Reuseable nursing/breast pads?

[Vicku]

Have most things sorted out for baby's arrival, but not sure what kind of nursing pads I will be using.
Last time I tried lots of disposeable ones, didn't like most of them, then found one kind I did like and stuck with them. They don't sell them in this country though, and the ones I've seen here I think I tried last time and didn't like (uncomfy, wrong shape etc.)
I'm thinking maybe reuseable would be good, but which kind and where would I get them from? I have quite sensitive skin too.
TIA

[hjrmom01]

I don't know what brands you have access to but I tried Medela and Avent washable breast pads. Are those available near you? The Medela ones are 100% cotton.  I didn't use them very long, though, maybe 4 months.

[Jiinx]

hey there,
 I tried "Lilypadz"! I really enjoyed it - especially the first two weeks! I'm a new mom though, so I didn't know how cracked, dry and PAINFUL my nipples were so I generally went topless. I also leaked like cow with a leaky udder so the lilypadz did a good job suctioning the milk and keeping it there until I took off the padz. If you've never heard of it it's just a silicone pad that sucks to your breast. So awesome. It's a bit pricey - I got mine for $30 for two pads. I was a bit cheap and I just used one and I switched it from side to side from feeding to feeding. I didn't get thrush or anything so it's pretty sanitary and you can get away with cleaning it once a day. Each time you clean it - you wash away a little bit of the pad so it gets thinner with each wash ...

hth!!

[~inbalance~]

Following along as I'm interested to know which ones are good too.  I tried washable ones in the beginning but would soak right through them in no time, especially after letdown!  (I was VERY leaky!).  So I gave up early on and went to using the Lansinoh disposables, which I LOVED but it gets so pricey having to buy them so often!  I wore the nursing pads for quite awhile too as I leaked for a long time.    But as the leaking tapered off I went back to washables ones more often, but didn't find any I really liked.  Would like to try washables again this time!

[Peek-a-boo]

I had some washables from Bravado that I really liked, but only for around the house as they were too bulky.  I hated the lilypadz.    They didn't work reliably for me at all and they were to difficult to reposition in public because you basically have to expose your whole breast to get them on right.  I loved the lansinoah disposables. 

One thought, I know that I leaked significantly less and for a much shorter period of time with #2 than with #1.  I've heard this from other women as well.  My body had the hang of the milk production thing and balanced my supply out much more quickly--didn't feel the need to produce enough for 4 babies and leak the excess like the first time. 

[Vicku]

Thanks! It was the Lansinoh disposeables that I liked too I have quarter of a box left from last time, but haven't seen them anywhere here to buy. Googled for swedish sites to see what re-useables were available here, and there's some made of merino wool and/or silk, which seem really good. The wool is supposed to absorb really well (4 times it's own weight!) and still keep you warm and be anti-bacterial, and the silk is supposed to be good for sensitive, sore nipples and be anti-bacterial. Can get them with wool on one side and silk on the inside. Not cheap... Says you only need two pairs though. Has anyone used this kind??

The lilypadz are the silicone ones right?

[Lissybits]

I had re-usable breast pads with N, simply cos the disposable ones here were so expensive.
I think they were Boots own make

But, I would have to agree with Bethany -I don't leak at all this time round!
So, if I were you, I'd get a box of disposables and wait to see if you need any pads at all!

Only ONE day to go!!!!!!
 

[Purplecattypants]

The Boots ones are fab  I tried several different brands and found them to be the most comfy/absorbant. Not sure you have Boots over there? I'd be happy to send you some 

 

[Vicku]

Interesting that you found you leaked less 2nd time around. I wasn't a big leaker first time really, apart from the first month or so, but felt most comfy with something there in case I did leak.
Maybe the Lansinohs I have left will last me a while and I can see how I go? No, we don't have Boots here unfortunately I miss Boots, it's a great shop! Thanks for the offer Ang

[malenka]

I too have sensitive skin and have found some pads uncomfortable. I've tried Gerber reusable pads but the stitching around the edges is irritating to my skin. My favourites are La Leche Leage contoured pads. I find them to be quite soft against my skin and the contour makes them a little more discreet. I bought them at a local store but you can also buy them online: http://www.llliclothes.com/Accessories/60-0726-Washable-Nursing-Pads.html

[clarabella]

Lilipadz are fantastic. They also help with cracked nipples as the milk sits inside the cup and your nipple is bathed in healing breast milk. There is a theory that keeping nipples wet actually helps them to heal. Certainly did with mine..as did the good ol cabbage leaf trick which was blissful if a little odd..A nice cold cabbage leaf from the fridge tucked inside your bra really honestly does help!

[annaraz]

Do you sew at all? With my second DD (now 3 mo) I made breastpads out of a few old receiving blankets and some flannel scraps. Just cut out the circles, layer 3 or 4, and sew just inside the outside edge, and voila! I am also a super soaker and found my home made versions to be much cheaper and they get softer with each use. I used these in combination with a padded bra and never have leaked through my shirt. Good luck!

Anna