Breast Pads: Disposable Or Washable?
Absorbents for breasts are one of the most sought after accessories by new moms, because between one feed and another, the breast can have small milk leaks that stain both the underwear and the outermost ones.
There’s no way of knowing if you’ll need them. Maybe you don’t need it, and that doesn’t mean you’ll have less milk. On the other hand, you may need to use several a day because you have constant leaks. In this case, you will still have to choose between using reusable or disposable breast pads.
Regardless of what your needs and preferences are, below we’ll introduce you to everything you need to know about breast pads.
What are breast pads?
The breast pads are small discs placed between the breast and the bra and which have the function of absorbing the drops of milk secreted by the breast, preventing irritation in the nipples and preventing stains on clothes. This happens mainly in the first weeks of lactation, when the amount of milk that the breast must produce is not regulated yet.
Currently, you can find in the market numerous brands, both disposable, washable or reusable.
Disposable breast pads
Disposable breast pads are made from synthetic cellulose or polypropylene fibers and, as the name suggests, are suitable for single use. They are ideal for the first few weeks, as they have a very good absorption capacity.
Some brands of this type of disc have an adhesive part so that they can be glued to the bra fabric and thus offer greater support and safety.
Washable breast pads
As for absorbents for washable breasts, we can find them in different materials:
- Fabric: These are the most basic and are made simply with fabric, so they are easily wet and you can feel the moisture all over the nipple and areola.
- Cotton: they are the most used and have several layers, being the closest to the soft and breathable skin, very pleasant to the touch. The middle layer has multiple absorber cores and the outer layer is waterproof to prevent staining your underwear.
- Ecological: like options made from bamboo. They offer great softness to the nipple skin, which can sometimes be irritated. They also have several layers, such as microfiber, which would be responsible for absorption, and the outer layer, which is impermeable to prevent the milk from leaking.
Remember that reusable breast pads do not have the same absorbency as disposables. The great advantage of these absorbents is that they are washable and can be reused, which makes them the most economical option. It is also a product that respects the environment, as it does not generate waste.
What are the most recommended brands?
Currently there are many brands that market these products and many others for breastfeeding. Among the mothers’ favorites, we can highlight the following:
- Medela: they are preferred for their great absorption capacity. They contain a soft, natural fiber lining that helps absorb moisture immediately and is very comfortable on sensitive skin.
- Chicco: Mothers like this brand of sanitary pads because of its absorption, because it allows perspiration and because it guarantees the feeling of dry skin.
- Avent: the honeycomb texture of these discs is very pleasant to the touch. They are breathable and have an ultra-absorbent, ultra-thin, leak-proof core.
- MAM: these discs are characterized by being extra thin, discreet, soft and breathable. Mothers who choose this brand also speak of its great absorption capacity.
In addition, we can find in many supermarkets or pharmacies various absorbents of this type that also work very well. In the end, the best choice depends on many factors, just like any other product. It depends a lot on how the mother loses milk to need absorbents with greater absorption or if they already work well with a lower absorption capacity.
We hope we have been able to answer your questions and decide, based on this information, which breast pads are best suited to you and your needs.
