My Obsession with Breast Pads

Whenever I shrug off the need to have a breast pad nearby, I am left sorely humbled. So often I’m caught off guard by that let down reflex and my eyes dart around the room in a panic, desperately searching for a pad in sight.

I’ve been one of the extremely lucky ones who has an over abundance of breast milk, (and good latching kids) with all three littlies. I am very aware of what a gift this is considering so many of my friends have struggled with nursing and/or a limited milk supply, and so I don’t dare to boast, but man alive, I need something to stop my boobs from (literally) soaking my top every.single.time.

Milk on my clothes. Milk on my baby. Milk on my duvet. Milk on my sheet. Milk, milk everywhere.

So when my second child was born, my mom and I (while changing a cloth nappy) had the bright idea to take what is found in a cloth nappy and make reusable breast pads. Not only does this save me money (and desperate trips to the store for more breast pads), but it saves the environment, and I prefer wearing the reusable ones – they’re softer, more comfortable, don’t crinkle and are just better overall.

Here’s what we did: 

Cut circles of different layers of fabric. Depending on the size of your milk-makers, you can cut the circle to fit. We put towelling on the top that touches the skin, and two layers of microfibre (as used in most cloth nappies as your most absorbent layer) on the inside, with a waterproof sheeting on the back (the side that touches your nursing bra). We sewed/overlocked them all together and voia-la!

Do what works for you! Play around with different fabrics and see what you like. I’d suggest not using any bold colours/designs and not making them so thick you can see them through your top… But otherwise get creative.

Good Luck – and let me know how you go.

xxx

…Next on the DIY list – reusable cotton pads (make up remover type) and fabric ‘paper’ towels. Yeeeee. The ideas are endless…