Why do you need breast pads?
For many women when you start your breastfeeding journey, your body makes a lot of breast milk, especially in the first 6 to 8 weeks after your baby arrives. This will often result in a lot of leaking and bamboo breast pads are designed to help absorb the leaks.
You might notice you leak when you hear a baby cry, or even if you start thinking about your baby. Not all women are the same - some will experience significantly more leakage than others. Some may not leak much at all!
How many pairs of reusable breast pads do I need?
It will depend on how much milk you leak. For low levels of leakage, 6 pairs of bamboo breast pads should be enough, so you can change them several times through the day, and have 1 to 2 pairs for overnight, and a couple in the wash.
For higher levels of leakage, you will need at least 12 pairs of bamboo breast pads because you will probably need to change them every 2 to 3 hours through the day and a couple of times through the night, plus allowing time for washing.
In addition, if you decide to use a mix of reusable breast pads and disposable breast pads through the day then you won't need as many reusable breast pads. You might choose to use disposable pads when you go out in the early days while you're still getting used to everything.
How often should you change breast pads?
You should change your bamboo breast pads every 4 to 6 hours at least, or sooner if they are wet or if you have issues with thrush. Some women will need to change them every 2 hours during the day when they have a lot of milk (often in the morning), but then less later in the day when milk levels tend to be lower and baby is nursing more often.
Do you wear breast pads all the time?
Yes, you will need to wear breast pads all the time when you are first breastfeeding. However, some women find they no longer need bamboo breast pads after 6 to 8 weeks as their milk supply settles down and their body produces just the right amount of milk for baby and no longer leaks.
How long do you wear breast pads for?
This is different for every woman. Some women will only need breast pads for the first 6 to 8 weeks after birth while their milk supply is getting established, and others will need nursing pads for their entire breastfeeding journey as their breasts continue to leak whenever a baby cries, or when they nurse.
Which Breast Pads are the best?
The best nursing pads are bamboo nursing pads with a waterproof protective barrier. The soft bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and is incredibly soft for sensitive nipples. The ultra absorbent bamboo is great for medium to high leakage and the PUL fabric on the outer layer ensures they don't leak onto your clothes.
In addition they are better for the environment and your wallet, saving you from buying loads of disposable breast pads that just end up in the rubblish. In addition, every time you wash them they become softer and more absorbent
Are breast pads the same as nursing pads?
Yes, breast pads are the same as nursing pads. They are interchangable names.
What are Bamboo Nursing Pads?
Bamboo nursing pads are super absorbent reusable breast pads that you wear inside your nursing bras to absorb any leaking milk when you are breastfeeding.
Each breast pad is made with three layers, a soft bamboo inner layer that goes against your skin, an absorbent middle layer to soak up the breast milk, and a waterproof outer layer to prevent the milk showing through on your clothes.
Do reusable breast pads work?
Yes, bamboo nursing pads are highly effective at absorbing excess breast milk and avoiding embarrassing leaks! The hypoallergenic fabric is super absorbent and very soft, making it perfect for nursing mums with sensitive skin or sore nipples. They are also very easy to wash - just pop them into a mesh wash bag and throw them in the machine on a delicate cycle. Hang them in the sun to dry thoroughly and they're ready to go again! Plus every time you wash them they become even more super soft and more absorbent.
Should I wash reusable breast pads before use?
Yes, it is always best to wash fabrics before wearing them to ensure they are clean and have no dust on them. Nursing mums need to keep their nipples clean for baby.
How do you wash breast pads?
Simply put your bamboo nursing pads into a mesh wash bag and add them to your next load of delicates with mild or sensitive detergent so it doesn't irritate your sensitive nipples or baby. Although you can use a dryer to dry them this will break down the waterproof PUL fabric much faster, so we recommend to always line dry your nursing pads and make sure they are completely dry before storing.