How reusable nursing pads work
Reusable nursing pads are soft fabric cups that you place in your bra to absorb the milk that leaks from your breasts between and during feedings. Instead of throwing them away after use, you wash them and use them again. At Carriwell, you will find two materials: reusable nursing pads in organic cotton (6 pcs.) and reusable nursing pads in silk, which also come six to a pack.
Milk leaking is completely normal in the first weeks and months as breastfeeding finds its rhythm. Some experience it every time their milk comes in at the second feeding, while others wake up with wet nipples at night. A pad between the breast and the bra keeps your clothes dry and your skin more comfortable, so you don't have to change your top in the middle of the day.
You can read more about why milk suddenly comes in in the article on how it feels when your milk comes in.
Reusable instead of disposable pads
The biggest difference lies in the cost and in what you throw away. Disposable pads are used once and end up in the trash. Nursing pads that you can wash will stay with you throughout the entire breastfeeding period and can be used again and again. One pack of six covers a day or two with changes along the way, and once they are washed, they are ready again.
For many pregnant and new mothers, this means both fewer expenses over time and less waste. You buy the pads once instead of pack after pack. If you find that you use many sets in a day during the initial period, it may make sense to have two packs, so there is always a dry set ready while the other is being washed.
The fabric also feels different against the skin than the thinner disposable versions. A soft layer of cotton or silk lies flat against the nipple without the plastic feel that some disposable pads can have against sensitive skin.
Organic cotton or silk
The choice between the two materials is mostly about what feels best for you and how sore your nipples are.
Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and can withstand many washes. It is an obvious choice for everyday use, where the pads are changed often and washed regularly. Cotton absorbs well and is easy to take care of.
Silk is particularly relevant if your nipples are sore or have small tears. Silk is smooth against the skin and feels gentle on a nipple that needs tenderness. If you experience pain or sores, also read about sore nipples during breastfeeding and talk to your midwife or health visitor if it does not improve.
Some choose cotton for daytime when they change them often, and silk when the skin needs extra gentleness. There is no right or wrong choice, and many end up having both on hand.
How often should the pads be changed and washed?
Change the pad when it feels damp. A wet nipple lying against damp fabric for a long time can become extra sensitive, so it is about both comfort and taking care of the skin. How often it happens depends entirely on how much you leak: some change a couple of times a day, others more often in the initial period when milk production is still finding its level.
Wash them after use together with the rest of your laundry. Always follow the care instructions on the specific product for temperature and drying. Avoid fabric softener, which can settle in the fibers and make the fabric less absorbent over time. Air drying is gentle on the material and helps the pads last longer.
It is a good idea to have a couple of extra sets ready, so you never stand without a dry pad while the others are in the wash or hanging to dry.
Discreet fit under clothing
A good nursing pad should be able to lie in the bra without showing through the blouse. The round, soft pads mold to the breast and lie flat, so the edge is not visible outside the clothes.
The fit is also related to the bra. A nursing bra that fits the body well keeps the pad in place, so it does not slip when you move. Carriwell's seamless wireless nursing bra provides the soft, close-fitting support that helps the pad stay where it should. If you need to find the right model and size, you can use the guide find the best nursing bra.
If you need a comprehensive overview of what is good to have on hand during the breastfeeding period, then visit here are your best friends when you breastfeed. And remember: there is no right answer for how your body reacts. Reach out to a midwife or health visitor if you are in doubt. You are not alone.
