste and are much more environmentally friendly, although their absorbency is lower. If you are leaking large volumes of milk, you will probably prefer to use disposable breast pads, but if not, washable pads are a great option.

In any case, once the breast pads have become wet, they should be removed to avoid damage to your skin or clothing, no matter what type of pad you are using.

Do I need any kind of examination or test to use them?

Nursing pads can be used by all types of breastfeeding women, as they have no major contraindications or problems.