Unless you’re a bottle feeding parent or somehow escaped the childbearing years altogether, you’re probably all too familiar with breast pads. For the uninitiated, breast pads are designed to absorb leaking breast milk and protect your clothing from embarrassing stains. But did you know that there are different types of breast pads?
That’s right, those little disks of absorbent material come in many shapes and sizes, each with their own unique set of benefits.
Do you want a disposable option? A reusable option? Or something in between?
To help you make your decision, we've put together a short guide to the different types of breast pads available. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each type so that you can make an informed decision about which breast pad is right for you and your baby.
Disposable Breast Pads
Disposable breast pads are often made from paper or plastic and are meant to be thrown away after use. They are typically absorbent and can help to keep your clothes dry from leaks.
The main advantage of disposable breast pads is that they are easy to use and don't require any special care. You can simply throw them away after each use. However, they can be expensive if you use them on a daily basis, and they are not environmentally friendly.
Reusable Breast Pads
Reusable breast pads are usually made from cotton or other absorbent materials and can be washed and reused multiple times. Some reusable breast pads even come with a water-resistant barrier to prevent leaks from soaking through to your clothing.
The main advantage of reusable breast pads is that they are cost-effective in the long run and better for the environment than disposable options. However, they may require more laundry if you use them on a daily basis, and you will need to take care when washing them to prevent shrinking or other damage.
Gel Breast Pads
Gel breast pads are a newer type of pad on the market and offer some unique benefits compared to other types of pads. Gel breast pads are made from a soft gel material that contours to your breasts for a comfortable fit. They also have a waterproof backing to prevent milk leakage onto your clothing.
One benefit of gel breast pads is that they don’t need to be changed as often as other types of pads because they don’t absorb as much milk. Another benefit is that they’re less likely to cause chafing or skin irritation because they don’t contain any harsh chemicals or adhesives.
The biggest downside to gel breast pads is that they can be quite expensive.
Silver Breast Pads
Silver breast pads are a newer type of pad on the market and offer some unique benefits compared to other types of pads. Silver breast pads are made from a soft silver material that helps to prevent bacteria build-up and keep your breasts healthy.
One benefit of silver breast pads is that they don’t need to be changed as often as other types of pads because they don’t absorb as much milk. Another benefit is that they’re less likely to cause chafing or skin irritation because they don’t contain any harsh chemicals or adhesives.
The only downside to silver breast pads is that they can be quite expensive.
To check out the top breast pads on the market for each variety, you can read my blog which also has everything you need to know about breast pads:
Conclusion
So, what's the verdict? Which type of breast pad is right for you? Ultimately, this decision will come down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for an easy-to-use option that doesn't require any special care, then disposable breast pads may be the way to go.
But if you're looking for something that's more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, then reusable breast pads may be a better choice.
Whichever type you choose, we hope that this guide has helped you make an informed decision about which breast pad is right for you and your girls!
