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Breastfeeding Pads
Washable or reusable breastfeeding pads are a great alternative to disposable pads. Here are some of the great options available.
The natural fibers cotton, bamboo, hemp are just some of the materials that can be used in washable breast pads.
By washing and reusing breastfeeding pads, nursing mothers can not only reduce the amount of landfill in the environment but also regulate what chemicals come into contact with not only their body but their baby. While it is hard to determine the chemicals involved in constructing a disposable breast pad, many washable breast pads are all-natural and can be washed with a natural detergent of choice.
Some of the larger pharmaceutical companies that produce disposable breastfeeding pads have also released ranges of reusable breast pads but there are also a number of smaller companies that have produced distinctive ranges. By researching reviews from nursing mothers at online consumer feedback sites we have produced a guide to the best washable breast pads on the market.
Babykicks Washable Breast Pads
These washable breast pads are made from 5 layers of organic hemp Jersey fabric and so are a natural alternative to disposable breastfeeding pads. Based on reviews nursing mothers have indicated they are better for home situations, where the possibility of a leakage is not potentially embarrassing and inconvenient. As they have no waterproof backing they would also be better for nursing mothers who have control over their milk let-down.
Babykicks Washable Breast Pads are approximately $11 for a pack of 6 and can be found at Amazon.
LilyPadz Reusable
A unique design in nursing pads these Lilypadz washable breast pads act like a semi-firm contact lens and remain attached to your nipple by applying a slight amount of pressure. By flipping the pad from a convex shape to a convex shape the middle dimple attaches itself to the nipple and slows/prevents leaks from happening. This means that a nursing mother can wear one of these at night instead of a bra with a traditional breastfeeding pad.
According to reviews these are great when they work well and do not show under fitting clothing. Some mothers have noted that air bubbles caught in the application process will enable the pad to leak. Like most pads they should be tried at night in a home situation before being used in public to make sure they fit well and are effective for your body shape.
Even though they can be washed and are reusable they are not biodegradable as they are made from silicone.
LilyPadz Reusable Nursing Pads are $22 for one pair.
La Leche League International Nursing Pads
Produced by the renowned La Leche League, international advocates of the benefits of breastfeeding these washable breast pads are one of the most well known pads on the market. They are small, fitted and thin so don’t show under clothing.
Some women had noted that they don’t keep their shape when washed and offer no waterproof component on the back side of the pad so large let downs are not covered and may result in leakages.
Recommended for nursing mothers who have an established milk supply and can control their let-down or have small milk releases.
La Leche League Nursing Pads are approximately $7 for 4 pads
Posh Pads is a company started by two friends who have 11 children between them and after searching for a natural and stylish alternative to plain white disposable breastfeeding pads, decided to make their own. Posh Pads make washable breast pads in a variety of designs and fabrics and use organically grown bamboo as the main ingredient.
They are eye catching and comfortable and allow nursing mothers to break free from the stark white world of breast feeding accessories. Some feature flowers while others feature quirky patterns and swirls. There are also a pair with owl prints, affectionately called Hooters.
Like most breastfeeding pads you should try before you commit to buying a large quantity, to make sure the pads are right for your body shape and leakage levels.
Posh Pads retail for approximately $10 per pair and can be found for good prices at online sites such as Amazon.
