Reusable vs Disposable Nursing Pads – Find Out Why They are Necessary?

There are several different types of breast pads available for mom’s to choose from: disposable or reusable.

Reusable Nursing Pads

Reusable nursing pads are earth friendly and can help you save money in the long run.  They have a higher up front cost because you will need to purchase enough breast pads to last a few days so that you don’t run out.  Most reusable breast pads are made up of a soft cotton fabric that are absorbent and comfortable to wear.  Some brands even come with an anti-slip layer, which helps prevent the breast pad from shifting, moving, or even falling out of your bra/shirt.

The breast pads can easily be washing the washing machine or by hand depending upon your preference.  If you use the washing machine, it is best to purchase a zippered laundry bag.  This will prevent the breast pads from getting separated, lost or misplaced, just like those unmatched socks that end up on top of the dryer.

Disposable Nursing Pads

Disposable nursing pads are convenient and you don’t have to worry about having enough clean nursing pads washed each day.  You just grab what you need out of the box and go.  Not all disposable breast pads are created equally; therefore, you have to find the nursing pads that work for you.  Some are made with a cotton like material while others have a thin layer of plastic in them to help keep milk from leaking through the nursing pad.

Disposable Breast Pad Reviews

• Gerber Nuk Nursing Pad Review – While these breast pads are cheaper compared to other brands;  however, after using several other brands these breast pads these are considerably thinner and don’t absorb quite as much milk. Often times I would wake up with wet clothes during the middle of the night. They are practical and would  work well during the day, when the breasts are less likely to become engorged with milk
• Philips Avent Nursing Pad Review –  These breast pads come wrapped in individual packages for sanitary purposes, which allows you to carry them in your purse, diaper bag, ect without worrying about them becoming contaminated.  These breast pads are thicker and more absorbent.  While using these breast pads, I no longer was waking up with wet clothes. They are similar to a baby diaper as they trap milk inside the breast pad which helps keep your nipples dry. These breast pads come with a small piece of  sticky tape on the backside of the pad, so that you can easily attach it to your bra so that it doesn’t move or fall out of your bra. They are thin and no one  can even tell that you are wearing a breast pad.
• Medela Nursing Pad Review – These breast pads are very similar to the Philips Avent breast pads; however, they are a bit more expensive. These pads are also very absorbent and again I no longer woke up with wet clothes. They are made with the same type of absorbency that is similar to a baby’s diaper, the breast pad traps milk inside of its absorbent material and keeping moisture away from your breast. Medela also has a piece of sticky tape on the backside of the breast pad, so that you can stick the breast pad in your nursing bra to keep it from moving around or falling out.

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Originally written on June 14, 2012. 

What type of nursing pads to you use when you are breastfeeding?