When we're talking about taking care of the girls, most discussions can give TMI. But when you're a breastfeeding mama looking for some tips, everything's fair game, right?
That's what I thought. No worries, this is a safe place, mamas.
Today we're helping out our nursing mamas by going in depth about nursing pads to keep the girls a little more comfortable, and to keep us much happier.
There are lots of options when it comes to nursing pads, but don't be fooled. They're all trying to do the same thing-- keep those little (or big) stains from popping through the front of your shirt when your babe starts crying while you're out at Target. Because that's just not a cute look.
Some mamas prefer the disposable variety for a number of reasons. They are relatively inexpensive, can be thrown out when they've done their job, and are pretty thin so they are pretty easy to hide under your shirt without being too obvious. Some mamas (myself included) don't love how their nipples reacted to the disposable variety; I found that my nipples would get pretty irritated, itching more often when I wore them. If you experience a similar problem, or have a cracked/dry nipple scenario, you may want to avoid these.
Hot Tip: Use them in combination with your washable ones (washable over nipple, disposable layered over that) when you're having really full breast days. When I was first learning to nurse, and my milk was coming in strong, this saved me from having leak-throughs.
Washable nursing pads are another great option to prevent leaking through your clothes. The pros to going washable are most definitely in the cost. You buy a few sets once you start nursing, and then throw them in with your normal wash, and they're good to go. Unfortunately, that requires actually doing the laundry, but that's another post for another time.
When you use the washable variety, you are probably going to get a longer wear out of the pad since they are more absorbent than the disposables. Unfortunately, they are a little thicker so they are a little easier to spot through your shirt, but that can be overlooked as long as you're not getting big wet spots on your shirt.
Hot Tip: Look into getting a nursing bra that has pads built in (I got a set that has removable pads) that can help to hide your nursing pads throughout the day. Another great thing about washable pads is they are generally more comfortable than their disposable counterparts, but you need to make sure you're investing in the right ones.
Bamboobies is a brand started by a mama who wanted to help other mamas struggling with the embarrassing leaks and the discomfort of nursing. All their pads are made with ultra-soft, comfortable bamboo, with an absorbent hemp center, and a leak-proof outer liner. For your everyday leaky needs, the Washable Nursing Pads are going to keep you dry and comfortable without causing any discomfort on your nipples.
For nights, you'll want to think about getting the Overnight Washable Nursing Pads. These will be a little thicker than the standard washable variety, but you'll be able to avoid waking up in a nice pool of your own milk. No thanks! Either way, the Bamboobies are going to be soft and absorbent when you need them, and easy to wash and re-use over and over.